Peak sun hours in North Carolina (2026)
North Carolina averages 5 peak sun hours per day — 6% above the US average of 4.7. In practical terms, every 1 kW of solar there produces about 1,460 kWh of electricity a year.
Peak sun hours/day
5
Annual kWh per kW
1,460
vs US average
+6%
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 5 hours, a typical home in North Carolina needs a system sized to its usage and local sun — see exact numbers on the North Carolina solar cost page or work it out with our sizing guide.
Peak sun hours by city in North Carolina
Sunlight varies within North Carolina. Here are city-level figures from multi-year irradiance data.
| City | Peak sun hours/day | Annual kWh per kW |
|---|---|---|
| Charlotte | 4.53 | 1,323 |
| Raleigh | 4.48 | 1,308 |
| Greensboro | 4.52 | 1,320 |
| Durham | 4.46 | 1,302 |
| Winston-Salem | 4.51 | 1,317 |
| Fayetteville | 4.57 | 1,334 |
Peak sun hours in North Carolina: FAQ
How many peak sun hours does North Carolina get?
North Carolina averages about 5 peak sun hours per day — 6% above the US average. That works out to roughly 1,460 kWh of electricity per year for every 1 kW of solar installed.
Is North Carolina good for solar based on sunlight?
Sunlight is only part of the picture. North Carolina's 5 peak sun hours help production, but your electricity rate and incentives matter just as much. See the full economics on our North Carolina solar cost page.