Peak Sun Hours: How Many Peak Sun Hours Needed to Go Solar

If you are thinking of going solar and investing in solar systems, you probably would want to know if your home receives enough sunlight. You must remember that only total sunlight hours are not enough, but peak sun hours are what really matters. This number will determine if solar panels are a worthy investment.

A highly efficient solar panel, like Jackery SolarSaga Solar Panels, can produce more solar energy in peak sunlight hours. They are made from monocrystalline silicon solar cells that convert the sun's rays into electricity. This comprehensive guide reveals what exactly is peak sun hours and how they differ depending on the state.

What Are Peak Sun Hours?

The term "peak sun hours" is defined as the time in which the intensity of solar irradiance (or sunlight) reaches an average of 1000 watts of energy per sq. meter (or 10.5 feet). In simple words, a peak sun hour is the equivalent of 1000W per square meter of the sun's rays for one hour.

Here is the mathematical representation of the peak sun hours:

1 peak sun hour = 1 hour of sunlight at 1000 watts per sq. meter = 1000 watts per sq. meter.

Or, 1 peak sun hour = 1 kilowatts per sq. meter

Although the solar panels may receive an average of 7 hours of sunlight, the average peak sun hours are generally around 3 or 5. The non-peak sun hours are the remaining hours when the panels receive sunlight but not with high intensity.

Why Are Peak Sun Hours So Important?

The peak sun hours are an essential factor that determines whether solar panels will produce enough electricity to charge appliances and get ROI. The home's location will determine how many hours of sunlight it gets and how intense the sun's rays are.

Knowing your average peak sun hours can help you calculate the number of solar panels required.

• Peak sun hours = 4
• Your home used 10,000kWh of electricity last year
• 10,000kWh / 365 days = 27.3kWh per day
• 3kWh per day / 4 peak sun hours per day = 6.8kWh

This means you'll have to install a solar system that supplies around 7kW.

Jackery SolarSaga Solar Panels have high efficiency that meets industry standards and can charge the battery backup in a few hours. Let's look at how peak sun hours are used to measure sunlight for a particular location.

The sun does not shine with the same intensity throughout the day. Instead, it keeps fluctuating depending on the time of the day and weather. For example, sunlight will likely be less than 500W/m2 during early mornings and late afternoons.

During middays, you are more likely to receive more or less 1000W/m2. If a location receives 6,650Wh/m2 of solar radiation over a day, then the site gets 6.65 peak sun hours.

Peak Sun Hours by State

As the US covers a large geographic area and different climate zones, there is a large variation in peak sun hours between states. Here's a table that represents other locations and a peak sun-hours map.

Peak Sun Hours by Zip Code

The peak sun hours in the US vary by zip code. The table represents the city, state, zip code, and average peak sun hours received. All the values are calculated using the tilt angle of 0° and an azimuth angle of 180°.

Here's a table representing peak sun hours by zip code.

How Many Peak Sun Hours Needed to Go Solar?

Here are some simple ways to estimate how many peak sunlight hours you receive.

Check Average Peak Hours in Your State

The simple way to estimate the peak sun hours is by checking your state's average peak sun hours. Generally, the states that share borders with Canada fall on the lower end of the spectrum. The southwest states receive the highest peak sun hours.

Check the Average Peak Sun Hours of Nearby City

Those living in North America's major metropolitan areas receive between 3.5 and 7 hours of peak sunlight over the course of the year.

Calculate Using PVWatts Calculator

The National Renewable Laboratory's PVWatts calculator is an excellent, free resource that helps you calculate your property's average peak sun hours. With the calculator, you can get highly accurate solar irradiance data for residential and commercial US properties.

The energy received from the sunlight is called radiation and is composed of particles known as photons. Each photon carries some energy.

When solar radiation reaches the Earth's surface, it is divided into direct and diffuse categories. Direct radiation reaches the ground in a straight beam, whereas diffuse radiation is reflected by the atmosphere or scattered by clouds, dust, and smog. Together, direct and diffuse radiation is called global radiation.

There is no single answer to how many peak sun hours are necessary to go solar. As peak sun hours vary from one location to another, the exact capacity of the solar system can produce different results in different areas. For example, a six-kilowatt (kW) solar array will generate more energy in Phoenix than in Washington, DC.

Jackery Solar Panels Explained

Solar power is witnessing rapid adoption as it has so many benefits. With enough solar panels and a battery backup, you can eliminate high electricity bills and forego reliance on aging infrastructure.

Jackery has a reliable range of solar panels and power stations that lets you supply electricity and protect against power outages.

The SolarSaga Solar Panels by Jackery are built with monocrystalline silicon solar cells to collect and convert maximum sun's rays into electricity. Below, we will include the popular Jackery SolarSaga Solar Panels that are highly efficient, portable, and foldable.

Jackery SolarSaga 500X Solar Panels 

The Jackery SolarSaga 500X Solar Panels have a high power output, so you can recharge the power station faster. They use TOPCON cells that maximize sunlight absorption and ensure more conversion into electricity. Whether you are planning to live off-the-grid or wish to prepare for unexpected emergencies, you can consider pairing these solar panels with the Jackery Explorer 5000 Plus Portable Power Station.

Note: The appliance working time calculated in the table are based on mathematical formulas and may vary from the actual time. 

Jackery SolarSaga 200W Solar Panels

Jackery SolarSaga 200W Solar Panels are made from monocrystalline silicon solar cells with a high solar conversion efficiency of up to 24.3%. It has an ETFE-laminated case that protects the panels and extends their lifespan. The IP68 waterproof rating can withstand harsh and wet weather, making these panels ideal for outdoor adventures.

Customer Review

"These are fantastically well-made panels! The thought and build quality that went into them are something to be proud of. I use two of them to charge my Explorer 1500. The carrying case is super nice as well, and the cord is stored in an inside pocket that is built in." — Grant.

Jackery SolarSaga 100W Solar Panels

Jackery SolarSaga 100W Solar Panels have a high conversion efficiency of 24.3% and an IP68 waterproof rating. The compact and lightweight solar panels have two USB output ports to charge two small devices. In order to power other home appliances, you connect the solar power panels to the power station.

Customer Review 

"Took it camping for a week, and using Jackery 300 and the 100w solar panel was plenty for keeping devices charged and the occasional re-inflation of air mattresses for 6+ people. I feel better prepared for the next power outage at home, too." — Garret Mueller.

Jackery SolarSaga 40W Mini Solar Panels

The Jackery SolarSaga 40W Mini Solar Panels have a four-fold design that ensures easy movement to outdoor locations. For those planning a hiking or backpacking adventure, the ultra-lightweight ensures the solar panels can offer reliable power in remote locations. They have direct charging capabilities that let you power two small devices like drones and cameras simultaneously. You can consider pairing the panels with a portable power station for longer trips or powering other small appliances.

Customer Review 

“Used it for friends' airbeds during camping. It lasted for 2 days charging multiple phones, tablets and rechargeable lights. Highly recommended!” — Aubrey Panganiban.

Peak Sun Hours FAQs

1. What type of energy is received from the sun? And how much energy is received from the sun?

We receive sunlight in the form of radiation from the sun composed of particles called photons. Solar energy reaches the edge of Earth's atmosphere at a constant rate of about 1370 watts per square meter. The atmosphere absorbs part of it, and the maximum power received by the Earth's surface is about 1000 watts per square meter.

2. What ways to maximize the peak sun hours?

Here are a few simple tips that will let you maximize the value of peak sun hours received.

• Store Electricity:Solar panels collect and convert the sun's energy to electricity. During the peak hours, they will convert more solar energy. Investing in a battery backup system will help you store and use the generated electricity later.
• Reduce Appliance Usage During Peak Hours:You can maximize electricity generation by reducing appliance usage during peak sun hours. This lets you store more power, which can be used in later hours.
• Net Metering: You can benefit from net metering if your solar panels produce more electricity.

3. What are the differences between peak sun hours and solar irradiance?

Peak sun hours express how much solar energy (or solar irradiance or solar isolation) a location receives over time. On the other hand, solar irradiance is the term that defines the solar radiation actually reaching the surface or the power received per unit area from the sun. While peak sun hours are typically defined as 1kWh/m2 of solar energy, solar irradiance is expressed in kWh/m2 per day or year.

Final Thoughts

Understanding the peak sun hours for your area will assist you in estimating the right size solar system. If you are unsure which solar system size will suit your needs, consider a solar generator with an expandable LiFePO4 battery.

Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus features a 1264Wh battery capacity that can be expanded to 5kWh using Battery Pack 1000 Plus. You can charge 99% of your home appliances without worrying about the electrical outlets.