The PV Power Map is a report of national solar resource availability as illustrated by the monthly energy output of a nominal 1-kilowatt (kW) photovoltaic (PV) system by location. As illustrated by the map, much of the Western United States experienced warm and dry weather conditions, which facilitated average-to-above average solar energy production. The Eastern United States experienced wetter and cloudier conditions for the month, which led to average-to-below solar energy production profiles prevailing throughout much of the region. The Ohio River Valley in particular recorded below average energy production due to an active storm pattern.

To use the PV Power Map to calculate the generation potential of a PV system in a given location, multiply the power output indicated on the map by a project’s capacity, in kilowatts. The result is the total estimated power output for the month. See an archive of monthly PV Power Maps at solartoday.org/pvpowermap.

The PV Power Map is created with power output estimates generated by SolarAnywhere services from Clean Power Research; these include simulation capabilities and hourly satellite-derived irradiance data with spatial resolutions from 1 to 10 kilometers. The calculations are based on a PV system with a total 1-kW nameplate rating that is configured as five 200-watt PV panels with a 1.5-kW inverter; fixed, south-facing panels with 30 degree tilt; no shading; panel PVUSA Test Conditions rating of 178 watts; and inverter efficiency of 95.5 percent. Visualization and mapping provided by GeoModel Solar. Access free historical irradiance data at solaranywhere.com.

The PV Power Map is a report of national solar resource availability as illustrated by the monthly energy output of a nominal 1-kilowatt (kW) photovoltaic (PV) system by location. Summer 2012 showed high solar resource availability across the United States, particularly in July. High irradiance generally also means high temperatures, which drives higher power demand for cooling. One benefit of solar is that it coincides with these peak demand periods, providing substantial value by generating power when it’s needed most.

In areas with tiered electric rates, solar power generation reduces the need to purchase power at the highest rates through peak demand reduction, increasing the financial benefit. For example, in New York, where electricity costs more during peak hours, a homeowner with a 3.5-kW system, with base electricity consumption of 625 to 750 kilowatt-hours per month in July and August, could have saved as much as 70 to 80 percent off their electric bill, even though solar offset would have decreased their utility consumption by 65 to 75 percent. Peak reduction can have benefits at the utility level, as well. For example, as described in the paper “Solar Power Generation in the U.S.: Too Expensive, or a Bargain,” by Richard Perez, Ken Zweibel and Tom Hoff, the August 2003 Northeast blackout could have been averted with as little as 500 megawatts of solar PV installations dispersed throughout the region. (Download at bit.ly/SpAlNY.)

To use the PV Power Map to calculate the generation potential of a PV system in a given location, multiply the power output indicated on the map by a project’s capacity, in kilowatts. The result is the total estimated power output for the month. See an archive of monthly PV Power Maps at solartoday.org/pvpowermap.

The PV Power Map is created with power output estimates generated by SolarAnywhere services from Clean Power Research; these include simulation capabilities and hourly satellite-derived irradiance data with spatial resolutions from 1 to 10 kilometers. The calculations are based on a PV system with a total 1-kW nameplate rating that is configured as five 200-watt PV panels with a 1.5-kW inverter; fixed, south-facing panels with 30 degree tilt; no shading; panel PVUSA Test Conditions rating of 178 watts; and inverter efficiency of 95.5 percent. Visualization and mapping provided by GeoModel Solar. Access free historical irradiance data at solaranywhere.com.

Dona retired from ASES on March 30 of this year. She served many roles at ASES, including publications manager, SOLAR TODAY proofreader and advisory committee member, ASES chapters representative, conference registration and volunteer manager, awards and Fellows committees liaison and mail room maven.

She coordinated the production of The Fifty-Year History of the International Solar Energy Society and its National Sections, working closely with the publication’s editor, Karl Böer. She was also involved in distributing and archiving ASES’ white papers, conference proceedings and SOLAR TODAY. Dona played a part in every single ASES program and project, and took good care of the staff and members.

Dona worked tirelessly to help educate the public about solar, and support professionals in the field. She strongly believed that solar is our future, and fought daily to move it forward. She was honored at the SOLAR 2009 conference in Buffalo, N.Y., with a “25 Years of Service to ASES” award.

For those who knew Dona, she’ll be always remembered by her smile, kindness, love for life and never-give-up feistiness. She will be missed.

—–

Dona’s family will organize a memorial event for her early next year. Dona requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to ASES.

ISSUE HIGHLIGHTS

Southwestern Smarts
This resource-wise house in Santa Fe, N.M., takes vernacular architecture to the next level to achieve near net-zero-energy.
By Mark W. Chalom

Keys to Successful Solar Water-Heating Programs
To encourage adoption, address the big obstacles: high upfront cost and a lack of consumer awareness.
Jordan DiGiorgio, Jeff Curry, Christie Howe and Mark Thornbloom, P.E., with Chip Bircher

5 Insights for Marketing Solar to Hispanics
Green attitudes and behaviors of the nation’s fastest-growing market might surprise you.
By Dr. Mary Beth McCabe, Dr. Ramon Corona, Dr. Richard Weaver

An Angle on Solar and Wind Variability
What is the best match to U.S. loads that could be achieved with wind power and PV? NREL’s load-matching model calculates the answer.
By Victor Diakov

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The PV Power Map is a report of national solar resource availability as illustrated by the monthly energy output of a nominal 1-kilowatt (kW) photovoltaic (PV) system by location. The May and June maps illustrate the Great Lakes dampening effect commonly seen in warmer months. By dampening cloud formation, the Great Lakes’ cold water results in greater solar potential than other regions, such as the Eastern seaboard. For example, total power output of a 1-kW system in New York City and Miami during this time period was approximately 250 kilowatt-hours (120 + 130 kWh) and 230 kWh (120 + 110 kWh) respectively. Compare that to Chicago, where a 1-kW system produced approximately 305 kWh (150 + 155 kWh).

PV Power Maps can be seen for the entire year at solartoday.org/pvpowermap. Taking a look at the first six months of the year, solar potential for cities as diverse as Chicago, New York, Miami, New Orleans and San Francisco were all very similar, with total estimated power output of a 1-kW system ranging from 715 to 765 kWh. Of these cities, Miami had the least variance from month to month, while Chicago saw the largest variance. The southwest region consistently experienced the highest potential, with a 1-kW system in Phoenix producing an estimated 960 kWh.

To use the PV Power Map to calculate the generation potential of a PV system in a given location, multiply the power output indicated on the map by a project’s capacity, in kilowatts. The result is the total estimated power output for the month.

The PV Power Map is created with power output estimates generated by SolarAnywhere services from Clean Power Research; these include simulation capabilities and hourly satellite-derived irradiance data with spatial resolutions from 1 to 10 kilometers. The calculations are based on a PV system with a total 1-kW nameplate rating that is configured as five 200-watt PV panels with a 1.5-kW inverter; fixed, south-facing panels with 30 degree tilt; no shading; panel PVUSA Test Conditions rating of 178 watts; and inverter efficiency of 95.5 percent. Visualization and mapping provided by GeoModel Solar. Access free historical irradiance data at solaranywhere.com.