Long-term solar radiation patterns across the Contiguous United States

Abstract:

Solar radiation is a critical energy resource that can be directly harvested for renewable and sustainable use. However, it varies at different levels across the global surface and with time. Its spatio-temporal distribution is influenced by various factors such as elevation, longitude and latitude, and season. Therefore, it is crucial to investigate the variability of solar radiation patterns to determine its potential for energy use, especially for future projections in the future. This study utilized the long-term (1960-2018) WorldClim 2 historical climate dataset across the contiguous United States (CONUS) to closely analyze the spatial and temporal patterns of solar radiation.

Based on comparisons between solar radiation fields and several environmental determinations, we found that areas with lower elevation and more vegetation generally had less solar radiation exposure. In addition, lower latitude areas in general had relatively lower solar radiation levels. Solar radiation is also strongly influenced by seasonality; for example, during the winter, the Northern Hemisphere had significantly lower solar radiation levels than in the summer.

We also found that the monsoon season in the Southwestern United States can lower solar radiation levels in that region. Finally, it was observed that regions around large bodies of water such as the Great Lakes received solar radiation levels different than other neighboring regions.

This study will be informative in the future when determining the solar radiation availability and the potential for solar energy development in different regions across CONUS. It can be used to help make more informed decisions about which areas in the United States are more viable for producing renewable energy options.