Based on historical Monterey, CA data, solar panels that are tilted towards the equator at an angle equal to the latitude will produce the maximum solar energy output in Monterey.[1]
Monterey has an average monthly Global Horizontal Irradiance (GHI) of 4.78 kilowatt hours per square meter per day (kWh/m2/day), which is approximately 7% less than the average monthly Direct Normal Irradiance (DNI) of 5.15 kWh/m2/day. [1]
Solar installations in Monterey that are always titled at the latitude of Monterey (Average Tilt at Latitude or ATaL) average 5.55 kWh/m2/day, or about 16% greater than the average monthly GHI of 4.78 kWh/m2/day and approximately 8% greater than the average monthly DNI of 5.15 kWh/m2/day. [1]
Solar Energy Glossary
Global Horizontal Irradiance (GHI)
Global Horizontal Irradiance: The total amount of solar radiation that is received per unit area by a surface that is always positioned in a horizontal manner.
Direct Normal Irradiance (DNI)
Direct Normal Irradiance: The total amount of solar radiation received per unit area by a surface that is always perpendicular to the sun rays that come in a straight line from the direction of the sun at its current position in the sky.
Average Tilt at Latitude (ATaL)
Average Tilt at Latitude: The total amount of solar radiation received per unit area by a surface that is tilted toward the equator at an angle equal to the current latitude. ATaL will often produce the optimum energy output.
Solar Radiation Levels in Monterey
Solar Radiation Data in Monterey, CA
See the chart below for monthly solar radiation levels in Monterey.
* Amounts listed in kWh/m2/day (kilowatt hours per square meter per day)
Solar Radiation Analysis for Monterey, CA
Monterey, CA has a average annual solar radiation value of 5.6 kilowatt hours per square meter per day (kWh/m2/day). [1]
The month with the highest historical solar radition values in Monterey is September with an average of 6.36 kWh/m2/day, followed by April at 6.26 kWh/m2/day and May at 6.2 kWh/m2/day. [1]
The three months that historically average the lowest average solar radiation levels in Monterey (California) are December with an average of 4.13 kWh/m2/day, followed by January with an average of 4.38 kWh/m2/day and February at 4.92 kWh/m2/day. [1]
Solar Power Comparison: Monterey vs. the U.S.
Solar Power Levels in Monterey
The average monthly solar radiation level in Monterey, CA, of 5.6 kilowatt hours per square meter per day (kWh/m2/day) is approximately 42% greater than the average level of 3.93 kWh/m2/day in a city with historically low levels (WA) and is approximately 15% less than the average level of 6.61 kWh/m2/day in a city with historically high levels (NV). [1]
→ Values listed as 0 (zero) are not available (N/A).
Solar Power: Monterey vs. the U.S.
Below is a month-by-month comparison of how average Monterey solar radiation levels compare to average levels in a city with historcially high levels (NV) and a city with historically low levels (WA). [1]
→ k/m/d = kWh/m2/day = kilowatt hours per square meter per day.
→ Values listed as 0 (zero) are not available (N/A).
We do not currently have data on solar panel installations in the city of Monterey, CA at this current time.
Solar Power Output in Monterey
The Power of Solar in Monterey, CA
Monthly AC solar system output averages for Monterey (ca). Month-by-month solar power, as ranked by AC output, in Monterey. [2]
* Amounts listed in kWhac (kilowatt hours (AC))
Solar Output Analysis for Monterey, CA
Monterey (CA) has a average annual solar AC output value of 6326.22 kilowatt hours (AC). [2]
The month with the highest historical solar power output in Monterey is May with an average of 601.15 kWhac, followed by August at 589.94 kWhac and April at 584.93 kWhac. [2]
The three months that historically average the lowest average solar output levels in Monterey (California) are December with an average of 401.61 kWhac, followed by January with an average of 427.96 kWhac and February at 430.33 kWhac. [2]
Cost of Utilities in Monterey
Monterey Electricity Costs
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Solar Power Poll: Monterey
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Monterey Natural Gas Costs
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Gentle Breeze: 9 mps ENE
Precip.: Chance of Rain
Humidity: 79%
Cloud cover: 98%
Thu Nov 28
59°F
Light Rain
Min: 53°F
Max: 59°F
Gentle Breeze: 8 mps NE
Precip.: Chance of Rain
Humidity: 75%
Cloud cover: 94%
Fri Nov 29
57°F
Moderate Rain
Min: 56°F
Max: 57°F
Light breeze: 7 mps ENE
Precip.: Chance of Rain
Humidity: 91%
Cloud cover: 100%
More about Monterey
About Monterey
The city of Monterey, CA in Monterey County has an approximate population of 27,810. [6]
Monterey, CA Solar Energy
To learn more about solar energy and solar power Monterey, CA, or for more solar-related resources for Monterey, visit the U.S. Energy Information Administration.
Did you know?
Some tax incentives and rebate programs are designed to spur the use of solar energy. These vary by location.