Based on historical Columbus, NC data, solar panels that are tilted towards the equator at an angle equal to the latitude will produce the maximum solar energy output in Columbus.[1]
Columbus has an average monthly Global Horizontal Irradiance (GHI) of 4.49 kilowatt hours per square meter per day (kWh/m2/day), which is approximately 2% less than the average monthly Direct Normal Irradiance (DNI) of 4.59 kWh/m2/day. [1]
Solar installations in Columbus that are always titled at the latitude of Columbus (Average Tilt at Latitude or ATaL) average 5.19 kWh/m2/day, or about 16% greater than the average monthly GHI of 4.49 kWh/m2/day and approximately 13% greater than the average monthly DNI of 4.59 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 Columbus
Solar Radiation Data in Columbus, NC
See the chart below for monthly solar radiation levels in Columbus.
* Amounts listed in kWh/m2/day (kilowatt hours per square meter per day)
Solar Radiation Analysis for Columbus, NC
Columbus, NC has a average annual solar radiation value of 5.3 kilowatt hours per square meter per day (kWh/m2/day). [1]
The month with the highest historical solar radition values in Columbus is April with an average of 5.7 kWh/m2/day, followed by June at 5.63 kWh/m2/day and September at 5.58 kWh/m2/day. [1]
The three months that historically average the lowest average solar radiation levels in Columbus (North Carolina) are December with an average of 4.31 kWh/m2/day, followed by January with an average of 4.62 kWh/m2/day and November at 5.06 kWh/m2/day. [1]
Solar Power Comparison: Columbus vs. the U.S.
Solar Power Levels in Columbus
The average monthly solar radiation level in Columbus, NC, of 5.3 kilowatt hours per square meter per day (kWh/m2/day) is approximately 35% greater than the average level of 3.93 kWh/m2/day in a city with historically low levels (WA) and is approximately 20% 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: Columbus vs. the U.S.
Below is a month-by-month comparison of how average Columbus 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 town of Columbus, NC at this current time.
Solar Power Output in Columbus
The Power of Solar in Columbus, NC
Monthly AC solar system output averages for Columbus (nc). Month-by-month solar power, as ranked by AC output, in Columbus. [2]
* Amounts listed in kWhac (kilowatt hours (AC))
Solar Output Analysis for Columbus, NC
Columbus (NC) has a average annual solar AC output value of 5760.73 kilowatt hours (AC). [2]
The month with the highest historical solar power output in Columbus is April with an average of 510.61 kWhac, followed by October at 509.63 kWhac and March at 506.17 kWhac. [2]
The three months that historically average the lowest average solar output levels in Columbus (North Carolina) are December with an average of 412.04 kWhac, followed by January with an average of 449.75 kWhac and February at 451.02 kWhac. [2]
Cost of Utilities in Columbus
Columbus Electricity Costs
Sorry, Columbus residential electricity prices are currently unavailable.
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Solar Power Poll: Columbus
Vote now: Given all of the data and analysis provided for Columbus, is solar power a good choice for residents of this town?
Columbus Natural Gas Costs
Sorry, North Carolina residential natural gas prices are currently unavailable.
The town of Columbus, NC in Polk County has an approximate population of 999. [6]
Columbus, NC Solar Energy
To learn more about solar energy and solar power Columbus, NC, or for more solar-related resources for Columbus, visit the U.S. Energy Information Administration.
Did you know?
About half of the sun's energy is absorbed by the Earth's surface; about 30 percent is reflected back from the surface.