Based on historical Birmingham, AL data, solar panels that are tilted towards the equator at an angle equal to the latitude will produce the maximum solar energy output in Birmingham.[1]
Birmingham has an average monthly Global Horizontal Irradiance (GHI) of 4.45 kilowatt hours per square meter per day (kWh/m2/day), which is approximately 5% greater than the average monthly Direct Normal Irradiance (DNI) of 4.24 kWh/m2/day. [1]
Solar installations in Birmingham that are always titled at the latitude of Birmingham (Average Tilt at Latitude or ATaL) average 5 kWh/m2/day, or about 12% greater than the average monthly GHI of 4.45 kWh/m2/day and approximately 18% greater than the average monthly DNI of 4.24 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 Birmingham
Solar Radiation Data in Birmingham, AL
See the chart below for monthly solar radiation levels in Birmingham.
* Amounts listed in kWh/m2/day (kilowatt hours per square meter per day)
Solar Radiation Analysis for Birmingham, AL
Birmingham, AL 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 Birmingham is September with an average of 5.89 kWh/m2/day, followed by April at 5.88 kWh/m2/day and May at 5.77 kWh/m2/day. [1]
The three months that historically average the lowest average solar radiation levels in Birmingham (Alabama) are December with an average of 3.96 kWh/m2/day, followed by January with an average of 4.3 kWh/m2/day and February at 4.99 kWh/m2/day. [1]
Solar Power Comparison: Birmingham vs. the U.S.
Solar Power Levels in Birmingham
The average monthly solar radiation level in Birmingham, AL, 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: Birmingham vs. the U.S.
Below is a month-by-month comparison of how average Birmingham 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 Birmingham, AL at this current time.
Solar Power Output in Birmingham
The Power of Solar in Birmingham, AL
Monthly AC solar system output averages for Birmingham (al). Month-by-month solar power, as ranked by AC output, in Birmingham. [2]
* Amounts listed in kWhac (kilowatt hours (AC))
Solar Output Analysis for Birmingham, AL
Birmingham (AL) has a average annual solar AC output value of 5703.75 kilowatt hours (AC). [2]
The month with the highest historical solar power output in Birmingham is May with an average of 522.35 kWhac, followed by April at 520.06 kWhac and October at 509.16 kWhac. [2]
The three months that historically average the lowest average solar output levels in Birmingham (Alabama) are December with an average of 378.43 kWhac, followed by January with an average of 414.15 kWhac and February at 426.12 kWhac. [2]
Cost of Utilities in Birmingham
Birmingham Electricity Costs
Sorry, Birmingham residential electricity prices are currently unavailable.
Please check back later.
Solar Power Poll: Birmingham
Vote now: Given all of the data and analysis provided for Birmingham, is solar power a good choice for residents of this city?
Birmingham Natural Gas Costs
Sorry, Alabama residential natural gas prices are currently unavailable.
Light breeze: 4 mps S
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Humidity: 63%
Cloud cover: 32%
More about Birmingham
About Birmingham
The city of Birmingham, AL in Jefferson County has an approximate population of 212,237. [6]
Birmingham, AL Solar Energy
To learn more about solar energy and solar power Birmingham, AL, or for more solar-related resources for Birmingham, 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.
