Solar Panel Output in North Carolina (NC)
North Carolina is a solar leader on the East Coast with 4.5-5 peak sun hours daily. The state offers favorable policies and has the second-most installed solar capacity in the US. Moderate climate means good year-round production without extreme heat losses.
Peak Sun Hours (Annual)
4.8
Summer Peak Hours
5.5
Winter Peak Hours
4
Optimal Tilt Angle
35°
Daily Solar Output in North Carolina
Expected daily production from common panel sizes in North Carolina conditions.
| Panel Size | Summer (Wh/day) | Winter (Wh/day) | Annual Avg (Wh/day) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100W Panel | 550 | 400 | 465 |
| 200W Panel | 1100 | 800 | 930 |
| 400W Panel | 2200 | 1600 | 1860 |
* Based on 4.8 average peak sun hours and 85% system efficiency.
Seasonal Peak Sun Hours
Spring
5 hrs
Summer
5.5 hrs
Fall
4.8 hrs
Winter
4 hrs
Solar Production by City in North Carolina
| City | Peak Sun Hours | 100W Daily Output | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charlotte | 5 hrs | 425Wh | Strong solar for the Southeast |
| Raleigh | 4.9 hrs | 417Wh | Similar to Charlotte |
| Asheville | 4.7 hrs | 400Wh | Mountain climate, cooler temps |
| Wilmington | 5 hrs | 425Wh | Coastal, hurricane considerations |
North Carolina Climate Considerations
- •Moderate temperatures mean efficient panel operation
- •Hurricane risk on the coast requires proper mounting
- •Summer humidity brings afternoon clouds
- •Light snow in mountains, none on coast
- ✓Grid-tied with backup
- ✓Off-grid mountain cabins
- ✓East Coast efficiency
- ✓Policy incentives
- !Hurricane risk (coast)
- !Moderate sun hours
- !Humidity
Solar Tips for North Carolina
- •NC has strong solar policies - check for state and utility incentives
- •Coastal installations need hurricane-rated mounting
- •Mountain areas may need snow-shedding angles
- •Moderate temperatures mean panels run efficiently year-round
- •Consider battery backup for hurricane season
Frequently Asked Questions: Solar in North Carolina
How much solar power can I generate in North Carolina?
North Carolina averages 4.8 peak sun hours. A 100W panel produces about 465Wh daily - solid for the East Coast.
Is solar worth it in North Carolina?
Yes. NC ranks #2 in installed solar capacity due to good sun, favorable policies, and reasonable installation costs. ROI is typically 6-8 years.
Do I need hurricane-rated panels on the NC coast?
Yes. Coastal NC is in hurricane territory. Use stainless steel mounting hardware and follow NC building codes for wind resistance.