This interactive map features solar energy infrastructure and available solar energy in the United States.
Students can see the locations of all solar power plants and see the amount of energy from the sun that different regions of the United States receive each day (measured in kWh/m2/day).
Teaching Tips
Positives
The legend and information presented are simple to understand.
Clicking on a solar power plant on the map will provide detailed information about the capacity of the solar plant and its location.
Additional Prerequisites
Students should be familiar with light energy and the position and tilt of the Earth in relation to the Sun.
There are two different base maps (road map and satellite) that can be changed by clicking on the bottom right corner of the map.
Students can capture images using the icon on the bottom left.
Differentiation
Students can select "View Full Details" for a summary of the map's information.
Students can zoom in and focus on their specific state or region.
Science and geography classes could discuss why some areas of the United States receive more solar energy than others, even when their latitude is the same, such as Las Vegas vs. Memphis.
A resource that can guide and encourage students to have solar panels installed on their school roof is Solar On Your School.
Scientist Notes
This resource is an interactive map that includes all components of the United States solar energy infrastructure including solar energy power plants and available solar energy resources (units: irradiance). This resource is easy to use and the interactive legend is easily understood. This resource is recommended for teaching.
Standards
College, Career, and Civic Life (C3) Standards
Dimension 2: Geography
D2.Geo.2.6-8 Use maps, satellite images, photographs, and other representations to explain relationships between the locations of places and regions, and changes in their environmental characteristics.
D2.Geo.2.9-12 Use maps, satellite images, photographs, and other representations to explain relationships between the locations of places and regions and their political, cultural, and economic dynamics.
D2.Geo.3.9-12 Use geographic data to analyze variations in the spatial patterns of cultural and environmental characteristics at multiple scales.
Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)
ESS3: Earth and Human Activity
HS-ESS3-4 Evaluate or refine a technological solution that reduces impacts of human activities on natural systems.
ETS1: Engineering Design
HS-ETS1-3 Evaluate a solution to a complex real-world problem based on prioritized criteria and trade-offs that account for a range of constraints, including cost, safety, reliability, and aesthetics, as well as possible social, cultural, and environmental impacts.
