Kansas Solar Production & Irradiance Data
4.6 peak sun hours/day · 8,136 kWh/year from a 6kW system · above national average
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Kansas receives an average of 4.6 peak sun hours per day, which translates to a Global Horizontal Irradiance (GHI) of 4.6 kWh/m²/day. When solar panels are tilted at the optimal angle for Kansas's latitude, irradiance increases to 5.39 kWh/m²/day — a 17% boost over flat-mounted panels.
This puts Kansas above the national average of 4.29 peak sun hours per day. Kansas's superior solar resource means your panels will produce significantly more electricity than the same system installed in an average US state. These figures are derived from NREL solar resource maps and PVWatts reference calculations.
Expected Annual Output by System Size
| System Size | Annual Output | Avg Monthly | Annual Savings | 25-Year Savings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 kW (12-16 panels) | 5,424 kWh | 452 kWh | $790/yr | $19,750 |
| 6 kW (18-24 panels) | 8,136 kWh | 678 kWh | $1,185/yr | $29,625 |
| 8 kW (24-32 panels) | 10,848 kWh | 904 kWh | $1,579/yr | $39,475 |
| 10 kW (30-40 panels) | 13,560 kWh | 1,130 kWh | $1,974/yr | $49,350 |
Based on 5.39 kWh/m²/day tilt irradiance, 14% system losses, and 14.56¢/kWh electricity rate. Actual output varies by installation specifics.
Month-by-Month Solar Production in Kansas
Estimated monthly output for a 6kW system:
Solar production in Kansas peaks in June when a 6kW system generates approximately 936 kWh — about 11.5% of annual production in a single month. The lowest production month is December at approximately 325 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 Kansas Compares Nationally
Tips for Maximizing Solar Production in Kansas
Kansas's 4.6 peak sun hours per day provides solid solar production. Proper panel orientation is important — aim for south-facing at Kansas's latitude tilt angle for optimal year-round performance.
Consider adding battery storage to your Kansas 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): 4.6 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: 5.39 kWh/m²/day. When panels are tilted at the optimal angle for Kansas's latitude, they receive 17% 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.
Kansas Solar Production FAQ
How many peak sun hours does Kansas get?▼
Kansas averages 4.6 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 is derived from NREL solar resource maps and PVWatts reference calculations.
How much electricity will a 6kW solar system produce in Kansas?▼
A 6kW solar system in Kansas produces approximately 8,136 kWh per year, or about 678 kWh per month on average. Production peaks in June (approximately 936 kWh) and is lowest in December (approximately 325 kWh). At Kansas's average rate of 14.56¢/kWh, this saves you about $1,185/year.
What is the best month for solar production in Kansas?▼
June is typically the best month for solar production in Kansas, with a 6kW system producing approximately 936 kWh. The long daylight hours and high sun angle combine for maximum energy generation. The worst month is December, producing about 325 kWh — roughly 35% of the best month's output.
How does Kansas's solar potential compare to other states?▼
Kansas's average of 4.6 peak sun hours per day puts it above the national average of 4.29 hours. A 6kW system in Kansas produces 8,136 kWh/year, compared to the national average of 7,562 kWh/year — that's +574 kWh/year (+8%). Even at Kansas's 14.56¢/kWh rate, solar delivers solid returns.
What affects solar panel output in Kansas?▼
Key factors affecting solar output in Kansas include: roof orientation (south-facing is ideal), tilt angle (latitude tilt of 38° is optimal), shading from trees or buildings, panel efficiency rating, and local weather patterns. Kansas's GHI (Global Horizontal Irradiance) is 4.6 kWh/m²/day, but panels tilted at the optimal angle receive 5.39 kWh/m²/day — a 17% improvement over flat-mounted panels.
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Kansas Solar Data
- ☀️ Peak Sun Hours: 4.6 hrs/day
- 📊 GHI: 4.6 kWh/m²/day
- 📐 Tilt Irradiance: 5.39 kWh/m²/day
- ⚡ 6kW Output: 8,136 kWh/yr
- 📈 Best Month: June
- 📉 Worst Month: December
- 💡 Electricity Rate: 14.56¢/kWh
- 💰 Annual Savings (6kW): $1,185
- 📋 Data: NREL Reference Data