Peak sun hours in New Jersey (2026)
New Jersey averages 4.4 peak sun hours per day — 7% below the US average of 4.7. In practical terms, every 1 kW of solar there produces about 1,285 kWh of electricity a year.
Peak sun hours/day
4.4
Annual kWh per kW
1,285
vs US average
-7%
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 4.4 hours, a typical home in New Jersey needs a system sized to its usage and local sun — see exact numbers on the New Jersey solar cost page or work it out with our sizing guide.
Peak sun hours by city in New Jersey
Sunlight varies within New Jersey. Here are city-level figures from multi-year irradiance data.
| City | Peak sun hours/day | Annual kWh per kW |
|---|---|---|
| Newark | 4.05 | 1,183 |
| Jersey City | 4.07 | 1,188 |
Peak sun hours in New Jersey: FAQ
How many peak sun hours does New Jersey get?
New Jersey averages about 4.4 peak sun hours per day — 7% below the US average. That works out to roughly 1,285 kWh of electricity per year for every 1 kW of solar installed.
Is New Jersey good for solar based on sunlight?
Sunlight is only part of the picture. New Jersey's 4.4 peak sun hours are below average, so panels produce a little less, but your electricity rate and incentives matter just as much. See the full economics on our New Jersey solar cost page.