Based on historical Richmond, VA data, solar panels that are tilted towards the equator at an angle equal to the latitude will produce the maximum solar energy output in Richmond.[1]
Richmond has an average monthly Global Horizontal Irradiance (GHI) of 4.27 kilowatt hours per square meter per day (kWh/m2/day), which is approximately 1% less than the average monthly Direct Normal Irradiance (DNI) of 4.31 kWh/m2/day. [1]
Solar installations in Richmond that are always titled at the latitude of Richmond (Average Tilt at Latitude or ATaL) average 4.97 kWh/m2/day, or about 16% greater than the average monthly GHI of 4.27 kWh/m2/day and approximately 15% greater than the average monthly DNI of 4.31 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 Richmond
Solar Radiation Data in Richmond, VA
See the chart below for monthly solar radiation levels in Richmond.
* Amounts listed in kWh/m2/day (kilowatt hours per square meter per day)
Solar Radiation Analysis for Richmond, VA
Richmond, VA has a average annual solar radiation value of 5.2 kilowatt hours per square meter per day (kWh/m2/day). [1]
The month with the highest historical solar radition values in Richmond is April with an average of 5.82 kWh/m2/day, followed by July at 5.79 kWh/m2/day and June at 5.75 kWh/m2/day. [1]
The three months that historically average the lowest average solar radiation levels in Richmond (Virginia) are December with an average of 4.06 kWh/m2/day, followed by November with an average of 4.35 kWh/m2/day and January at 4.39 kWh/m2/day. [1]
Solar Power Comparison: Richmond vs. the U.S.
Solar Power Levels in Richmond
The average monthly solar radiation level in Richmond, VA, of 5.2 kilowatt hours per square meter per day (kWh/m2/day) is approximately 32% greater than the average level of 3.93 kWh/m2/day in a city with historically low levels (WA) and is approximately 21% 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: Richmond vs. the U.S.
Below is a month-by-month comparison of how average Richmond 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 Richmond, VA at this current time.
Solar Power Output in Richmond
The Power of Solar in Richmond, VA
Monthly AC solar system output averages for Richmond (va). Month-by-month solar power, as ranked by AC output, in Richmond. [2]
* Amounts listed in kWhac (kilowatt hours (AC))
Solar Output Analysis for Richmond, VA
Richmond (VA) has a average annual solar AC output value of 5736.69 kilowatt hours (AC). [2]
The month with the highest historical solar power output in Richmond is April with an average of 529.09 kWhac, followed by July at 520.87 kWhac and March at 518.15 kWhac. [2]
The three months that historically average the lowest average solar output levels in Richmond (Virginia) are December with an average of 396.63 kWhac, followed by November with an average of 408.93 kWhac and January at 433.28 kWhac. [2]
Cost of Utilities in Richmond
Richmond Electricity Costs
Sorry, Richmond residential electricity prices are currently unavailable.
Please check back later.
Solar Power Poll: Richmond
Vote now: Given all of the data and analysis provided for Richmond, is solar power a good choice for residents of this city?
Richmond Natural Gas Costs
Sorry, Virginia residential natural gas prices are currently unavailable.
The city of Richmond, VA in Richmond County has an approximate population of 204,214. [6]
Richmond, VA Solar Energy
To learn more about solar energy and solar power Richmond, VA, or for more solar-related resources for Richmond, 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.