Based on historical Seattle, WA data, solar panels that are tilted towards the equator at an angle equal to the latitude will produce the maximum solar energy output in Seattle.[1]
Seattle has an average monthly Global Horizontal Irradiance (GHI) of 3.46 kilowatt hours per square meter per day (kWh/m2/day), which is approximately 1% less than the average monthly Direct Normal Irradiance (DNI) of 3.5 kWh/m2/day. [1]
Solar installations in Seattle that are always titled at the latitude of Seattle (Average Tilt at Latitude or ATaL) average 3.98 kWh/m2/day, or about 15% greater than the average monthly GHI of 3.46 kWh/m2/day and approximately 14% greater than the average monthly DNI of 3.5 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 Seattle
Solar Radiation Data in Seattle, WA
See the chart below for monthly solar radiation levels in Seattle.
* Amounts listed in kWh/m2/day (kilowatt hours per square meter per day)
Solar Radiation Analysis for Seattle, WA
Seattle, WA has a average annual solar radiation value of 4.12 kilowatt hours per square meter per day (kWh/m2/day). [1]
The month with the highest historical solar radition values in Seattle is July with an average of 6.22 kWh/m2/day, followed by August at 6.08 kWh/m2/day and June at 5.72 kWh/m2/day. [1]
The three months that historically average the lowest average solar radiation levels in Seattle (Washington) are December with an average of 1.78 kWh/m2/day, followed by January with an average of 1.9 kWh/m2/day and November at 2.33 kWh/m2/day. [1]
Solar Power Comparison: Seattle vs. the U.S.
Solar Power Levels in Seattle
The average monthly solar radiation level in Seattle, WA, of 4.12 kilowatt hours per square meter per day (kWh/m2/day) is approximately 5% greater than the average level of 3.93 kWh/m2/day in a city with historically low levels (WA) and is approximately 38% 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: Seattle vs. the U.S.
Below is a month-by-month comparison of how average Seattle 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 Seattle, WA at this current time.
Solar Power Output in Seattle
The Power of Solar in Seattle, WA
Monthly AC solar system output averages for Seattle (wa). Month-by-month solar power, as ranked by AC output, in Seattle. [2]
* Amounts listed in kWhac (kilowatt hours (AC))
Solar Output Analysis for Seattle, WA
Seattle (WA) has a average annual solar AC output value of 4590.81 kilowatt hours (AC). [2]
The month with the highest historical solar power output in Seattle is July with an average of 566.25 kWhac, followed by August at 552.5 kWhac and June at 516.17 kWhac. [2]
The three months that historically average the lowest average solar output levels in Seattle (Washington) are December with an average of 178.49 kWhac, followed by January with an average of 188.81 kWhac and November at 222.57 kWhac. [2]
Cost of Utilities in Seattle
Seattle Electricity Costs
Sorry, Seattle residential electricity prices are currently unavailable.
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Solar Power Poll: Seattle
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Seattle Natural Gas Costs
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Gentle Breeze: 9 mps S
Precip.: Chance of Rain
Humidity: 71%
Cloud cover: 100%
Thu Dec 26
45°F
Moderate Rain
Min: 41°F
Max: 45°F
Light breeze: 7 mps ESE
Precip.: Chance of Rain
Humidity: 81%
Cloud cover: 100%
More about Seattle
About Seattle
The city of Seattle, WA in King County has an approximate population of 608,660. [6]
Seattle, WA Solar Energy
To learn more about solar energy and solar power Seattle, WA, or for more solar-related resources for Seattle, visit the U.S. Energy Information Administration.
Did you know?
It takes light about 8 minutes, 19 seconds to travel the 93,000,000 miles from the sun's surface to us on Earth.