South Carolina Solar Production & Irradiance Data
4.55 peak sun hours/day · 7,848 kWh/year from a 6kW system · near national average
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South Carolina receives an average of 4.55 peak sun hours per day, which translates to a Global Horizontal Irradiance (GHI) of 4.55 kWh/m²/day. When solar panels are tilted at the optimal angle for South Carolina's latitude, irradiance increases to 5.15 kWh/m²/day — a 13% boost over flat-mounted panels.
This puts South Carolina near the national average of 4.29 peak sun hours per day. South 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) | 5,232 kWh | 436 kWh | $783/yr | $19,575 |
| 6 kW (18-24 panels) | 7,848 kWh | 654 kWh | $1,174/yr | $29,350 |
| 8 kW (24-32 panels) | 10,464 kWh | 872 kWh | $1,565/yr | $39,125 |
| 10 kW (30-40 panels) | 13,080 kWh | 1,090 kWh | $1,957/yr | $48,925 |
Based on 5.15 kWh/m²/day tilt irradiance, 14% system losses, and 14.96¢/kWh electricity rate. Actual output varies by installation specifics.
Month-by-Month Solar Production in South Carolina
Estimated monthly output for a 6kW system:
Solar production in South Carolina peaks in June when a 6kW system generates approximately 824 kWh — about 10.5% of annual production in a single month. The lowest production month is December at approximately 392 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 South Carolina Compares Nationally
Tips for Maximizing Solar Production in South Carolina
South Carolina's 4.55 peak sun hours per day provides solid solar production. Proper panel orientation is important — aim for south-facing at South Carolina's latitude tilt angle for optimal year-round performance.
Heat management is worth considering in South Carolina'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 South 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): 4.55 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: 5.15 kWh/m²/day. When panels are tilted at the optimal angle for South Carolina's latitude, they receive 13% 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.
South Carolina Solar Production FAQ
How many peak sun hours does South Carolina get?▼
South Carolina averages 4.55 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 South Carolina?▼
A 6kW solar system in South Carolina produces approximately 7,848 kWh per year, or about 654 kWh per month on average. Production peaks in June (approximately 824 kWh) and is lowest in December (approximately 392 kWh). At South Carolina's average rate of 14.96¢/kWh, this saves you about $1,174/year.
What is the best month for solar production in South Carolina?▼
June is typically the best month for solar production in South Carolina, with a 6kW system producing approximately 824 kWh. The long daylight hours and high sun angle combine for maximum energy generation. The worst month is December, producing about 392 kWh — roughly 48% of the best month's output.
How does South Carolina's solar potential compare to other states?▼
South Carolina's average of 4.55 peak sun hours per day puts it near the national average of 4.29 hours. A 6kW system in South Carolina produces 7,848 kWh/year, compared to the national average of 7,562 kWh/year — that's +286 kWh/year (+4%). Even at South Carolina's 14.96¢/kWh rate, solar delivers solid returns.
What affects solar panel output in South Carolina?▼
Key factors affecting solar output in South 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. South Carolina's GHI (Global Horizontal Irradiance) is 4.55 kWh/m²/day, but panels tilted at the optimal angle receive 5.15 kWh/m²/day — a 13% improvement over flat-mounted panels.
More South Carolina Solar Resources
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South Carolina Solar Data
- ☀️ Peak Sun Hours: 4.55 hrs/day
- 📊 GHI: 4.55 kWh/m²/day
- 📐 Tilt Irradiance: 5.15 kWh/m²/day
- ⚡ 6kW Output: 7,848 kWh/yr
- 📈 Best Month: June
- 📉 Worst Month: December
- 💡 Electricity Rate: 14.96¢/kWh
- 💰 Annual Savings (6kW): $1,174
- 📋 Data: NREL Reference Data