Quick Answer
You can find the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) data for your state's solar potential on the NREL website, specifically in the PVWatts Calculator or the Solar Resource Maps.
Accessing NREL Data
To access NREL data for your state’s solar potential, visit the NREL website at www.nrel.gov. From there, click on the “Solar” tab and select “Solar Resource Maps.” This will take you to a page where you can enter your state or zip code to view a map of your area’s solar potential. You can also use the PVWatts Calculator, which provides estimates of energy production for a specific solar installation based on the local solar resource.
Understanding Solar Resource Maps
The Solar Resource Maps provided by NREL are based on 30-year climate normals, which are averages of weather data for a specific location over a 30-year period. These maps display the average number of peak sun hours (PSH) per year for a specific location. PSH is the number of hours per year that the sun’s radiation is at its peak intensity, which is essential for calculating the potential energy output of a solar installation. The maps also display the average temperature and wind speed for a specific location, which can affect the efficiency of solar panels.
Using PVWatts Calculator
The PVWatts Calculator is a tool provided by NREL to estimate the energy production of a specific solar installation. To use the calculator, you will need to enter the following information: the location of the installation, the size of the installation, and the type of solar panels used. The calculator will then provide an estimate of the energy production in kilowatt-hours (kWh) per year based on the local solar resource. By using the PVWatts Calculator, you can get a more accurate estimate of the potential energy output of a solar installation in your area.
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