California Solar Irradiance Map
Google Earth version
This color map illustrates the Mean Global Horizontal Solar Energy Density
across the state of California, USA during a typical meteorological year (TMY).
This is the energy that a horizontally oriented solar panel would receive in one
year. The data for this map comes from the corrected National Solar Radiation
Database, SUNY 10km Gridded Dataset.
Reference: Nottrott and Kleissl, 2010
Google Earth KMZ download...
by Anders Nottrott
Benefits of Optimum Geometric Alignment of Solar Panels in California
California Maps in Google Earth
USA Maps in Google Earth
Using the Google Earth file, one can easily determine the optimum tilt and azimuth angles
for any site in California, as well as the average annual increase in radiation at the
optimum tilt and azimuth versus horizontally flat. These maps were created using the SUNY
10km Gridded Dataset and an algorithm described by J. Page (in Practical Handbook of
Photovoltaics: Fundamentals and Applications) for transforming horizontal global and
diffuse radiation into radiation on an inclined surface.
Google Earth KMZ download...
by Matt Lave
Shadow Mapping UCSD Campus
A Google Earth map of shadows generated from sky imagery. The cloud and shadow layers are superimposed on Google Earth along with weather station and PV output data. Combined with cloud motion tracking, this information will next be used to make solar irradiance forecasts in the sky imager coverage area.
by Bryan Urquhart
Solar Energy Calculator
Compute the monthly and annual solar energy impinging upon a 1 m2 tilted plane in San Diego. Support for additional regions will be available soon. Features a Google Maps interface and realtime computations. Computations for your customized tilting angles are required, and we apologize for the wait. Try it out!
by Bryan Urquhart
