Peak sun hours in Idaho (2026)
Idaho averages 4.9 peak sun hours per day — 4% above the US average of 4.7. In practical terms, every 1 kW of solar there produces about 1,431 kWh of electricity a year.
Peak sun hours/day
4.9
Annual kWh per kW
1,431
vs US average
+4%
What this means for your system
To produce a given amount of electricity, you need fewer panels where there are more peak sun hours. At 4.9 hours, a typical home in Idaho needs a system sized to its usage and local sun — see exact numbers on the Idaho solar cost page or work it out with our sizing guide.
Peak sun hours by city in Idaho
Sunlight varies within Idaho. Here are city-level figures from multi-year irradiance data.
| City | Peak sun hours/day | Annual kWh per kW |
|---|---|---|
| Boise | 4.62 | 1,349 |
Peak sun hours in Idaho: FAQ
How many peak sun hours does Idaho get?
Idaho averages about 4.9 peak sun hours per day — 4% above the US average. That works out to roughly 1,431 kWh of electricity per year for every 1 kW of solar installed.
Is Idaho good for solar based on sunlight?
Sunlight is only part of the picture. Idaho's 4.9 peak sun hours help production, but your electricity rate and incentives matter just as much. See the full economics on our Idaho solar cost page.