Solar Panel Output in Florida (FL)
The Sunshine State lives up to its name with 5-6 peak sun hours daily. While afternoon thunderstorms are common, morning sun is reliable year-round. Hurricane preparedness makes solar with battery backup especially valuable for Florida residents.
Peak Sun Hours (Annual)
5.5
Summer Peak Hours
6
Winter Peak Hours
5
Optimal Tilt Angle
28°
Daily Solar Output in Florida
Expected daily production from common panel sizes in Florida conditions.
| Panel Size | Summer (Wh/day) | Winter (Wh/day) | Annual Avg (Wh/day) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100W Panel | 600 | 500 | 530 |
| 200W Panel | 1200 | 1000 | 1060 |
| 400W Panel | 2400 | 2000 | 2120 |
* Based on 5.5 average peak sun hours and 85% system efficiency.
Seasonal Peak Sun Hours
Spring
6 hrs
Summer
6 hrs
Fall
5.5 hrs
Winter
5 hrs
Solar Production by City in Florida
| City | Peak Sun Hours | 100W Daily Output | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Miami | 5.5 hrs | 468Wh | Tropical, consistent year-round |
| Orlando | 5.4 hrs | 459Wh | Afternoon storms, morning sun |
| Tampa | 5.5 hrs | 468Wh | Similar to Orlando |
| Jacksonville | 5.3 hrs | 451Wh | Slightly more seasonal variation |
| Key West | 5.8 hrs | 493Wh | Excellent year-round, salt corrosion concern |
Florida Climate Considerations
- •Afternoon thunderstorms are daily in summer but brief
- •Hurricane-rated mounting is essential
- •High humidity requires corrosion-resistant equipment
- •Salt air near coasts accelerates wear
- ✓Hurricane backup power
- ✓Off-grid cabins
- ✓Boat/marine solar
- ✓Consistent year-round power
- !Hurricane mounting requirements
- !Afternoon storms
- !Salt corrosion
Solar Tips for Florida
- •Hurricane-rated mounting is non-negotiable - use stainless steel hardware
- •Maximize morning production since afternoons often have storms
- •Battery backup is essential for hurricane season power outages
- •Use marine-grade equipment near the coast (within 10 miles)
- •Consider a lower tilt angle (15-20°) for hurricane wind resistance
Frequently Asked Questions: Solar in Florida
How much solar power can I generate in Florida?
Florida averages 5.5 peak sun hours. A 100W panel produces about 530Wh daily. The consistent year-round sun makes Florida better for solar than the numbers might suggest.
Will solar panels survive a hurricane?
With proper hurricane-rated mounting, yes. Panels themselves are surprisingly durable. The mounting system is critical - use stainless steel and follow Florida building codes.
Do afternoon storms hurt solar production?
Somewhat, but less than you would think. Summer storms are brief (1-2 hours) and morning sun is very reliable. Overall production is still excellent.