Virginia Solar Production & Irradiance Data
4.2 peak sun hours/day · 7,416 kWh/year from a 6kW system · near national average
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Virginia 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 Virginia's latitude, irradiance increases to 4.88 kWh/m²/day — a 16% boost over flat-mounted panels.
This puts Virginia near the national average of 4.29 peak sun hours per day. Virginia'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) | 4,944 kWh | 412 kWh | $755/yr | $18,875 |
| 6 kW (18-24 panels) | 7,416 kWh | 618 kWh | $1,133/yr | $28,325 |
| 8 kW (24-32 panels) | 9,888 kWh | 824 kWh | $1,511/yr | $37,775 |
| 10 kW (30-40 panels) | 12,360 kWh | 1,030 kWh | $1,889/yr | $47,225 |
Based on 4.88 kWh/m²/day tilt irradiance, 14% system losses, and 15.28¢/kWh electricity rate. Actual output varies by installation specifics.
Month-by-Month Solar Production in Virginia
Estimated monthly output for a 6kW system:
Solar production in Virginia peaks in June when a 6kW system generates approximately 853 kWh — about 11.5% of annual production in a single month. The lowest production month is December at approximately 297 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 Virginia Compares Nationally
Tips for Maximizing Solar Production in Virginia
Virginia's 4.2 peak sun hours per day provides solid solar production. Proper panel orientation is important — aim for south-facing at Virginia's latitude tilt angle for optimal year-round performance.
Consider adding battery storage to your Virginia 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): 4.2 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: 4.88 kWh/m²/day. When panels are tilted at the optimal angle for Virginia's latitude, they receive 16% 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.
Virginia Solar Production FAQ
How many peak sun hours does Virginia get?▼
Virginia 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 Virginia?▼
A 6kW solar system in Virginia produces approximately 7,416 kWh per year, or about 618 kWh per month on average. Production peaks in June (approximately 853 kWh) and is lowest in December (approximately 297 kWh). At Virginia's average rate of 15.28¢/kWh, this saves you about $1,133/year.
What is the best month for solar production in Virginia?▼
June is typically the best month for solar production in Virginia, with a 6kW system producing approximately 853 kWh. The long daylight hours and high sun angle combine for maximum energy generation. The worst month is December, producing about 297 kWh — roughly 35% of the best month's output.
How does Virginia's solar potential compare to other states?▼
Virginia's average of 4.2 peak sun hours per day puts it near the national average of 4.29 hours. A 6kW system in Virginia produces 7,416 kWh/year, compared to the national average of 7,562 kWh/year — that's -146 kWh/year (-2%). Even at Virginia's 15.28¢/kWh rate, solar delivers solid returns.
What affects solar panel output in Virginia?▼
Key factors affecting solar output in Virginia include: roof orientation (south-facing is ideal), tilt angle (latitude tilt of 37° is optimal), shading from trees or buildings, panel efficiency rating, and local weather patterns. Virginia's GHI (Global Horizontal Irradiance) is 4.2 kWh/m²/day, but panels tilted at the optimal angle receive 4.88 kWh/m²/day — a 16% improvement over flat-mounted panels.
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Virginia Solar Data
- ☀️ Peak Sun Hours: 4.2 hrs/day
- 📊 GHI: 4.2 kWh/m²/day
- 📐 Tilt Irradiance: 4.88 kWh/m²/day
- ⚡ 6kW Output: 7,416 kWh/yr
- 📈 Best Month: June
- 📉 Worst Month: December
- 💡 Electricity Rate: 15.28¢/kWh
- 💰 Annual Savings (6kW): $1,133
- 📋 Data: NREL Reference Data