Tennessee Solar Production & Irradiance Data
4.2 peak sun hours/day · 7,200 kWh/year from a 6kW system · near national average
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Tennessee receives an average of 4.2 peak sun hours per day, which translates to a Global Horizontal Irradiance (GHI) of 4.2 kWh/m²/day. When solar panels are tilted at the optimal angle for Tennessee's latitude, irradiance increases to 4.75 kWh/m²/day — a 13% boost over flat-mounted panels.
This puts Tennessee near the national average of 4.29 peak sun hours per day. Tennessee'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) | 4,800 kWh | 400 kWh | $633/yr | $15,825 |
| 6 kW (18-24 panels) | 7,200 kWh | 600 kWh | $949/yr | $23,725 |
| 8 kW (24-32 panels) | 9,600 kWh | 800 kWh | $1,265/yr | $31,625 |
| 10 kW (30-40 panels) | 12,000 kWh | 1,000 kWh | $1,582/yr | $39,550 |
Based on 4.75 kWh/m²/day tilt irradiance, 14% system losses, and 13.18¢/kWh electricity rate. Actual output varies by installation specifics.
Month-by-Month Solar Production in Tennessee
Estimated monthly output for a 6kW system:
Solar production in Tennessee peaks in June when a 6kW system generates approximately 828 kWh — about 11.5% of annual production in a single month. The lowest production month is December at approximately 288 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 Tennessee Compares Nationally
Tips for Maximizing Solar Production in Tennessee
Tennessee's 4.2 peak sun hours per day provides solid solar production. Proper panel orientation is important — aim for south-facing at Tennessee's latitude tilt angle for optimal year-round performance.
Consider adding battery storage to your Tennessee 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 Tennessee where net metering credits are limited.
Solar Irradiance Technical Data
Global Horizontal Irradiance (GHI): 4.2 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: 4.75 kWh/m²/day. When panels are tilted at the optimal angle for Tennessee'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.
Tennessee Solar Production FAQ
How many peak sun hours does Tennessee get?▼
Tennessee averages 4.2 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 Tennessee?▼
A 6kW solar system in Tennessee produces approximately 7,200 kWh per year, or about 600 kWh per month on average. Production peaks in June (approximately 828 kWh) and is lowest in December (approximately 288 kWh). At Tennessee's average rate of 13.18¢/kWh, this saves you about $949/year.
What is the best month for solar production in Tennessee?▼
June is typically the best month for solar production in Tennessee, with a 6kW system producing approximately 828 kWh. The long daylight hours and high sun angle combine for maximum energy generation. The worst month is December, producing about 288 kWh — roughly 35% of the best month's output.
How does Tennessee's solar potential compare to other states?▼
Tennessee's average of 4.2 peak sun hours per day puts it near the national average of 4.29 hours. A 6kW system in Tennessee produces 7,200 kWh/year, compared to the national average of 7,562 kWh/year — that's -362 kWh/year (-5%). Even at Tennessee's 13.18¢/kWh rate, solar delivers solid returns.
What affects solar panel output in Tennessee?▼
Key factors affecting solar output in Tennessee 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. Tennessee's GHI (Global Horizontal Irradiance) is 4.2 kWh/m²/day, but panels tilted at the optimal angle receive 4.75 kWh/m²/day — a 13% improvement over flat-mounted panels.
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Tennessee Solar Data
- ☀️ Peak Sun Hours: 4.2 hrs/day
- 📊 GHI: 4.2 kWh/m²/day
- 📐 Tilt Irradiance: 4.75 kWh/m²/day
- ⚡ 6kW Output: 7,200 kWh/yr
- 📈 Best Month: June
- 📉 Worst Month: December
- 💡 Electricity Rate: 13.18¢/kWh
- 💰 Annual Savings (6kW): $949
- 📋 Data: NREL Reference Data