21 May 2016
Two of the year’s most important solar energy months begin today
In the desert southwest, 21 May through 21 July is the most important two-month period for solar energy, for that’s when the sun is highest in the sky and solar collectors capture the most solar energy. But in cloudy northwest Montana, there are more sunshine days in July and August than in May and June.
Here’s how it looks graphically for the Flathead Electric Cooperative’s community solar array a couple of miles southwest of Glacier International Airport. The altitude of the sun above the southern horizon at meridian transit varies with the latitude, but the shape of the curve is valid for the entire northern hemisphere.
