North Carolina Solar Production & Irradiance Data
4.4 peak sun hours/day · 7,680 kWh/year from a 6kW system · near national average
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North Carolina receives an average of 4.4 peak sun hours per day, which translates to a Global Horizontal Irradiance (GHI) of 4.4 kWh/m²/day. When solar panels are tilted at the optimal angle for North Carolina's latitude, irradiance increases to 5.05 kWh/m²/day — a 15% boost over flat-mounted panels.
This puts North Carolina near the national average of 4.29 peak sun hours per day. North Carolina'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) | 5,120 kWh | 427 kWh | $718/yr | $17,950 |
| 6 kW (18-24 panels) | 7,680 kWh | 640 kWh | $1,077/yr | $26,925 |
| 8 kW (24-32 panels) | 10,240 kWh | 853 kWh | $1,436/yr | $35,900 |
| 10 kW (30-40 panels) | 12,800 kWh | 1,067 kWh | $1,795/yr | $44,875 |
Based on 5.05 kWh/m²/day tilt irradiance, 14% system losses, and 14.02¢/kWh electricity rate. Actual output varies by installation specifics.
Month-by-Month Solar Production in North Carolina
Estimated monthly output for a 6kW system:
Solar production in North Carolina peaks in June when a 6kW system generates approximately 883 kWh — about 11.5% of annual production in a single month. The lowest production month is December at approximately 307 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 North Carolina Compares Nationally
Tips for Maximizing Solar Production in North Carolina
North Carolina's 4.4 peak sun hours per day provides solid solar production. Proper panel orientation is important — aim for south-facing at North Carolina's latitude tilt angle for optimal year-round performance.
Consider adding battery storage to your North Carolina 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): 4.4 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: 5.05 kWh/m²/day. When panels are tilted at the optimal angle for North Carolina's latitude, they receive 15% 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.
North Carolina Solar Production FAQ
How many peak sun hours does North Carolina get?▼
North Carolina averages 4.4 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 North Carolina?▼
A 6kW solar system in North Carolina produces approximately 7,680 kWh per year, or about 640 kWh per month on average. Production peaks in June (approximately 883 kWh) and is lowest in December (approximately 307 kWh). At North Carolina's average rate of 14.02¢/kWh, this saves you about $1,077/year.
What is the best month for solar production in North Carolina?▼
June is typically the best month for solar production in North Carolina, with a 6kW system producing approximately 883 kWh. The long daylight hours and high sun angle combine for maximum energy generation. The worst month is December, producing about 307 kWh — roughly 35% of the best month's output.
How does North Carolina's solar potential compare to other states?▼
North Carolina's average of 4.4 peak sun hours per day puts it near the national average of 4.29 hours. A 6kW system in North Carolina produces 7,680 kWh/year, compared to the national average of 7,562 kWh/year — that's +118 kWh/year (+2%). Even at North Carolina's 14.02¢/kWh rate, solar delivers solid returns.
What affects solar panel output in North Carolina?▼
Key factors affecting solar output in North Carolina include: roof orientation (south-facing is ideal), tilt angle (latitude tilt of 36° is optimal), shading from trees or buildings, panel efficiency rating, and local weather patterns. North Carolina's GHI (Global Horizontal Irradiance) is 4.4 kWh/m²/day, but panels tilted at the optimal angle receive 5.05 kWh/m²/day — a 15% improvement over flat-mounted panels.
More North Carolina Solar Resources
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North Carolina Solar Data
- ☀️ Peak Sun Hours: 4.4 hrs/day
- 📊 GHI: 4.4 kWh/m²/day
- 📐 Tilt Irradiance: 5.05 kWh/m²/day
- ⚡ 6kW Output: 7,680 kWh/yr
- 📈 Best Month: June
- 📉 Worst Month: December
- 💡 Electricity Rate: 14.02¢/kWh
- 💰 Annual Savings (6kW): $1,077
- 📋 Data: NREL Reference Data