Active solar energy availability

How does active solar heating work?

Active solar heating systems use solar energy to heat a fluid -- either liquid or air -- and then transfer the solar heat directly to the interior space or to a storage system for later use. If the solar system cannot provide adequate space heating, an auxiliary or back-up system provides the additional heat.

Where can I find solar resource data?

Explore solar resource data via our online geospatial tools and downloadable maps and data sets. Access our tools to explore solar geospatial data for the contiguous United States and several international regions and countries.

How do I use the Global Solar Atlas?

Welcome to the Global Solar Atlas. Start exploring solar potential by clicking on the map. Select sites, draw rectangles or polygons by clicking the respective map controls. Calculate energy production for selected sites. The Global Solar Atlas provides a summary of solar power potential and solar resources globally.

Are solar photovoltaic map services free?

Map services and data downloaded from the U.S. Large-Scale Solar Photovoltaic Database are free and in the public domain.

How has solar energy changed over the past 30 years?

Nevertheless, use of solar energy, especially for electricity generation, has increased significantly in the United States and around the world in the past 30 years. The availability and intensity of solar radiation on the earth's surface varies by time of day and location.

How much solar energy does the United States use?

Total solar energy use in the United States increased from about 0.02 trillion British thermal units (Btu) in 1984 to about 878 trillion Btu (or about 0.9 quadrillion Btu) in 2023. Solar electricity generation accounted for about 93% of total solar energy use in 2023 and solar energy use for space and water heating accounted for about 7%.