Maryland Solar Production & Irradiance Data
4.15 peak sun hours/day · 7,380 kWh/year from a 6kW system · near national average
Get Free Solar Quote →Maryland Solar Resource Overview
Maryland receives an average of 4.15 peak sun hours per day, which translates to a Global Horizontal Irradiance (GHI) of 4.15 kWh/m²/day. When solar panels are tilted at the optimal angle for Maryland's latitude, irradiance increases to 4.85 kWh/m²/day — a 17% boost over flat-mounted panels.
This puts Maryland near the national average of 4.29 peak sun hours per day. Maryland's solar resource is comparable to the national average, making solar a solid investment — especially with current incentive programs. 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) | 4,920 kWh | 410 kWh | $958/yr | $23,950 |
| 6 kW (18-24 panels) | 7,380 kWh | 615 kWh | $1,438/yr | $35,950 |
| 8 kW (24-32 panels) | 9,840 kWh | 820 kWh | $1,917/yr | $47,925 |
| 10 kW (30-40 panels) | 12,300 kWh | 1,025 kWh | $2,396/yr | $59,900 |
Based on 4.85 kWh/m²/day tilt irradiance, 14% system losses, and 19.48¢/kWh electricity rate. Actual output varies by installation specifics.
Month-by-Month Solar Production in Maryland
Estimated monthly output for a 6kW system:
Solar production in Maryland peaks in June when a 6kW system generates approximately 849 kWh — about 11.5% of annual production in a single month. The lowest production month is December at approximately 295 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 Maryland Compares Nationally
Tips for Maximizing Solar Production in Maryland
Maryland's 4.15 peak sun hours per day provides solid solar production. Proper panel orientation is important — aim for south-facing at Maryland's latitude tilt angle for optimal year-round performance.
Consider adding battery storage to your Maryland 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): 4.15 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: 4.85 kWh/m²/day. When panels are tilted at the optimal angle for Maryland'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.
Maryland Solar Production FAQ
How many peak sun hours does Maryland get?▼
Maryland averages 4.15 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 is derived from NREL solar resource maps and PVWatts reference calculations.
How much electricity will a 6kW solar system produce in Maryland?▼
A 6kW solar system in Maryland produces approximately 7,380 kWh per year, or about 615 kWh per month on average. Production peaks in June (approximately 849 kWh) and is lowest in December (approximately 295 kWh). At Maryland's average rate of 19.48¢/kWh, this saves you about $1,438/year.
What is the best month for solar production in Maryland?▼
June is typically the best month for solar production in Maryland, with a 6kW system producing approximately 849 kWh. The long daylight hours and high sun angle combine for maximum energy generation. The worst month is December, producing about 295 kWh — roughly 35% of the best month's output.
How does Maryland's solar potential compare to other states?▼
Maryland's average of 4.15 peak sun hours per day puts it near the national average of 4.29 hours. A 6kW system in Maryland produces 7,380 kWh/year, compared to the national average of 7,562 kWh/year — that's -182 kWh/year (-2%). Combined with Maryland's above-average electricity rate of 19.48¢/kWh, solar is especially financially attractive here.
What affects solar panel output in Maryland?▼
Key factors affecting solar output in Maryland 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. Maryland's GHI (Global Horizontal Irradiance) is 4.15 kWh/m²/day, but panels tilted at the optimal angle receive 4.85 kWh/m²/day — a 17% improvement over flat-mounted panels.
More Maryland Solar Resources
Get Free Solar Quotes in Maryland
Compare quotes from top-rated installers. No obligation.
Maryland Solar Data
- ☀️ Peak Sun Hours: 4.15 hrs/day
- 📊 GHI: 4.15 kWh/m²/day
- 📐 Tilt Irradiance: 4.85 kWh/m²/day
- ⚡ 6kW Output: 7,380 kWh/yr
- 📈 Best Month: June
- 📉 Worst Month: December
- 💡 Electricity Rate: 19.48¢/kWh
- 💰 Annual Savings (6kW): $1,438
- 📋 Data: NREL Reference Data