Peak sun hours in Rhode Island (2026)
Rhode Island averages 4.3 peak sun hours per day — 9% below the US average of 4.7. In practical terms, every 1 kW of solar there produces about 1,256 kWh of electricity a year.
Peak sun hours/day
4.3
Annual kWh per kW
1,256
vs US average
-9%
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 4.3 hours, a typical home in Rhode Island needs a system sized to its usage and local sun — see exact numbers on the Rhode Island solar cost page or work it out with our sizing guide.
Peak sun hours by city in Rhode Island
Sunlight varies within Rhode Island. Here are city-level figures from multi-year irradiance data.
| City | Peak sun hours/day | Annual kWh per kW |
|---|---|---|
| Providence | 3.98 | 1,162 |
Peak sun hours in Rhode Island: FAQ
How many peak sun hours does Rhode Island get?
Rhode Island averages about 4.3 peak sun hours per day — 9% below the US average. That works out to roughly 1,256 kWh of electricity per year for every 1 kW of solar installed.
Is Rhode Island good for solar based on sunlight?
Sunlight is only part of the picture. Rhode Island's 4.3 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 Rhode Island solar cost page.