Based on historical Detroit, MI data, solar panels that are tilted towards the equator at an angle equal to the latitude will produce the maximum solar energy output in Detroit.[1]
Detroit has an average monthly Global Horizontal Irradiance (GHI) of 3.84 kilowatt hours per square meter per day (kWh/m2/day), which is approximately 7% greater than the average monthly Direct Normal Irradiance (DNI) of 3.59 kWh/m2/day. [1]
Solar installations in Detroit that are always titled at the latitude of Detroit (Average Tilt at Latitude or ATaL) average 4.41 kWh/m2/day, or about 15% greater than the average monthly GHI of 3.84 kWh/m2/day and approximately 23% greater than the average monthly DNI of 3.59 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 Detroit
Solar Radiation Data in Detroit, MI
See the chart below for monthly solar radiation levels in Detroit.
* Amounts listed in kWh/m2/day (kilowatt hours per square meter per day)
Solar Radiation Analysis for Detroit, MI
Detroit, MI has a average annual solar radiation value of 4.71 kilowatt hours per square meter per day (kWh/m2/day). [1]
The month with the highest historical solar radition values in Detroit is July with an average of 6.04 kWh/m2/day, followed by June at 5.87 kWh/m2/day and August at 5.82 kWh/m2/day. [1]
The three months that historically average the lowest average solar radiation levels in Detroit (Michigan) are December with an average of 2.66 kWh/m2/day, followed by January with an average of 2.98 kWh/m2/day and November at 3.14 kWh/m2/day. [1]
Solar Power Comparison: Detroit vs. the U.S.
Solar Power Levels in Detroit
The average monthly solar radiation level in Detroit, MI, of 4.71 kilowatt hours per square meter per day (kWh/m2/day) is approximately 20% greater than the average level of 3.93 kWh/m2/day in a city with historically low levels (WA) and is approximately 29% 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: Detroit vs. the U.S.
Below is a month-by-month comparison of how average Detroit 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 Detroit, MI at this current time.
Solar Power Output in Detroit
The Power of Solar in Detroit, MI
Monthly AC solar system output averages for Detroit (mi). Month-by-month solar power, as ranked by AC output, in Detroit. [2]
* Amounts listed in kWhac (kilowatt hours (AC))
Solar Output Analysis for Detroit, MI
Detroit (MI) has a average annual solar AC output value of 5460.89 kilowatt hours (AC). [2]
The month with the highest historical solar power output in Detroit is July with an average of 563.93 kWhac, followed by August at 549.02 kWhac and June at 537.72 kWhac. [2]
The three months that historically average the lowest average solar output levels in Detroit (Michigan) are December with an average of 280.66 kWhac, followed by November with an average of 315.04 kWhac and January at 322.19 kWhac. [2]
Cost of Utilities in Detroit
Detroit Electricity Costs
Sorry, Detroit residential electricity prices are currently unavailable.
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Solar Power Poll: Detroit
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Detroit Natural Gas Costs
Sorry, Michigan residential natural gas prices are currently unavailable.
Light breeze: 4 mps ESE
Precip.: Chance of Rain
Humidity: 99%
Cloud cover: 100%
Thu Dec 26
39°F
Light Rain
Min: 36°F
Max: 39°F
Gentle Breeze: 9 mps E
Precip.: Chance of Rain
Humidity: 93%
Cloud cover: 100%
Fri Dec 27
43°F
Light Rain
Min: 38°F
Max: 44°F
Gentle Breeze: 9 mps ESE
Precip.: Chance of Rain
Humidity: 84%
Cloud cover: 100%
More about Detroit
About Detroit
The city of Detroit, MI in Wayne County has an approximate population of 713,777. [6]
Detroit, MI Solar Energy
To learn more about solar energy and solar power Detroit, MI, or for more solar-related resources for Detroit, visit the U.S. Energy Information Administration.
Did you know?
Nineteen-year-old Edmund Becquerel, a French experimental physicist, discovered the basis of solar energy in 1839.