NREL United States (lower 48) Solar Potential

• Identification_Information
• Data_Quality_Information
• Spatial_Data_Organization_Information
• Spatial_Reference_Information
• Entity_and_Attribute_Information
• Distribution_Information
• Metadata_Reference_Information

Identification_Information:

Citation:

Citation_Information:

Originator:SUNY Albany and NREL

Publication_Date:March 24, 2007

Publication_Time:11:25am

Title:

NREL United States (lower 48) Solar Potential

Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form:vector digital data

Other_Citation_Details:

Perez, R., P. Ineichen, K. Moore, M.Kmiecik, C. Chain, R. George and F. Vignola (2002): A New Operational Satellite-to-Irradiance Model. Solar Energy

Online_Linkage: http://www.nrel.gov

Description:

Abstract:

Monthly and annual average solar resource potential for 48 Contiguous United States. 

Purpose:

Provide information on the solar resource potential for the 48 Contiguous United States. The insolation values represent the average solar energy available to a horizontal flat plate collector such as a Photovoltaic (PV) panel.

Supplemental_Information:

This data provides monthly average and annual average daily total solar resource averaged over surface cells of 0.1 degrees in both latitude and longitude, or about 10 km in size. This data was developed using the State University of New York/Albany satellite radiation model. This model was developed by Dr. Richard Perez and collaborators at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory and other universities for the U.S. Department of Energy. Specific information about this model can be found in Perez, et al. (2002). This model uses hourly radiance images from geostationary weather satellites, daily snow cover data, and monthly averages of atmospheric water vapor, trace gases, and the amount of aerosols in the atmosphere to calculate the hourly total insolation (sun and sky) falling on a horizontal surface. Atmospheric water vapor, trace gases, and aerosols are derived from a variety of sources. Where possible, existing ground measurement stations are used to validate the data.  Nevertheless, there is uncertainty associated with the meterological input to the model, since some of the input parameters are not available at a 10 km resolution.  As a result, it is believed that the modeled values are accurate to approximately 9% of a true measured value within the grid cell.  Due to terrain effects and other microclimate influences, the local cloud cover can vary significantly even within a single grid cell.  Furthermore, the uncertainty of the modeled estimates increase with distance from reliable measurement sources and with the complexity of the terrain.

Time_Period_of_Content:

Time_Period_Information:

Single_Date/Time:

Calendar_Date:unknown

Currentness_Reference:

ground condition

Status:

Progress:Complete

Maintenance_and_Update_Frequency:As needed

Spatial_Domain:

Bounding_Coordinates:

West_Bounding_Coordinate:-125.100000

East_Bounding_Coordinate:-66.100000

North_Bounding_Coordinate:50.100000

South_Bounding_Coordinate:24.000000

Keywords:

Theme:

Theme_Keyword_Thesaurus:Solar Resource

Theme_Keyword:Resource Potential

Theme_Keyword:environment

Theme:

Theme_Keyword_Thesaurus:ISO 19115 Topic Categories

Place:

Place_Keyword:48 Contiguous United States

Access_Constraints:None

Use_Constraints:

This GIS data was developed by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory ("NREL"), which is operated by the Midwest Research Institute for the U.S. Department of Energy ("DOE"). The user is granted the right, without any fee or cost, to use, copy, modify, alter, enhance and distribute this data for any purpose whatsoever, provided that this entire notice appears in all copies of the data. Further, the user of this data agrees to credit NREL in any publications or software that incorporate or use the data. Access to and use of the GIS data shall further impose the following obligations on the User. The names DOE/NREL may not be used in any advertising or publicity to endorse or promote any product or commercial entity using or incorporating the GIS data unless specific written authorization is obtained from DOE/NREL. The User also understands that DOE/NREL shall not be obligated to provide updates, support, consulting, training or assistance of any kind whatsoever with regard to the use of the GIS data. THE GIS DATA IS PROVIDED "AS IS" AND ANY EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE ARE DISCLAIMED. IN NO EVENT SHALL DOE/NREL BE LIABLE FOR ANY SPECIAL, INDIRECT OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OR ANY DAMAGES WHATSOEVER, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO CLAIMS ASSOCIATED WITH THE LOSS OF DATA OR PROFITS, WHICH MAY RESULT FROM AN ACTION IN CONTRACT, NEGLIGENCE OR OTHER TORTIOUS CLAIM THAT ARISES OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THE ACCESS OR USE OF THE GIS DATA. The User acknowledges that access to the GIS data is subject to U.S. Export laws and regulations and any use or transfer of the GIS data must be authorized under those regulations. The User shall not use, distribute, transfer, or transmit GIS data or any products incorporating the GIS data except in compliance with U.S. export regulations. If requested by DOE/NREL, the User agrees to sign written assurances and other export-related documentation as may be required to comply with U.S. export regulations.

Point_of_Contact:

Contact_Information:

Contact_Organization_Primary:

Contact_Organization:NREL

Contact_Voice_Telephone:303-275-4669

Contact_Electronic_Mail_Address:ray_george@NREL.gov

Native_Data_Set_Environment:

Microsoft Windows 2000 Version 5.2 (Build 3790) Service Pack 2; ESRI ArcCatalog 9.3.1.4000

Cross_Reference:

Citation_Information:

Title:

10km Direct Normal

Data_Quality_Information:

Lineage:

Process_Step:

Process_Description:

Metadata imported.

Source_Used_Citation_Abbreviation:

H:\gis\GIS_Data_Catalog\NAM\Country\US\e_res\solar\Perez\10km_Hawaii_DNI_metadata.xml

Process_Step:

Process_Description:

Metadata imported.

Source_Used_Citation_Abbreviation:

D:\NREL_USSolarPotential.xml

Spatial_Data_Organization_Information:

Direct_Spatial_Reference_Method:Vector

Point_and_Vector_Object_Information:

SDTS_Terms_Description:

SDTS_Point_and_Vector_Object_Type:G-polygon

Point_and_Vector_Object_Count:138970

Spatial_Reference_Information:

Horizontal_Coordinate_System_Definition:

Geographic:

Latitude_Resolution:0.000000

Longitude_Resolution:0.000000

Geographic_Coordinate_Units:Decimal degrees

Geodetic_Model:

Horizontal_Datum_Name:North American Datum of 1983

Ellipsoid_Name:Geodetic Reference System 80

Semi-major_Axis:6378137.000000

Denominator_of_Flattening_Ratio:298.257222

Vertical_Coordinate_System_Definition:

Altitude_System_Definition:

Altitude_Resolution:0.000122

Altitude_Encoding_Method:Explicit elevation coordinate included with horizontal coordinates

Entity_and_Attribute_Information:

Detailed_Description:

Entity_Type:

Entity_Type_Label:NREL United States (lower 48) Solar Potential

Attribute:

Attribute_Label:GHIANN

Attribute:

Attribute_Label:GHI12

Attribute_Definition:

Length of feature in internal units.

Attribute_Definition_Source:

ESRI

Attribute_Domain_Values:

Unrepresentable_Domain:

Positive real numbers that are automatically generated.

Attribute:

Attribute_Label:SHAPE_Area

Attribute_Definition:

Area of feature in internal units squared.

Attribute_Definition_Source:

ESRI

Attribute_Domain_Values:

Unrepresentable_Domain:

Positive real numbers that are automatically generated.

Attribute:

Attribute_Label:Shape

Attribute_Definition:

Feature geometry.

Attribute_Definition_Source:

ESRI

Attribute_Domain_Values:

Unrepresentable_Domain:

Coordinates defining the features.

Attribute:

Attribute_Label:ID

Attribute:

Attribute_Label:GRIDCODE

Attribute:

Attribute_Label:LON

Attribute:

Attribute_Label:LAT

Attribute:

Attribute_Label:GHI01

Attribute:

Attribute_Label:GHI02

Attribute:

Attribute_Label:GHI03

Attribute:

Attribute_Label:GHI04

Attribute:

Attribute_Label:GHI05

Attribute:

Attribute_Label:GHI06

Attribute:

Attribute_Label:GHI07

Attribute:

Attribute_Label:GHI08

Attribute:

Attribute_Label:GHI09

Attribute:

Attribute_Label:GHI10

Attribute:

Attribute_Label:GHI11

Attribute_Definition:

Internal feature number.

Attribute_Definition_Source:

ESRI

Attribute_Domain_Values:

Unrepresentable_Domain:

Sequential unique whole numbers that are automatically generated.

Attribute:

Attribute_Label:SHAPE

Attribute_Definition:

Feature geometry.

Attribute_Definition_Source:

ESRI

Attribute_Domain_Values:

Unrepresentable_Domain:

Coordinates defining the features.

Attribute:

Attribute_Label:SHAPE_Leng

Distribution_Information:

Distributor:

Contact_Information:

Contact_Organization_Primary:

Contact_Organization:Pennsylvania Spatial Data Access (PASDA)

Contact_Address:

Address_Type:mailing address

Address:

115 Land and Water building

City:University Park

State_or_Province:Pennsylvania

Postal_Code:16802

Country:United States

Contact_Voice_Telephone:(814) 865 - 8792

Contact_Electronic_Mail_Address:pasda@psu.edu

Resource_Description:Downloadable Data

Distribution_Liability:

The USER shall indemnify, save harmless, and, if requested, defend those parties involved with the development and distribution of this data, their officers, agents, and employees from and against any suits, claims, or actions for injury, death, or property damage arising out of the use of or any defect in the FILES or any accompanying documentation. Those parties involved with the development and distribution excluded any and all implied warranties, including warranties or merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose and makes no warranty or representation, either express or implied, with respect to the FILES or accompanying documentation, including its quality, performance, merchantability, or fitness for a particular purpose. The FILES and documentation are provided "as is" and the USER assumes the entire risk as to its quality and performance. Those parties involved with the development and distribution of this data will not be liable for any direct, indirect, special, incidental, or consequential damages arising out of the use or inability to use the FILES or any accompanying documentation.

Standard_Order_Process:

Digital_Form:

Digital_Transfer_Information:

Transfer_Size:18.024

Metadata_Reference_Information:

Metadata_Date:20110316

Metadata_Contact:

Contact_Information:

Contact_Organization_Primary:

Contact_Organization:NREL

Contact_Person:Pamela Gray-Hann

Contact_Address:

Address_Type:mailing address

Address:

1617 Cole Boulevard

City:Golden

State_or_Province:CO

Postal_Code:80401

Country:USA

Contact_Voice_Telephone:303-275-4626

Contact_Electronic_Mail_Address:pamela_gray_hann@nrel.gov

Metadata_Standard_Name:FGDC Content Standards for Digital Geospatial Metadata

Metadata_Standard_Version:FGDC-STD-001-1998

Metadata_Time_Convention:local time

Metadata_Extensions:

Online_Linkage:

Profile_Name:ESRI Metadata Profile