Louisiana Solar Production & Irradiance Data
4.7 peak sun hours/day · 7,920 kWh/year from a 6kW system · above national average
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Louisiana receives an average of 4.7 peak sun hours per day, which translates to a Global Horizontal Irradiance (GHI) of 4.7 kWh/m²/day. When solar panels are tilted at the optimal angle for Louisiana's latitude, irradiance increases to 5.18 kWh/m²/day — a 10% boost over flat-mounted panels.
This puts Louisiana above the national average of 4.29 peak sun hours per day. Louisiana'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) | 5,280 kWh | 440 kWh | $664/yr | $16,600 |
| 6 kW (18-24 panels) | 7,920 kWh | 660 kWh | $996/yr | $24,900 |
| 8 kW (24-32 panels) | 10,560 kWh | 880 kWh | $1,327/yr | $33,175 |
| 10 kW (30-40 panels) | 13,200 kWh | 1,100 kWh | $1,659/yr | $41,475 |
Based on 5.18 kWh/m²/day tilt irradiance, 14% system losses, and 12.57¢/kWh electricity rate. Actual output varies by installation specifics.
Month-by-Month Solar Production in Louisiana
Estimated monthly output for a 6kW system:
Solar production in Louisiana peaks in June when a 6kW system generates approximately 832 kWh — about 10.5% of annual production in a single month. The lowest production month is December at approximately 396 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 Louisiana Compares Nationally
Tips for Maximizing Solar Production in Louisiana
Louisiana's 4.7 peak sun hours per day provides solid solar production. Proper panel orientation is important — aim for south-facing at Louisiana's latitude tilt angle for optimal year-round performance.
Heat management is worth considering in Louisiana'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 Louisiana 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 in Louisiana where net metering credits are limited.
Solar Irradiance Technical Data
Global Horizontal Irradiance (GHI): 4.7 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: 5.18 kWh/m²/day. When panels are tilted at the optimal angle for Louisiana's latitude, they receive 10% 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.
Louisiana Solar Production FAQ
How many peak sun hours does Louisiana get?▼
Louisiana averages 4.7 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 Louisiana?▼
A 6kW solar system in Louisiana produces approximately 7,920 kWh per year, or about 660 kWh per month on average. Production peaks in June (approximately 832 kWh) and is lowest in December (approximately 396 kWh). At Louisiana's average rate of 12.57¢/kWh, this saves you about $996/year.
What is the best month for solar production in Louisiana?▼
June is typically the best month for solar production in Louisiana, with a 6kW system producing approximately 832 kWh. The long daylight hours and high sun angle combine for maximum energy generation. The worst month is December, producing about 396 kWh — roughly 48% of the best month's output.
How does Louisiana's solar potential compare to other states?▼
Louisiana's average of 4.7 peak sun hours per day puts it above the national average of 4.29 hours. A 6kW system in Louisiana produces 7,920 kWh/year, compared to the national average of 7,562 kWh/year — that's +358 kWh/year (+5%). Even at Louisiana's 12.57¢/kWh rate, solar delivers solid returns.
What affects solar panel output in Louisiana?▼
Key factors affecting solar output in Louisiana include: roof orientation (south-facing is ideal), tilt angle (latitude tilt of 35° is optimal), shading from trees or buildings, panel efficiency rating, and local weather patterns. Louisiana's GHI (Global Horizontal Irradiance) is 4.7 kWh/m²/day, but panels tilted at the optimal angle receive 5.18 kWh/m²/day — a 10% improvement over flat-mounted panels.
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Louisiana Solar Data
- ☀️ Peak Sun Hours: 4.7 hrs/day
- 📊 GHI: 4.7 kWh/m²/day
- 📐 Tilt Irradiance: 5.18 kWh/m²/day
- ⚡ 6kW Output: 7,920 kWh/yr
- 📈 Best Month: June
- 📉 Worst Month: December
- 💡 Electricity Rate: 12.57¢/kWh
- 💰 Annual Savings (6kW): $996
- 📋 Data: NREL Reference Data