Arizona Solar Production & Irradiance Data
5.78 peak sun hours/day · 10,278 kWh/year from a 6kW system · above national average
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Arizona receives an average of 5.78 peak sun hours per day, which translates to a Global Horizontal Irradiance (GHI) of 5.78 kWh/m²/day. When solar panels are tilted at the optimal angle for Arizona's latitude, irradiance increases to 6.68 kWh/m²/day — a 16% boost over flat-mounted panels.
This puts Arizona above the national average of 4.29 peak sun hours per day. Arizona's superior solar resource means your panels will produce significantly more electricity than the same system installed in an average US state. These figures come directly from the NREL Solar Resource API using TMY (Typical Meteorological Year) data averaged from 1998-2020.
Expected Annual Output by System Size
| System Size | Annual Output | Avg Monthly | Annual Savings | 25-Year Savings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 kW (12-16 panels) | 6,852 kWh | 571 kWh | $1,050/yr | $26,250 |
| 6 kW (18-24 panels) | 10,278 kWh | 857 kWh | $1,575/yr | $39,375 |
| 8 kW (24-32 panels) | 13,704 kWh | 1,142 kWh | $2,099/yr | $52,475 |
| 10 kW (30-40 panels) | 17,130 kWh | 1,428 kWh | $2,624/yr | $65,600 |
Based on 6.68 kWh/m²/day tilt irradiance, 14% system losses, and 15.32¢/kWh electricity rate. Actual output varies by installation specifics.
Month-by-Month Solar Production in Arizona
Estimated monthly output for a 6kW system:
Solar production in Arizona peaks in June when a 6kW system generates approximately 1,079 kWh — about 10.5% of annual production in a single month. The lowest production month is December at approximately 514 kWh (5% of annual output). This 2.1:1 seasonal ratio is relatively moderate, meaning your solar production stays fairly consistent throughout the year.
How Arizona Compares Nationally
Tips for Maximizing Solar Production in Arizona
With 5.78 peak sun hours per day, Arizona is one of the best states for solar production. Even slightly tilted panels will produce excellent output year-round.
Heat management is worth considering in Arizona's warm climate. While you get abundant sunshine, panel efficiency drops slightly in extreme heat (above 77°F/25°C). Ensure adequate airflow beneath panels by maintaining 4-6 inches of clearance above the roof surface. Microinverters can also help mitigate heat-related losses.
Consider adding battery storage to your Arizona solar system. A 10-13 kWh home battery lets you store excess daytime production for evening use, maximizing your self-consumption and reducing grid dependence. This is especially valuable for backup power during outages.
Solar Irradiance Technical Data
Global Horizontal Irradiance (GHI): 5.78 kWh/m²/day. GHI measures the total solar radiation received on a horizontal surface, including direct sunlight and diffuse radiation from clouds and atmospheric scattering. This is the baseline measurement for solar resource assessment.
Tilt Irradiance: 6.68 kWh/m²/day. When panels are tilted at the optimal angle for Arizona's latitude, they receive 16% more solar radiation than flat-mounted panels. This tilt optimization is one of the easiest ways to boost your system's output.
System Output Estimation: The annual production figures use the NREL PVWatts methodology: Tilt Irradiance × 365 days × System Size × (1 − System Losses) × Inverter Efficiency. We use 14% system losses (wiring, soiling, degradation, mismatch) and 96% inverter efficiency, matching PVWatts defaults.
Arizona Solar Production FAQ
How many peak sun hours does Arizona get?▼
Arizona averages 5.78 peak sun hours per day, which is above the national average of 4.29 hours. Peak sun hours represent hours of full-intensity sunlight equivalent — a key factor in estimating solar panel output. This data comes directly from the NREL Solar Resource API.
How much electricity will a 6kW solar system produce in Arizona?▼
A 6kW solar system in Arizona produces approximately 10,278 kWh per year, or about 857 kWh per month on average. Production peaks in June (approximately 1,079 kWh) and is lowest in December (approximately 514 kWh). At Arizona's average rate of 15.32¢/kWh, this saves you about $1,575/year.
What is the best month for solar production in Arizona?▼
June is typically the best month for solar production in Arizona, with a 6kW system producing approximately 1,079 kWh. The long daylight hours and high sun angle combine for maximum energy generation. The worst month is December, producing about 514 kWh — roughly 48% of the best month's output.
How does Arizona's solar potential compare to other states?▼
Arizona's average of 5.78 peak sun hours per day puts it above the national average of 4.29 hours. A 6kW system in Arizona produces 10,278 kWh/year, compared to the national average of 7,562 kWh/year — that's +2,716 kWh/year (+36%). Even at Arizona's 15.32¢/kWh rate, solar delivers solid returns.
What affects solar panel output in Arizona?▼
Key factors affecting solar output in Arizona include: roof orientation (south-facing is ideal), tilt angle (latitude tilt of 39° is optimal), shading from trees or buildings, panel efficiency rating, and local weather patterns. Arizona's GHI (Global Horizontal Irradiance) is 5.78 kWh/m²/day, but panels tilted at the optimal angle receive 6.68 kWh/m²/day — a 16% improvement over flat-mounted panels.
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Arizona Solar Data
- ☀️ Peak Sun Hours: 5.78 hrs/day
- 📊 GHI: 5.78 kWh/m²/day
- 📐 Tilt Irradiance: 6.68 kWh/m²/day
- ⚡ 6kW Output: 10,278 kWh/yr
- 📈 Best Month: June
- 📉 Worst Month: December
- 💡 Electricity Rate: 15.32¢/kWh
- 💰 Annual Savings (6kW): $1,575
- ✅ Data: NREL API Verified