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 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 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.

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.

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. This issue highlights the difference in real-time production when compared to annual averages. The first map illustrates total estimated power output for the month of April 2012. The second shows the average monthly PV power output in 2011.