Local Solar Multiplier
A factor accounting for climate, latitude, altitude, and local weather patterns that adjusts national average solar production estimates to your specific location. Ranges from 0.6 (Seattle) to 1.3 (Phoenix).
Why It Matters
A 10 kW system in Phoenix produces nearly twice the energy of the same system in Seattle. The local multiplier is the single biggest factor in solar ROI.
Related Tools
Related Terms
Peak Sun Hours
The equivalent number of hours per day when solar irradiance averages 1,000 watts per square meter. Varies by location.
Insolation
The total solar energy received on a surface over a period, typically measured in kWh/m²/day. Similar to peak sun hours but expressed as energy rather than equivalent hours.
Specific Yield (kWh/kWp)
The annual energy production per kilowatt of installed solar capacity, measuring how effectively a system converts nameplate capacity into actual production. US values range from 1,000-1,800 kWh/kWp depending on location.