Solar Irradiance Calculator

Calculate solar irradiance and energy potential based on your location and panel orientation.

Positive for Northern Hemisphere, negative for Southern
Degrees from horizontal
Enter to calculate daily energy potential

Irradiance Formulas

GHI = 1.353 kW/m2 x sin(altitude) x atmosphere
POA = GHI x tilt_factor x azimuth_factor
PSH = POA x day_hours / 1000

GHI = Global Horizontal Irradiance, POA = Plane of Array irradiance, PSH = Peak Sun Hours

Typical Values by Region

Region PSH (Summer) PSH (Winter) Annual Avg
Southwest US7-84-55.5-6.5
Southeast US5-63-44.5-5.0
Northeast US5-62-33.5-4.5
Pacific NW5-61-23.0-4.0