Texas Solar Production & Irradiance Data
4.9 peak sun hours/day · 8,460 kWh/year from a 6kW system · above national average
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Texas receives an average of 4.9 peak sun hours per day, which translates to a Global Horizontal Irradiance (GHI) of 4.9 kWh/m²/day. When solar panels are tilted at the optimal angle for Texas's latitude, irradiance increases to 5.55 kWh/m²/day — a 13% boost over flat-mounted panels.
This puts Texas above the national average of 4.29 peak sun hours per day. Texas's superior solar resource means your panels will produce significantly more electricity than the same system installed in an average US state. 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) | 5,640 kWh | 470 kWh | $873/yr | $21,825 |
| 6 kW (18-24 panels) | 8,460 kWh | 705 kWh | $1,309/yr | $32,725 |
| 8 kW (24-32 panels) | 11,280 kWh | 940 kWh | $1,745/yr | $43,625 |
| 10 kW (30-40 panels) | 14,100 kWh | 1,175 kWh | $2,181/yr | $54,525 |
Based on 5.55 kWh/m²/day tilt irradiance, 14% system losses, and 15.47¢/kWh electricity rate. Actual output varies by installation specifics.
Month-by-Month Solar Production in Texas
Estimated monthly output for a 6kW system:
Solar production in Texas peaks in June when a 6kW system generates approximately 888 kWh — about 10.5% of annual production in a single month. The lowest production month is December at approximately 423 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 Texas Compares Nationally
Tips for Maximizing Solar Production in Texas
Texas's 4.9 peak sun hours per day provides solid solar production. Proper panel orientation is important — aim for south-facing at Texas's latitude tilt angle for optimal year-round performance.
Heat management is worth considering in Texas'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 Texas 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): 4.9 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: 5.55 kWh/m²/day. When panels are tilted at the optimal angle for Texas'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.
Texas Solar Production FAQ
How many peak sun hours does Texas get?▼
Texas averages 4.9 peak sun hours per day, which is above 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 Texas?▼
A 6kW solar system in Texas produces approximately 8,460 kWh per year, or about 705 kWh per month on average. Production peaks in June (approximately 888 kWh) and is lowest in December (approximately 423 kWh). At Texas's average rate of 15.47¢/kWh, this saves you about $1,309/year.
What is the best month for solar production in Texas?▼
June is typically the best month for solar production in Texas, with a 6kW system producing approximately 888 kWh. The long daylight hours and high sun angle combine for maximum energy generation. The worst month is December, producing about 423 kWh — roughly 48% of the best month's output.
How does Texas's solar potential compare to other states?▼
Texas's average of 4.9 peak sun hours per day puts it above the national average of 4.29 hours. A 6kW system in Texas produces 8,460 kWh/year, compared to the national average of 7,562 kWh/year — that's +898 kWh/year (+12%). Even at Texas's 15.47¢/kWh rate, solar delivers solid returns.
What affects solar panel output in Texas?▼
Key factors affecting solar output in Texas 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. Texas's GHI (Global Horizontal Irradiance) is 4.9 kWh/m²/day, but panels tilted at the optimal angle receive 5.55 kWh/m²/day — a 13% improvement over flat-mounted panels.
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Texas Solar Data
- ☀️ Peak Sun Hours: 4.9 hrs/day
- 📊 GHI: 4.9 kWh/m²/day
- 📐 Tilt Irradiance: 5.55 kWh/m²/day
- ⚡ 6kW Output: 8,460 kWh/yr
- 📈 Best Month: June
- 📉 Worst Month: December
- 💡 Electricity Rate: 15.47¢/kWh
- 💰 Annual Savings (6kW): $1,309
- 📋 Data: NREL Reference Data