While many people think Average sun hours Per day, peak hours of the sun are a more accurate measure of solar capacity. Instead of just counting the number of hours, this concept looks at the intensity of the sun’s radiation.
Peak solar hours are defined as the hour when the sun’s intensity reaches an average of 1,000 watts per square meter.
By looking at a map of sun hours and analyzing how many hours of sunlight each day receives in different areas, we can better plan and implement solar technology. In this guide, we’ll teach you about solar peak times, how they differ from state to state, how they’re measured, why they’re important in solar decisions, and what to expect for your specific location. How to calculate them?
What are the peak times of the sun?
“Peak sun hours” are the hours when the intensity of solar radiation (or sunlight) reaches an average of 1,000 watts of energy per square meter (or 10.5 feet). In short, peak sun hours are equivalent to 1,000W of sunlight per square meter for one hour.
The math for peak hours of sunshine is:
1 hour of peak sunlight = 1 hour of sunshine, 1000 watts per square meter = 1000 watts per square meter.
Or, 1 hour of peak sunlight = 1 kilowatt/square meter
While solar panels receive an average of 7 hours of sunlight, the average peak sunlight hours are usually around 3 or 5. Off-peak sunshine hours are the rest of the time when solar panels receive sunlight but not at high intensity.
Peak sunshine hours by state
Due to the large geographic area of the United States and its different climate zones, the hours of sunlight vary greatly from state to state. Below is a table and graph of peak sunlight hours representing other regions.
| condition | Peak hours of the sun | condition | Peak hours of the sun |
| Alabama | 3.5 – 4 | Louisiana | 4 – 4.5 |
| Alaska | 2 – 3 | Main | 3 – 3.5 |
| Arizona | 7 – 8 | Maryland | 3 – 4 |
| Arkansas | 3.5 – 4 | Massachusetts | 3 |
| California | 5 – 7.5 | Michigan | 2.5 – 3.5 |
| Colorado | 5 – 6.5 | Minnesota | 4 |
| Connecticut | 3 | Mississippi | 4 – 4.5 |
| Florida | 4 | Missouri | 4 – 4.5 |
| Georgia | 4 – 4.5 | Montana | 4 – 5 |
| Illinois | 3 – 4 | Nebraska | 4.5 – 5 |
| Indiana | 2.5 – 4 | Nevada | 6 – 7.5 |
| Iowa | 4 | New Hampshire | 3 – 3.5 |
| Kansas | 4 – 5.5 | New Jersey | 3.5 – 4 |
| Kentucky | 3 – 4 | New Mexico | 6 – 7 |
Why do peak times of the sun vary by state and region?
Ever wondered why some states seem to be bathed in endless sunlight while others barely see it? The answer lies in the fascinating world of peak sunlight hours, which can vary dramatically from place to place.
While the average daily sunshine hours give us an idea of the hours of sunlight, the peak hours of the sun provide a more detailed picture of solar capacity. These variations are influenced by several important factors:
- length: States near the equator generally enjoy more hours of sunshine. This is why sunshine hours maps often show southern states as having the most solar potential.
- Climate: Local weather patterns have a significant impact on how many hours of sunlight each day changes to peak solar hours. Cloudy coastal areas may have longer days but shorter peak hours of sunshine than drier inland areas.
- Weather: The peak hours of the sun fluctuate throughout the year. Northern states have inconsistent peak sun times in summer and winter, while southern states have more consistent peak sun times.
- Topography: Mountains, valleys, and even city skylines can affect the amount of local sunlight, creating microclimates with different hours of sunlight within the same state.
- Environmental conditions: Air quality, humidity, and altitude all determine the amount of solar radiation reaching the Earth, which affects the calculation of the sun’s peak hours.
How do peak sun hours affect my solar panels?
First, the hours of sunlight determine the energy output of a solar panel. While solar panels generate electricity throughout the day, they reach their peak efficiency during these peak hours. The longer the sunlight hours, the higher the energy production, which can potentially save you more on your electricity bill.
Peak sunlight hours in your location can also affect the size and design of your solar system. Areas with less sunlight may require more panels or more efficient modules to meet the same energy needs as areas with more sun. This factor can affect both your initial investment and the long-term payback of your solar project.
Additionally, peak sunlight hours can affect how quickly your solar investment pays back. Areas with longer hours of sunshine typically have shorter payback periods because solar panels in these areas can produce more electricity over time.
It’s worth noting that even if your area doesn’t have a lot of sunlight hours, solar energy can still be a viable option. Advances in solar technology have made solar panels more efficient even in less than ideal conditions. However, knowing your local peak sunlight hours can help you set realistic expectations and guide you in making better solar travel decisions.
By considering factors such as sunlight hours, as well as local electricity prices and available incentives, you can make an informed decision about solar energy. Keep in mind that while sunlight hours are critical, they’re only one piece of the solar puzzle—but understanding them can get you closer to using solar energy efficiently.
How many peak sunshine hours do you need for solar power?
Although more peak sunshine hours are generally better, there is no universal minimum requirement. Many solar experts consider 4 hours of peak sunshine per day to be a good standard for solar energy to be viable, but areas with fewer hours of sunlight can still benefit from solar energy.
Your specific needs will depend on several factors:
- Local climate and shade
- Household energy consumption
- Solar panel performance
- Local electricity prices and solar incentives
Remember that even in areas with low sunlight hours, such as New Jersey or Massachusetts (4-5 hours), there is a thriving solar market. Modern solar technology is becoming more efficient, making solar energy viable in more places. Don’t let the low sunlight hours discourage you.
