North Dakota Solar Production & Irradiance Data
4 peak sun hours/day · 7,308 kWh/year from a 6kW system · near national average
Get Free Solar Quote →North Dakota Solar Resource Overview
North Dakota receives an average of 4 peak sun hours per day, which translates to a Global Horizontal Irradiance (GHI) of 4 kWh/m²/day. When solar panels are tilted at the optimal angle for North Dakota's latitude, irradiance increases to 4.82 kWh/m²/day — a 21% boost over flat-mounted panels.
This puts North Dakota near the national average of 4.29 peak sun hours per day. North Dakota'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) | 4,872 kWh | 406 kWh | $575/yr | $14,375 |
| 6 kW (18-24 panels) | 7,308 kWh | 609 kWh | $863/yr | $21,575 |
| 8 kW (24-32 panels) | 9,744 kWh | 812 kWh | $1,151/yr | $28,775 |
| 10 kW (30-40 panels) | 12,180 kWh | 1,015 kWh | $1,438/yr | $35,950 |
Based on 4.82 kWh/m²/day tilt irradiance, 14% system losses, and 11.81¢/kWh electricity rate. Actual output varies by installation specifics.
Month-by-Month Solar Production in North Dakota
Estimated monthly output for a 6kW system:
Solar production in North Dakota peaks in June when a 6kW system generates approximately 950 kWh — about 13% of annual production in a single month. The lowest production month is December at approximately 256 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 North Dakota Compares Nationally
Tips for Maximizing Solar Production in North Dakota
North Dakota's 4 peak sun hours per day provides solid solar production. Proper panel orientation is important — aim for south-facing at North Dakota's latitude tilt angle for optimal year-round performance.
Snow management matters in North Dakota. Installing panels at a steeper tilt angle (35-45°) helps snow slide off naturally. Most modern panels are designed to shed snow quickly, and the cold temperatures actually improve panel efficiency — silicon solar cells produce more power in cold weather.
Consider adding battery storage to your North Dakota 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 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: 4.82 kWh/m²/day. When panels are tilted at the optimal angle for North Dakota's latitude, they receive 21% 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 Dakota Solar Production FAQ
How many peak sun hours does North Dakota get?▼
North Dakota averages 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 Dakota?▼
A 6kW solar system in North Dakota produces approximately 7,308 kWh per year, or about 609 kWh per month on average. Production peaks in June (approximately 950 kWh) and is lowest in December (approximately 256 kWh). At North Dakota's average rate of 11.81¢/kWh, this saves you about $863/year.
What is the best month for solar production in North Dakota?▼
June is typically the best month for solar production in North Dakota, with a 6kW system producing approximately 950 kWh. The long daylight hours and high sun angle combine for maximum energy generation. The worst month is December, producing about 256 kWh — roughly 27% of the best month's output.
How does North Dakota's solar potential compare to other states?▼
North Dakota's average of 4 peak sun hours per day puts it near the national average of 4.29 hours. A 6kW system in North Dakota produces 7,308 kWh/year, compared to the national average of 7,562 kWh/year — that's -254 kWh/year (-3%). Even at North Dakota's 11.81¢/kWh rate, solar delivers solid returns.
What affects solar panel output in North Dakota?▼
Key factors affecting solar output in North Dakota 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. North Dakota's GHI (Global Horizontal Irradiance) is 4 kWh/m²/day, but panels tilted at the optimal angle receive 4.82 kWh/m²/day — a 21% improvement over flat-mounted panels.
More North Dakota Solar Resources
Get Free Solar Quotes in North Dakota
Compare quotes from top-rated installers. No obligation.
North Dakota Solar Data
- ☀️ Peak Sun Hours: 4 hrs/day
- 📊 GHI: 4 kWh/m²/day
- 📐 Tilt Irradiance: 4.82 kWh/m²/day
- ⚡ 6kW Output: 7,308 kWh/yr
- 📈 Best Month: June
- 📉 Worst Month: December
- 💡 Electricity Rate: 11.81¢/kWh
- 💰 Annual Savings (6kW): $863
- 📋 Data: NREL Reference Data