Utah Solar Production & Irradiance Data
5 peak sun hours/day · 9,120 kWh/year from a 6kW system · above national average
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Utah receives an average of 5 peak sun hours per day, which translates to a Global Horizontal Irradiance (GHI) of 5 kWh/m²/day. When solar panels are tilted at the optimal angle for Utah's latitude, irradiance increases to 6 kWh/m²/day — a 20% boost over flat-mounted panels.
This puts Utah above the national average of 4.29 peak sun hours per day. Utah'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) | 6,080 kWh | 507 kWh | $795/yr | $19,875 |
| 6 kW (18-24 panels) | 9,120 kWh | 760 kWh | $1,192/yr | $29,800 |
| 8 kW (24-32 panels) | 12,160 kWh | 1,013 kWh | $1,589/yr | $39,725 |
| 10 kW (30-40 panels) | 15,200 kWh | 1,267 kWh | $1,987/yr | $49,675 |
Based on 6 kWh/m²/day tilt irradiance, 14% system losses, and 13.07¢/kWh electricity rate. Actual output varies by installation specifics.
Month-by-Month Solar Production in Utah
Estimated monthly output for a 6kW system:
Solar production in Utah peaks in June when a 6kW system generates approximately 1,049 kWh — about 11.5% of annual production in a single month. The lowest production month is December at approximately 365 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 Utah Compares Nationally
Tips for Maximizing Solar Production in Utah
With 5 peak sun hours per day, Utah is one of the best states for solar production. Even slightly tilted panels will produce excellent output year-round.
Consider adding battery storage to your Utah 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 Utah where net metering credits are limited.
Solar Irradiance Technical Data
Global Horizontal Irradiance (GHI): 5 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: 6 kWh/m²/day. When panels are tilted at the optimal angle for Utah'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.
Utah Solar Production FAQ
How many peak sun hours does Utah get?▼
Utah averages 5 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 Utah?▼
A 6kW solar system in Utah produces approximately 9,120 kWh per year, or about 760 kWh per month on average. Production peaks in June (approximately 1,049 kWh) and is lowest in December (approximately 365 kWh). At Utah's average rate of 13.07¢/kWh, this saves you about $1,192/year.
What is the best month for solar production in Utah?▼
June is typically the best month for solar production in Utah, with a 6kW system producing approximately 1,049 kWh. The long daylight hours and high sun angle combine for maximum energy generation. The worst month is December, producing about 365 kWh — roughly 35% of the best month's output.
How does Utah's solar potential compare to other states?▼
Utah's average of 5 peak sun hours per day puts it above the national average of 4.29 hours. A 6kW system in Utah produces 9,120 kWh/year, compared to the national average of 7,562 kWh/year — that's +1,558 kWh/year (+21%). Even at Utah's 13.07¢/kWh rate, solar delivers solid returns.
What affects solar panel output in Utah?▼
Key factors affecting solar output in Utah include: roof orientation (south-facing is ideal), tilt angle (latitude tilt of 40° is optimal), shading from trees or buildings, panel efficiency rating, and local weather patterns. Utah's GHI (Global Horizontal Irradiance) is 5 kWh/m²/day, but panels tilted at the optimal angle receive 6 kWh/m²/day — a 20% improvement over flat-mounted panels.
More Utah Solar Resources
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Utah Solar Data
- ☀️ Peak Sun Hours: 5 hrs/day
- 📊 GHI: 5 kWh/m²/day
- 📐 Tilt Irradiance: 6 kWh/m²/day
- ⚡ 6kW Output: 9,120 kWh/yr
- 📈 Best Month: June
- 📉 Worst Month: December
- 💡 Electricity Rate: 13.07¢/kWh
- 💰 Annual Savings (6kW): $1,192
- 📋 Data: NREL Reference Data