50-State Solar Insolation, Peak Sun Hours, ASHRAE Climatic Design Temperatures, and Grid Electricity Rates Matrix
Harmonized state-by-state meteorological, solar resource, and residential electricity tariff database across all 50 US states, DC, and territories.
1. Abstract & Dataset Scope
A standardized multi-dimensional benchmark dataset unifying state-level solar irradiance metrics from NREL NSRDB physical solar models, ASHRAE Climatic Design Conditions (extreme minimum and maximum design dry-bulb temperatures), and residential retail electricity rates published by the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA).
2. Technical Methodology & Benchmark Formulation
Compiled from published government and institutional datasets including NREL NSRDB 1998–2022 physical solar models, ASHRAE Handbook Fundamentals (Chapter 14 design conditions), and state-level residential retail electricity pricing from EIA Form 861M.
3. Data Dictionary & Variable Definitions
| Variable Name | Symbol | Unit | Type | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| State / Territory | State | Full Name | String | State or territory geographical identifier | Colorado |
| State Code | Code | ISO 3166-2:US | String | Two-letter US state or territory postal abbreviation | CO |
| Primary Reference Metro | Metro | City Name | String | Representative metropolitan area for meteorological baseline | Denver |
| Latitude | Lat | Decimal Degrees (°N) | Float | Geographic latitude coordinate | 39.7392 |
| Longitude | Lon | Decimal Degrees (°W) | Float | Geographic longitude coordinate | -104.9903 |
| ASHRAE Climate Zone | CZ | Classification | String | ASHRAE 90.1 climate zone designation | 5B |
| ASHRAE 99.6% Winter Design Temp | T_min_ashrae | °F | Float | Extreme historical minimum dry-bulb temperature for Voc sizing | -2 |
| ASHRAE 1.0% Summer Design Temp | T_max_ashrae | °F | Float | Extreme summer maximum dry-bulb temperature for Pmax derating | 92 |
| Daily Peak Sun Hours | PSH_avg | Hours/Day (kWh/m²/day) | Float | Annual average daily solar insolation arriving at horizontal plane | 5.45 |
| Optimal Fixed Tilt Angle | Tilt_opt | Degrees (°) | Float | Fixed array tilt angle maximizing annual generation | 35 |
| Average Residential Electricity Rate | Tariff_res | $/kWh | Float | Blended average retail residential tariff per EIA Form 861M | 0.152 |
4. Sample Data Records Preview
Displaying 6 representative rows (Full dataset contains 58 Records)| state | state code | primary metro | ashrae zone | winter design temp f | summer design temp f | peak sun hours | optimal tilt deg | rate usd kwh |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona | AZ | Phoenix | 2B | 38 | 110 | 6.52 | 28.5 | 0.142 |
| California | CA | Los Angeles | 3B | 42 | 91 | 5.68 | 32 | 0.315 |
| Colorado | CO | Denver | 5B | -2 | 92 | 5.45 | 35 | 0.152 |
| Florida | FL | Miami | 1A | 48 | 92 | 5.22 | 25 | 0.158 |
| New York | NY | New York City | 4A | 14 | 89 | 4.15 | 38 | 0.234 |
| Texas | TX | Dallas | 2A | 22 | 101 | 5.1 | 30 | 0.149 |
5. Limitations & Engineering Disclaimer
This dataset synthesizes state-level averages and representative metropolitan reference data. Local site-specific solar irradiance, microclimates, shading, utility tariffs, and local building/electrical codes may differ significantly from statewide benchmarks.
6. Dataset Citation (BibTeX / APA / IEEE)
When referencing this dataset in academic preprints, technical reports, or computational tooling, please cite using the formal reference metadata below:
APA Style
IEEE Style
BibTeX Record
@dataset{powerlab_2026_solar_50state,
author = {Miad S. and {PowerLab Clean Energy Engineering Group}},
title = {50-State Solar Insolation, Peak Sun Hours, ASHRAE Climatic Design Temperatures, and Grid Electricity Rates Matrix},
year = {2026},
publisher = {Figshare},
version = {2.0.0},
doi = {10.6084/m9.figshare.33618778},
url = {https://www.powelab.org/datasets/50-state-solar-insolation-climatic-benchmark}
}