The Confusion Surrounding Solar Potential

From a practical viewpoint, property owners in the more northern states would require an extra solar panel or 2 to match the quantity of energy caught in the southern states. In summary, the United States has an extraordinary potential for the growth of its usage of solar energy. Those homeowners, companies, and energies that decide to invest in solar power now will find that they can build solar systems to supply all of the power they require.

Some of this confusion comes directly from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. In the following two images, the NRELs makes it resemble the prospective solar irradiance drops off significantly for parts of the nation that are not in the South West. The truth of the matter, which can be seen from an image on the best supplied by William Driscoll from PV Magazine USA, shows that a good portion of the solar potential is still available across the U.S. In fact, other parts of the country have at least 70 percent of what the South West has.

From an useful viewpoint, homeowners in the more northern states would require an extra photovoltaic panel or 2 to match the amount of energy caught in the southern states. Is this significantly more costly? Not at all, this would include approximately $300 to $600 to the total expense.

To put this enormous solar possible another method, just a 160 square kilometer piece of land would be required to provide enough power for the entire country. Thats a really small percentage of the total land readily available. Obviously, one of the great aspects of solar is that it is quickly distributable. Undoubtedly, solar power plants can be built virtually anywhere. The point here is to highlight the fact that space is not an issue as we transition to a solar plus battery storage energy facilities.

In summary, the United States has an amazing potential for the growth of its usage of solar energy. We are still early days for our transition to sustainable energy. Those homeowners, businesses, and utilities that decide to invest in solar energy now will discover that they can develop solar systems to provide all of the power they require. Beginning now will have them saving cash sooner than later too!

William Driscoll

The point here is to highlight the truth that space is not a concern as we shift to a solar plus battery storage energy infrastructure.

There still appears to be a lot of confusion and doubt worrying the capability of the sun to supply enough energy in particular parts of the continental United States.

The technical term for the amount of offered solar energy reaching the surface of the planet is called solar irradiation. While the amount of solar irradiation is less in more northern parts of the nation, theres still plenty offered to make solar viable.

The, usually, cooler northern states in fact have a benefit over a few of the hotter parts of the country. The reason is that numerous electronic devices, including solar panels, are somewhat less efficient in hotter temperature levels. Photovoltaic panel systems require light, not heat.