South Dakota Solar Production & Irradiance Data
4.25 peak sun hours/day · 7,704 kWh/year from a 6kW system · near national average
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South Dakota receives an average of 4.25 peak sun hours per day, which translates to a Global Horizontal Irradiance (GHI) of 4.25 kWh/m²/day. When solar panels are tilted at the optimal angle for South Dakota's latitude, irradiance increases to 5.08 kWh/m²/day — a 20% boost over flat-mounted panels.
This puts South Dakota near the national average of 4.29 peak sun hours per day. South 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) | 5,136 kWh | 428 kWh | $687/yr | $17,175 |
| 6 kW (18-24 panels) | 7,704 kWh | 642 kWh | $1,031/yr | $25,775 |
| 8 kW (24-32 panels) | 10,272 kWh | 856 kWh | $1,374/yr | $34,350 |
| 10 kW (30-40 panels) | 12,840 kWh | 1,070 kWh | $1,718/yr | $42,950 |
Based on 5.08 kWh/m²/day tilt irradiance, 14% system losses, and 13.38¢/kWh electricity rate. Actual output varies by installation specifics.
Month-by-Month Solar Production in South Dakota
Estimated monthly output for a 6kW system:
Solar production in South Dakota peaks in June when a 6kW system generates approximately 1,002 kWh — about 13% of annual production in a single month. The lowest production month is December at approximately 270 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 South Dakota Compares Nationally
Tips for Maximizing Solar Production in South Dakota
South Dakota's 4.25 peak sun hours per day provides solid solar production. Proper panel orientation is important — aim for south-facing at South Dakota's latitude tilt angle for optimal year-round performance.
Snow management matters in South 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 South 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 in South Dakota where net metering credits are limited.
Solar Irradiance Technical Data
Global Horizontal Irradiance (GHI): 4.25 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: 5.08 kWh/m²/day. When panels are tilted at the optimal angle for South Dakota's latitude, they receive 20% 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 Dakota Solar Production FAQ
How many peak sun hours does South Dakota get?▼
South Dakota averages 4.25 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 Dakota?▼
A 6kW solar system in South Dakota produces approximately 7,704 kWh per year, or about 642 kWh per month on average. Production peaks in June (approximately 1,002 kWh) and is lowest in December (approximately 270 kWh). At South Dakota's average rate of 13.38¢/kWh, this saves you about $1,031/year.
What is the best month for solar production in South Dakota?▼
June is typically the best month for solar production in South Dakota, with a 6kW system producing approximately 1,002 kWh. The long daylight hours and high sun angle combine for maximum energy generation. The worst month is December, producing about 270 kWh — roughly 27% of the best month's output.
How does South Dakota's solar potential compare to other states?▼
South Dakota's average of 4.25 peak sun hours per day puts it near the national average of 4.29 hours. A 6kW system in South Dakota produces 7,704 kWh/year, compared to the national average of 7,562 kWh/year — that's +142 kWh/year (+2%). Even at South Dakota's 13.38¢/kWh rate, solar delivers solid returns.
What affects solar panel output in South Dakota?▼
Key factors affecting solar output in South 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. South Dakota's GHI (Global Horizontal Irradiance) is 4.25 kWh/m²/day, but panels tilted at the optimal angle receive 5.08 kWh/m²/day — a 20% improvement over flat-mounted panels.
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South Dakota Solar Data
- ☀️ Peak Sun Hours: 4.25 hrs/day
- 📊 GHI: 4.25 kWh/m²/day
- 📐 Tilt Irradiance: 5.08 kWh/m²/day
- ⚡ 6kW Output: 7,704 kWh/yr
- 📈 Best Month: June
- 📉 Worst Month: December
- 💡 Electricity Rate: 13.38¢/kWh
- 💰 Annual Savings (6kW): $1,031
- 📋 Data: NREL Reference Data