West Virginia Solar Production & Irradiance Data
3.7 peak sun hours/day · 6,384 kWh/year from a 6kW system · below national average
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West Virginia receives an average of 3.7 peak sun hours per day, which translates to a Global Horizontal Irradiance (GHI) of 3.7 kWh/m²/day. When solar panels are tilted at the optimal angle for West Virginia's latitude, irradiance increases to 4.2 kWh/m²/day — a 14% boost over flat-mounted panels.
This puts West Virginia below the national average of 4.29 peak sun hours per day. While West Virginia receives less sunlight than sun-belt states, solar is still a sound investment — especially when electricity rates and local incentives are factored in. Germany, with similar sun hours, is one of the world's largest solar markets. 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) | 4,256 kWh | 355 kWh | $656/yr | $16,400 |
| 6 kW (18-24 panels) | 6,384 kWh | 532 kWh | $984/yr | $24,600 |
| 8 kW (24-32 panels) | 8,512 kWh | 709 kWh | $1,312/yr | $32,800 |
| 10 kW (30-40 panels) | 10,640 kWh | 887 kWh | $1,640/yr | $41,000 |
Based on 4.2 kWh/m²/day tilt irradiance, 14% system losses, and 15.41¢/kWh electricity rate. Actual output varies by installation specifics.
Month-by-Month Solar Production in West Virginia
Estimated monthly output for a 6kW system:
Solar production in West Virginia peaks in June when a 6kW system generates approximately 734 kWh — about 11.5% of annual production in a single month. The lowest production month is December at approximately 255 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 West Virginia Compares Nationally
Tips for Maximizing Solar Production in West Virginia
While West Virginia's 3.7 peak sun hours is below the national average, solar is still viable and cost-effective. Maximizing panel tilt angle and ensuring zero shading are critical to getting the most from your system.
Consider adding battery storage to your West 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): 3.7 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: 4.2 kWh/m²/day. When panels are tilted at the optimal angle for West Virginia's latitude, they receive 14% 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.
West Virginia Solar Production FAQ
How many peak sun hours does West Virginia get?▼
West Virginia averages 3.7 peak sun hours per day, which is below 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 West Virginia?▼
A 6kW solar system in West Virginia produces approximately 6,384 kWh per year, or about 532 kWh per month on average. Production peaks in June (approximately 734 kWh) and is lowest in December (approximately 255 kWh). At West Virginia's average rate of 15.41¢/kWh, this saves you about $984/year.
What is the best month for solar production in West Virginia?▼
June is typically the best month for solar production in West Virginia, with a 6kW system producing approximately 734 kWh. The long daylight hours and high sun angle combine for maximum energy generation. The worst month is December, producing about 255 kWh — roughly 35% of the best month's output.
How does West Virginia's solar potential compare to other states?▼
West Virginia's average of 3.7 peak sun hours per day puts it below the national average of 4.29 hours. A 6kW system in West Virginia produces 6,384 kWh/year, compared to the national average of 7,562 kWh/year — that's -1,178 kWh/year (-16%). Even at West Virginia's 15.41¢/kWh rate, solar delivers solid returns.
What affects solar panel output in West Virginia?▼
Key factors affecting solar output in West Virginia include: roof orientation (south-facing is ideal), tilt angle (latitude tilt of 35° is optimal), shading from trees or buildings, panel efficiency rating, and local weather patterns. West Virginia's GHI (Global Horizontal Irradiance) is 3.7 kWh/m²/day, but panels tilted at the optimal angle receive 4.2 kWh/m²/day — a 14% improvement over flat-mounted panels.
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West Virginia Solar Data
- ☀️ Peak Sun Hours: 3.7 hrs/day
- 📊 GHI: 3.7 kWh/m²/day
- 📐 Tilt Irradiance: 4.2 kWh/m²/day
- ⚡ 6kW Output: 6,384 kWh/yr
- 📈 Best Month: June
- 📉 Worst Month: December
- 💡 Electricity Rate: 15.41¢/kWh
- 💰 Annual Savings (6kW): $984
- 📋 Data: NREL Reference Data