Idaho Solar Production & Irradiance Data
4.61 peak sun hours/day · 8,305 kWh/year from a 6kW system · above national average
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Idaho receives an average of 4.61 peak sun hours per day, which translates to a Global Horizontal Irradiance (GHI) of 4.61 kWh/m²/day. When solar panels are tilted at the optimal angle for Idaho's latitude, irradiance increases to 5.48 kWh/m²/day — a 19% boost over flat-mounted panels.
This puts Idaho above the national average of 4.29 peak sun hours per day. Idaho'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) | 5,537 kWh | 461 kWh | $654/yr | $16,350 |
| 6 kW (18-24 panels) | 8,305 kWh | 692 kWh | $982/yr | $24,550 |
| 8 kW (24-32 panels) | 11,073 kWh | 923 kWh | $1,309/yr | $32,725 |
| 10 kW (30-40 panels) | 13,842 kWh | 1,153 kWh | $1,636/yr | $40,900 |
Based on 5.48 kWh/m²/day tilt irradiance, 14% system losses, and 11.82¢/kWh electricity rate. Actual output varies by installation specifics.
Month-by-Month Solar Production in Idaho
Estimated monthly output for a 6kW system:
Solar production in Idaho peaks in July when a 6kW system generates approximately 1,080 kWh — about 13% of annual production in a single month. The lowest production month is December at approximately 291 kWh (3.5% of annual output). This 3.7:1 seasonal ratio is significant — battery storage or time-of-use rate plans can help smooth out this variation.
How Idaho Compares Nationally
Tips for Maximizing Solar Production in Idaho
Idaho's 4.61 peak sun hours per day provides solid solar production. Proper panel orientation is important — aim for south-facing at Idaho's latitude tilt angle for optimal year-round performance.
Consider adding battery storage to your Idaho 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): 4.61 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: 5.48 kWh/m²/day. When panels are tilted at the optimal angle for Idaho's latitude, they receive 19% 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.
Idaho Solar Production FAQ
How many peak sun hours does Idaho get?▼
Idaho averages 4.61 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 Idaho?▼
A 6kW solar system in Idaho produces approximately 8,305 kWh per year, or about 692 kWh per month on average. Production peaks in July (approximately 1,080 kWh) and is lowest in December (approximately 291 kWh). At Idaho's average rate of 11.82¢/kWh, this saves you about $982/year.
What is the best month for solar production in Idaho?▼
July is typically the best month for solar production in Idaho, with a 6kW system producing approximately 1,080 kWh. The long daylight hours and high sun angle combine for maximum energy generation. The worst month is December, producing about 291 kWh — roughly 27% of the best month's output.
How does Idaho's solar potential compare to other states?▼
Idaho's average of 4.61 peak sun hours per day puts it above the national average of 4.29 hours. A 6kW system in Idaho produces 8,305 kWh/year, compared to the national average of 7,562 kWh/year — that's +743 kWh/year (+10%). Even at Idaho's 11.82¢/kWh rate, solar delivers solid returns.
What affects solar panel output in Idaho?▼
Key factors affecting solar output in Idaho 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. Idaho's GHI (Global Horizontal Irradiance) is 4.61 kWh/m²/day, but panels tilted at the optimal angle receive 5.48 kWh/m²/day — a 19% improvement over flat-mounted panels.
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Idaho Solar Data
- ☀️ Peak Sun Hours: 4.61 hrs/day
- 📊 GHI: 4.61 kWh/m²/day
- 📐 Tilt Irradiance: 5.48 kWh/m²/day
- ⚡ 6kW Output: 8,305 kWh/yr
- 📈 Best Month: July
- 📉 Worst Month: December
- 💡 Electricity Rate: 11.82¢/kWh
- 💰 Annual Savings (6kW): $982
- ✅ Data: NREL API Verified