PerformanceUp to date · Jan 15, 2026
Peak Sun Hours
The equivalent number of hours per day when solar irradiance averages 1,000 watts per square meter. Varies by location.
Why It Matters
Peak sun hours directly determine how much energy your system produces. Phoenix gets ~6.5 PSH while Seattle gets ~3.5, making system sizing location-dependent.
Real-World Example
A 6 kW system in a location with 5 peak sun hours produces roughly 30 kWh per day (6 kW × 5 hours).
Related Tools
Related Terms
Capacity Factor
The ratio of actual energy produced by a system to its maximum potential output. Solar typically has a 15-25% capacity factor.
Solar Azimuth
The compass direction of the sun. In the Northern Hemisphere, south-facing panels (180° azimuth) typically produce the most energy.
Tilt Angle
The angle of solar panels relative to horizontal. Optimal tilt often equals your latitude for year-round production.