Solar Panel Output in Texas (TX)
Texas offers excellent solar potential across most of the state, with 5-6.5 peak sun hours daily. The western regions rival Arizona for solar production, while the Gulf Coast has more humidity and cloud cover. Texas independent grid (ERCOT) makes solar backup especially valuable.
Peak Sun Hours (Annual)
5.5
Summer Peak Hours
6.5
Winter Peak Hours
4.5
Optimal Tilt Angle
31°
Daily Solar Output in Texas
Expected daily production from common panel sizes in Texas conditions.
| Panel Size | Summer (Wh/day) | Winter (Wh/day) | Annual Avg (Wh/day) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100W Panel | 650 | 450 | 530 |
| 200W Panel | 1300 | 900 | 1060 |
| 400W Panel | 2600 | 1800 | 2120 |
* Based on 5.5 average peak sun hours and 85% system efficiency.
Seasonal Peak Sun Hours
Spring
5.5 hrs
Summer
6.5 hrs
Fall
5.5 hrs
Winter
4.5 hrs
Solar Production by City in Texas
| City | Peak Sun Hours | 100W Daily Output | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| El Paso | 6.5 hrs | 553Wh | Desert climate, excellent solar |
| Austin | 5.3 hrs | 451Wh | Good solar with occasional storms |
| Houston | 4.8 hrs | 408Wh | More humidity and clouds, still viable |
| San Antonio | 5.5 hrs | 468Wh | Strong solar potential |
| Dallas | 5.2 hrs | 442Wh | Good solar, watch for hail |
Texas Climate Considerations
- •Western Texas has desert-like conditions with high solar potential
- •Gulf Coast experiences humidity and afternoon thunderstorms
- •Hail is a concern - consider impact-resistant panels
- •ERCOT grid instability makes backup power valuable
- ✓Off-grid ranches
- ✓Grid backup (ERCOT)
- ✓RV/camping
- ✓Hurricane preparedness
- !Hail damage risk
- !Gulf Coast humidity
- !Extreme summer heat
Solar Tips for Texas
- •Western Texas (El Paso, Midland) has Arizona-level solar potential
- •Install hail-resistant panels if you are in Hail Alley (DFW to Austin)
- •Gulf Coast systems benefit from corrosion-resistant mounting hardware
- •Size for summer AC loads if cooling is your primary concern
- •Consider battery backup given ERCOT grid reliability issues
Frequently Asked Questions: Solar in Texas
How much solar power can I generate in Texas?
Texas averages 5.5 peak sun hours statewide, with western regions reaching 6.5 hours. A 100W panel produces 500-650Wh daily depending on location.
Is solar worth it in Houston?
Yes, despite more cloud cover. Houston still gets 4.8 peak sun hours - enough for effective solar. Size your system 20% larger than western Texas to compensate.
Do I need hail-resistant solar panels in Texas?
In the I-35 corridor (Dallas to San Antonio), hail-resistant panels are recommended. Look for panels rated to withstand 1-inch hail at 50+ mph.