Delaware Solar Production & Irradiance Data
4.13 peak sun hours/day · 7,260 kWh/year from a 6kW system · near national average
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Delaware receives an average of 4.13 peak sun hours per day, which translates to a Global Horizontal Irradiance (GHI) of 4.13 kWh/m²/day. When solar panels are tilted at the optimal angle for Delaware's latitude, irradiance increases to 4.81 kWh/m²/day — a 16% boost over flat-mounted panels.
This puts Delaware near the national average of 4.29 peak sun hours per day. Delaware's solar resource is comparable to the national average, making solar a solid investment — especially with current incentive programs. 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) | 4,840 kWh | 403 kWh | $829/yr | $20,725 |
| 6 kW (18-24 panels) | 7,260 kWh | 605 kWh | $1,244/yr | $31,100 |
| 8 kW (24-32 panels) | 9,680 kWh | 807 kWh | $1,658/yr | $41,450 |
| 10 kW (30-40 panels) | 12,100 kWh | 1,008 kWh | $2,073/yr | $51,825 |
Based on 4.81 kWh/m²/day tilt irradiance, 14% system losses, and 17.13¢/kWh electricity rate. Actual output varies by installation specifics.
Month-by-Month Solar Production in Delaware
Estimated monthly output for a 6kW system:
Solar production in Delaware peaks in June when a 6kW system generates approximately 835 kWh — about 11.5% of annual production in a single month. The lowest production month is December at approximately 290 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 Delaware Compares Nationally
Tips for Maximizing Solar Production in Delaware
Delaware's 4.13 peak sun hours per day provides solid solar production. Proper panel orientation is important — aim for south-facing at Delaware's latitude tilt angle for optimal year-round performance.
Consider adding battery storage to your Delaware 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): 4.13 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: 4.81 kWh/m²/day. When panels are tilted at the optimal angle for Delaware'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.
Delaware Solar Production FAQ
How many peak sun hours does Delaware get?▼
Delaware averages 4.13 peak sun hours per day, which is near 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 Delaware?▼
A 6kW solar system in Delaware produces approximately 7,260 kWh per year, or about 605 kWh per month on average. Production peaks in June (approximately 835 kWh) and is lowest in December (approximately 290 kWh). At Delaware's average rate of 17.13¢/kWh, this saves you about $1,244/year.
What is the best month for solar production in Delaware?▼
June is typically the best month for solar production in Delaware, with a 6kW system producing approximately 835 kWh. The long daylight hours and high sun angle combine for maximum energy generation. The worst month is December, producing about 290 kWh — roughly 35% of the best month's output.
How does Delaware's solar potential compare to other states?▼
Delaware's average of 4.13 peak sun hours per day puts it near the national average of 4.29 hours. A 6kW system in Delaware produces 7,260 kWh/year, compared to the national average of 7,562 kWh/year — that's -302 kWh/year (-4%). Combined with Delaware's above-average electricity rate of 17.13¢/kWh, solar is especially financially attractive here.
What affects solar panel output in Delaware?▼
Key factors affecting solar output in Delaware include: roof orientation (south-facing is ideal), tilt angle (latitude tilt of 37° is optimal), shading from trees or buildings, panel efficiency rating, and local weather patterns. Delaware's GHI (Global Horizontal Irradiance) is 4.13 kWh/m²/day, but panels tilted at the optimal angle receive 4.81 kWh/m²/day — a 16% improvement over flat-mounted panels.
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Delaware Solar Data
- ☀️ Peak Sun Hours: 4.13 hrs/day
- 📊 GHI: 4.13 kWh/m²/day
- 📐 Tilt Irradiance: 4.81 kWh/m²/day
- ⚡ 6kW Output: 7,260 kWh/yr
- 📈 Best Month: June
- 📉 Worst Month: December
- 💡 Electricity Rate: 17.13¢/kWh
- 💰 Annual Savings (6kW): $1,244
- ✅ Data: NREL API Verified