Based on historical Alton, IL data, solar panels that are tilted towards the equator at an angle equal to the latitude will produce the maximum solar energy output in Alton.[1]
Alton has an average monthly Global Horizontal Irradiance (GHI) of 4.19 kilowatt hours per square meter per day (kWh/m2/day), which is approximately 2% less than the average monthly Direct Normal Irradiance (DNI) of 4.29 kWh/m2/day. [1]
Solar installations in Alton that are always titled at the latitude of Alton (Average Tilt at Latitude or ATaL) average 4.84 kWh/m2/day, or about 16% greater than the average monthly GHI of 4.19 kWh/m2/day and approximately 13% greater than the average monthly DNI of 4.29 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 Alton
Solar Radiation Data in Alton, IL
See the chart below for monthly solar radiation levels in Alton.
* Amounts listed in kWh/m2/day (kilowatt hours per square meter per day)
Solar Radiation Analysis for Alton, IL
Alton, IL has a average annual solar radiation value of 5.03 kilowatt hours per square meter per day (kWh/m2/day). [1]
The month with the highest historical solar radition values in Alton is August with an average of 6.09 kWh/m2/day, followed by July at 6.05 kWh/m2/day and June at 5.91 kWh/m2/day. [1]
The three months that historically average the lowest average solar radiation levels in Alton (Illinois) are December with an average of 3.2 kWh/m2/day, followed by January with an average of 3.83 kWh/m2/day and November at 4 kWh/m2/day. [1]
Solar Power Comparison: Alton vs. the U.S.
Solar Power Levels in Alton
The average monthly solar radiation level in Alton, IL, of 5.03 kilowatt hours per square meter per day (kWh/m2/day) is approximately 28% greater than the average level of 3.93 kWh/m2/day in a city with historically low levels (WA) and is approximately 24% 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: Alton vs. the U.S.
Below is a month-by-month comparison of how average Alton 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 Alton, IL at this current time.
Solar Power Output in Alton
The Power of Solar in Alton, IL
Monthly AC solar system output averages for Alton (il). Month-by-month solar power, as ranked by AC output, in Alton. [2]
* Amounts listed in kWhac (kilowatt hours (AC))
Solar Output Analysis for Alton, IL
Alton (IL) has a average annual solar AC output value of 5686.86 kilowatt hours (AC). [2]
The month with the highest historical solar power output in Alton is August with an average of 558.28 kWhac, followed by July at 550.53 kWhac and June at 533.2 kWhac. [2]
The three months that historically average the lowest average solar output levels in Alton (Illinois) are December with an average of 326.41 kWhac, followed by February with an average of 385.66 kWhac and November at 394.94 kWhac. [2]
Cost of Utilities in Alton
Alton Electricity Costs
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Solar Power Poll: Alton
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Alton Natural Gas Costs
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Gentle Breeze: 11 mps SE
Precip.: Chance of Rain
Humidity: 99%
Cloud cover: 100%
Wed Dec 25
46°F
Moderate Rain
Min: 46°F
Max: 48°F
Gentle Breeze: 10 mps SE
Precip.: Chance of Rain
Humidity: 96%
Cloud cover: 100%
Thu Dec 26
51°F
Light Rain
Min: 48°F
Max: 52°F
Moderate breeze: 15 mps SE
Precip.: Chance of Rain
Humidity: 96%
Cloud cover: 100%
More about Alton
About Alton
The city of Alton, IL in Madison County has an approximate population of 27,865. [6]
Alton, IL Solar Energy
To learn more about solar energy and solar power Alton, IL, or for more solar-related resources for Alton, visit the U.S. Energy Information Administration.
Did you know?
Various missions to space by different countries are known to utilize solar energy as a main power source.