Based on historical Pittsburgh, PA data, solar panels that are tilted towards the equator at an angle equal to the latitude will produce the maximum solar energy output in Pittsburgh.[1]
Pittsburgh has an average monthly Global Horizontal Irradiance (GHI) of 3.81 kilowatt hours per square meter per day (kWh/m2/day), which is approximately 11% greater than the average monthly Direct Normal Irradiance (DNI) of 3.42 kWh/m2/day. [1]
Solar installations in Pittsburgh that are always titled at the latitude of Pittsburgh (Average Tilt at Latitude or ATaL) average 4.35 kWh/m2/day, or about 14% greater than the average monthly GHI of 3.81 kWh/m2/day and approximately 27% greater than the average monthly DNI of 3.42 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 Pittsburgh
Solar Radiation Data in Pittsburgh, PA
See the chart below for monthly solar radiation levels in Pittsburgh.
* Amounts listed in kWh/m2/day (kilowatt hours per square meter per day)
Solar Radiation Analysis for Pittsburgh, PA
Pittsburgh, PA has a average annual solar radiation value of 4.55 kilowatt hours per square meter per day (kWh/m2/day). [1]
The month with the highest historical solar radition values in Pittsburgh is August with an average of 5.76 kWh/m2/day, followed by July at 5.65 kWh/m2/day and September at 5.49 kWh/m2/day. [1]
The three months that historically average the lowest average solar radiation levels in Pittsburgh (Pennsylvania) are December with an average of 2.64 kWh/m2/day, followed by January with an average of 3.03 kWh/m2/day and November at 3.63 kWh/m2/day. [1]
Solar Power Comparison: Pittsburgh vs. the U.S.
Solar Power Levels in Pittsburgh
The average monthly solar radiation level in Pittsburgh, PA, of 4.55 kilowatt hours per square meter per day (kWh/m2/day) is approximately 16% greater than the average level of 3.93 kWh/m2/day in a city with historically low levels (WA) and is approximately 31% 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: Pittsburgh vs. the U.S.
Below is a month-by-month comparison of how average Pittsburgh 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 Pittsburgh, PA at this current time.
Solar Power Output in Pittsburgh
The Power of Solar in Pittsburgh, PA
Monthly AC solar system output averages for Pittsburgh (pa). Month-by-month solar power, as ranked by AC output, in Pittsburgh. [2]
* Amounts listed in kWhac (kilowatt hours (AC))
Solar Output Analysis for Pittsburgh, PA
Pittsburgh (PA) has a average annual solar AC output value of 5030.1 kilowatt hours (AC). [2]
The month with the highest historical solar power output in Pittsburgh is August with an average of 519.98 kWhac, followed by July at 508.88 kWhac and May at 494.99 kWhac. [2]
The three months that historically average the lowest average solar output levels in Pittsburgh (Pennsylvania) are December with an average of 265.06 kWhac, followed by January with an average of 306.67 kWhac and November at 340.41 kWhac. [2]
Cost of Utilities in Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh Electricity Costs
Sorry, Pittsburgh residential electricity prices are currently unavailable.
Please check back later.
Solar Power Poll: Pittsburgh
Vote now: Given all of the data and analysis provided for Pittsburgh, is solar power a good choice for residents of this city?
Pittsburgh Natural Gas Costs
Sorry, Pennsylvania residential natural gas prices are currently unavailable.
Moderate breeze: 15 mps W
Precip.: Chance of Rain
Humidity: 51%
Cloud cover: 76%
More about Pittsburgh
About Pittsburgh
The city of Pittsburgh, PA in Allegheny County has an approximate population of 305,704. [6]
Pittsburgh, PA Solar Energy
To learn more about solar energy and solar power Pittsburgh, PA, or for more solar-related resources for Pittsburgh, visit the U.S. Energy Information Administration.
Did you know?
Solar cells convert sunlight into electricity through a physical process known as the photovoltaic effect.
