Colorado Solar Production & Irradiance Data
4.83 peak sun hours/day · 8,867 kWh/year from a 6kW system · above national average
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Colorado receives an average of 4.83 peak sun hours per day, which translates to a Global Horizontal Irradiance (GHI) of 4.83 kWh/m²/day. When solar panels are tilted at the optimal angle for Colorado's latitude, irradiance increases to 5.85 kWh/m²/day — a 21% boost over flat-mounted panels.
This puts Colorado above the national average of 4.29 peak sun hours per day. Colorado'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) | 5,911 kWh | 493 kWh | $937/yr | $23,425 |
| 6 kW (18-24 panels) | 8,867 kWh | 739 kWh | $1,405/yr | $35,125 |
| 8 kW (24-32 panels) | 11,823 kWh | 985 kWh | $1,874/yr | $46,850 |
| 10 kW (30-40 panels) | 14,778 kWh | 1,232 kWh | $2,342/yr | $58,550 |
Based on 5.85 kWh/m²/day tilt irradiance, 14% system losses, and 15.85¢/kWh electricity rate. Actual output varies by installation specifics.
Month-by-Month Solar Production in Colorado
Estimated monthly output for a 6kW system:
Solar production in Colorado peaks in June when a 6kW system generates approximately 1,020 kWh — about 11.5% of annual production in a single month. The lowest production month is December at approximately 355 kWh (4% of annual output). This 2.9:1 seasonal ratio is relatively moderate, meaning your solar production stays fairly consistent throughout the year.
How Colorado Compares Nationally
Tips for Maximizing Solar Production in Colorado
Colorado's 4.83 peak sun hours per day provides solid solar production. Proper panel orientation is important — aim for south-facing at Colorado's latitude tilt angle for optimal year-round performance.
Consider adding battery storage to your Colorado 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): 4.83 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: 5.85 kWh/m²/day. When panels are tilted at the optimal angle for Colorado's latitude, they receive 21% 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.
Colorado Solar Production FAQ
How many peak sun hours does Colorado get?▼
Colorado averages 4.83 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 Colorado?▼
A 6kW solar system in Colorado produces approximately 8,867 kWh per year, or about 739 kWh per month on average. Production peaks in June (approximately 1,020 kWh) and is lowest in December (approximately 355 kWh). At Colorado's average rate of 15.85¢/kWh, this saves you about $1,405/year.
What is the best month for solar production in Colorado?▼
June is typically the best month for solar production in Colorado, with a 6kW system producing approximately 1,020 kWh. The long daylight hours and high sun angle combine for maximum energy generation. The worst month is December, producing about 355 kWh — roughly 35% of the best month's output.
How does Colorado's solar potential compare to other states?▼
Colorado's average of 4.83 peak sun hours per day puts it above the national average of 4.29 hours. A 6kW system in Colorado produces 8,867 kWh/year, compared to the national average of 7,562 kWh/year — that's +1,305 kWh/year (+17%). Even at Colorado's 15.85¢/kWh rate, solar delivers solid returns.
What affects solar panel output in Colorado?▼
Key factors affecting solar output in Colorado include: roof orientation (south-facing is ideal), tilt angle (latitude tilt of 40° is optimal), shading from trees or buildings, panel efficiency rating, and local weather patterns. Colorado's GHI (Global Horizontal Irradiance) is 4.83 kWh/m²/day, but panels tilted at the optimal angle receive 5.85 kWh/m²/day — a 21% improvement over flat-mounted panels.
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Colorado Solar Data
- ☀️ Peak Sun Hours: 4.83 hrs/day
- 📊 GHI: 4.83 kWh/m²/day
- 📐 Tilt Irradiance: 5.85 kWh/m²/day
- ⚡ 6kW Output: 8,867 kWh/yr
- 📈 Best Month: June
- 📉 Worst Month: December
- 💡 Electricity Rate: 15.85¢/kWh
- 💰 Annual Savings (6kW): $1,405
- ✅ Data: NREL API Verified