Massachusetts Solar Production & Irradiance Data
3.84 peak sun hours/day · 6,900 kWh/year from a 6kW system · below national average
Get Free Solar Quote →Massachusetts Solar Resource Overview
Massachusetts receives an average of 3.84 peak sun hours per day, which translates to a Global Horizontal Irradiance (GHI) of 3.84 kWh/m²/day. When solar panels are tilted at the optimal angle for Massachusetts's latitude, irradiance increases to 4.55 kWh/m²/day — a 18% boost over flat-mounted panels.
This puts Massachusetts below the national average of 4.29 peak sun hours per day. While Massachusetts receives less sunlight than sun-belt states, solar is still a sound investment — especially when electricity rates and local incentives are factored in. Germany, with similar sun hours, is one of the world's largest solar markets. 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) | 4,600 kWh | 383 kWh | $1,402/yr | $35,050 |
| 6 kW (18-24 panels) | 6,900 kWh | 575 kWh | $2,103/yr | $52,575 |
| 8 kW (24-32 panels) | 9,200 kWh | 767 kWh | $2,804/yr | $70,100 |
| 10 kW (30-40 panels) | 11,500 kWh | 958 kWh | $3,505/yr | $87,625 |
Based on 4.55 kWh/m²/day tilt irradiance, 14% system losses, and 30.48¢/kWh electricity rate. Actual output varies by installation specifics.
Month-by-Month Solar Production in Massachusetts
Estimated monthly output for a 6kW system:
Solar production in Massachusetts peaks in June when a 6kW system generates approximately 897 kWh — about 13% of annual production in a single month. The lowest production month is December at approximately 242 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 Massachusetts Compares Nationally
Tips for Maximizing Solar Production in Massachusetts
While Massachusetts's 3.84 peak sun hours is below the national average, solar is still viable and cost-effective. Maximizing panel tilt angle and ensuring zero shading are critical to getting the most from your system.
Consider adding battery storage to your Massachusetts 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): 3.84 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: 4.55 kWh/m²/day. When panels are tilted at the optimal angle for Massachusetts's latitude, they receive 18% 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.
Massachusetts Solar Production FAQ
How many peak sun hours does Massachusetts get?▼
Massachusetts averages 3.84 peak sun hours per day, which is below 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 Massachusetts?▼
A 6kW solar system in Massachusetts produces approximately 6,900 kWh per year, or about 575 kWh per month on average. Production peaks in June (approximately 897 kWh) and is lowest in December (approximately 242 kWh). At Massachusetts's average rate of 30.48¢/kWh, this saves you about $2,103/year.
What is the best month for solar production in Massachusetts?▼
June is typically the best month for solar production in Massachusetts, with a 6kW system producing approximately 897 kWh. The long daylight hours and high sun angle combine for maximum energy generation. The worst month is December, producing about 242 kWh — roughly 27% of the best month's output.
How does Massachusetts's solar potential compare to other states?▼
Massachusetts's average of 3.84 peak sun hours per day puts it below the national average of 4.29 hours. A 6kW system in Massachusetts produces 6,900 kWh/year, compared to the national average of 7,562 kWh/year — that's -662 kWh/year (-9%). Combined with Massachusetts's above-average electricity rate of 30.48¢/kWh, solar is especially financially attractive here.
What affects solar panel output in Massachusetts?▼
Key factors affecting solar output in Massachusetts 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. Massachusetts's GHI (Global Horizontal Irradiance) is 3.84 kWh/m²/day, but panels tilted at the optimal angle receive 4.55 kWh/m²/day — a 18% improvement over flat-mounted panels.
More Massachusetts Solar Resources
Get Free Solar Quotes in Massachusetts
Compare quotes from top-rated installers. No obligation.
Massachusetts Solar Data
- ☀️ Peak Sun Hours: 3.84 hrs/day
- 📊 GHI: 3.84 kWh/m²/day
- 📐 Tilt Irradiance: 4.55 kWh/m²/day
- ⚡ 6kW Output: 6,900 kWh/yr
- 📈 Best Month: June
- 📉 Worst Month: December
- 💡 Electricity Rate: 30.48¢/kWh
- 💰 Annual Savings (6kW): $2,103
- 📋 Data: NREL Reference Data