MAP TO THE SUN

There's really something beautiful about this map. (Click to enlarge it.)Something to do with the beauty of solar energy?

Photovoltaic solar energy: new map and interactive information
Georges Markatatos, April 2, 2007 (EU Press Release at Business Updated via 321energy)

WHO
DG Joint Research Centre, in-house scientific service to the European Commission

WHAT
The Photovoltaic Geographical Information System (PVGIS), a new map showing the photovoltaic solar energy potential of different parts of Europe.

WHEN
Just published. Available here

WHERE
Europe. (See illustration)

WHY
The EU’s goal is to generate 20% of its energy from renewable by 2020. This map will make it possible for solar to be most effectively developed as part of the mix by allowing planners to develop photovoltaic installations where they can most efficiently absorb sunlight. Unsurprisingly, the map shows Malta and Southern Spain to be twice valuable for solar energy as Scotland and Northern Scandinavia.

QUOTES
“In addition to the map and the interactive service, the Photovoltaic Geographical Information System provides a wealth of information about the development of photovoltaic technology, such as figures on its share of total national electricity consumption in each Member State, up-to-date research on photovoltaics and links to world-wide databases of solar technology and data.”

MAP