Quick Answer
The average peak sun hour data varies from state to state in the US, with states in the Southwest experiencing the most sunlight. States like Arizona and California have the highest average peak sun hours, while those in the Northeast and Northwest have the lowest. This data is crucial for solar panel installations.
Peak Sun Hours by Region
Peak sun hours are a critical factor in determining the potential output of solar panels. The Southwest region of the US has the highest average peak sun hours, with Arizona averaging around 6.9 peak sun hours per day, followed closely by California with 6.7 peak sun hours. Other states in the Southwest, such as Nevada and New Mexico, also have high average peak sun hours.
Peak Sun Hours by State
Here are some average peak sun hours per state in the US, from highest to lowest: Arizona (6.9), California (6.7), Nevada (6.5), New Mexico (6.4), Texas (6.3), Florida (6.1), and Colorado (6.0). States in the Northeast and Northwest tend to have lower average peak sun hours, with Alaska having the lowest at 2.1 peak sun hours per day. It’s essential to consider these numbers when planning solar panel installations.
Applications and Considerations
Understanding peak sun hours can help determine the size and efficiency of solar panel arrays. For example, a 5 kW solar panel array in Arizona could generate around 34,000 kWh of electricity per year, while the same array in Alaska would only generate around 10,000 kWh. Solar panel installers and homeowners can use this data to optimize their systems for maximum energy production.
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