National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Solar Data

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) solar radiation monitoring network has existed for about 75 years, with varying numbers of stations. With Department of Energy help, some of the data were archived and published by the National Climatic Center.

NOAA has federal civilian responsibilities for monitoring and documenting the climate of the United States, including solar radiation and other weather elements required by solar energy technology users. The data presented here reflect a NOAA network that consisted of 39 stations. All stations were equipped to operate both a pyranometer and pyrheliometer. In the early 1980s, minute-by-minute readings were logged, but in later years only integrated hourly measurements were recorded. These station records were once subjected to excellent quality assurance, but in later years no quality assurance was applied, resulting in questionable data. The sensors were calibrated by NOAA periodically and when problems arose. The data are archived and available for purchase through the NOAA National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service in Asheville, North Carolina.

The useful lifetime of the network's solar radiation monitoring data acquisition systems and direct beam solar trackers has passed, which required their replacement with modern equipment.

Data Files

A format description for these solar data files can be found in the Standard Broadband Format Manual. By accessing these files, you agree to abide by the NREL data disclaimer.