One of the best ways to get the most out of your solar panels is to ask yourself, “What are peak sun hours?” For Southern Californians, summer temperatures can be brutal and the sunlight is plentiful. That means soaring air conditioning costs and even more electricity will be consumed. For homeowners with solar panels, they won’t experience this yearly energy suck or the big drain on their bank accounts. However, homeowners who want to keep up their savings need to know all about their peak sun hours and how to calculate them.

What Are Peak Sun Hours?

Peak sun hours help you measure and compare the amount of sunlight your home has access to. You can find the average peak sun hours for your location by understanding that this is when solar panels are able to absorb at least 1000 watts per square meter. The great thing about solar panels is that they utilize the natural resource of sunlight to generate energy for your home. Your solar panels could be exposed to the sun all day long and they’re definitely producing energy, but is it their max output?

The formula to calculate peak sun hours: 1 peak sun hour = 1000 W/m² of sunlight per hour.

The only way to get the most out of your solar system is to understand when your panels have access to maximum energy production. Let’s look at some facts.

The curvature of the earth changes the sun’s position in the sky.

For us on the ground, the sun always looks to be moving. In reality, Earth is rotating on a tilted axis to turn night to day, from sunshine to sunset. Our planet is in the sun’s orbit and we have to learn how to get the most use out of its rays.

A home’s location will determine how many hours of sun there is, and how intense the sun’s rays are.

California has some of the sunniest cities in the U.S. With an average of 278 in Southern California, homeowners are in a peak position for solar energy. There’s a high probability that your home is already in the best position to receive the most of the sun’s light.

Make Your Own Solar Peak Sun Hours Calculator

By determining peak sun hours, homeowners are better able to make informed decisions about purchasing solar panels. Homeowners can use Google insolation maps and charts for more information. However, an easier way to calculate specific homeowners’ peak sun hours is really through an insolation meter. An insolation meter is able to calculate temperature, light intensity and solar power supply to solar panels.

In the U.S., most homeowners can expect to receive between 3 and 5 peak sun hours. This is based on location, seasonal sunlight, and the influence of atmospheric changes, such as clouds and fog. Californian communities can expect to experience more hours of sunlight when compared to other cities in the U.S.

More than Sun: Consider These Factors to Calculate Peak Sun Hours

Check out some of the elements that contribute to sun peak time and ways to get the most of it.

  • Time of Day: Ask yourself: What time is the sun highest in the sky? The answer is when solar panels are more likely to produce the most solar energy. This time of day is called solar noon, and it’s different depending on your geographical location. Solar noon is often considered the optimal time for solar radiation and peak sun hours. This is because the sun is highest in the sky. In contrast to sunrise and sunset, the sun is positioned at a low angle, filtering more sunlight and less energy being absorbed by solar panels.
  • Season: Do solar panels work on cloudy days? The answer is yes! While solar panels can still produce energy in rainy or cloudy weather, for solar peak sun hours, you want to see that sun in the sky. That means in the hot months of summer when the sun is at its highest position, there is an increase in peak sun hours and energy generation for your solar panels.
  • Geography: Location, location, location! In order to maximize your peak sun hours, you’ve got to make sure your home is in the right spot. Communities closer to the equator gain more solar energy due to their proximity to the sun.

Still finding it tricky? The Earth System Research Laboratories has actually created a sun hours calculator that will configure your solar noon time, calculate the sunset, and much more.
You could also contact an ADT Solar specialist today to find out more about using solar panels for your home.

Peak Solar Savings

Finding out how many peak sun hours you can access from your home is only the beginning of your solar journey. If you’re still deciding whether or not you want a solar system generating clean, renewable energy for your home, think of the solar savings just waiting to rain down on your budget. Or, consult the pros at ADT Solar to receive a free quote.

Reduced Utility Bills

You want to feel comfortable in your home when the weather kicks up and it shouldn’t cost an arm and a leg to make that happen. With solar, you can keep your essential appliances and devices running no matter what. When you have your own solar system delivering clean, reliable energy in excess for your home, you don’t have to worry about your energy consumption or a skyrocketing electricity bill.

Depending on which state you reside in, residents can expect upwards of $1,000 in savings a year. You can actually use the EnergySage Solar Calculator to find out how much a solar system can save you!

Resilient Energy Storage

The biggest way you can save is through efficient energy storage, provided by a powerful solar battery, such as the Tesla Powerwall and the Enphase Encharge. In the ultimate battle for power, you don’t want reliance on the grid to be your home’s downfall. A solar battery will allow you to confidently face the ever-present California power outages and grid failures.

A solar battery also allows you to take advantage of the net metering programs your utility company may offer. Power outage protection and solar savings make a solar battery totally worth it.

Peak Performance with ADT Solar

It sure is hot in Cali, and those sunny days means a solar installation is a no brainer for most homeowners. When you’re ready to start saving money on your electric bill, contact the best of the best — ADT Solar. ADT Solar, formerly Sunpro Solar, offers professional solar panel installation services in Los Angeles, San Diego, San Bernardino, and the Murrieta-Temecula areas. Contact ADT Solar today for a free solar energy consultation. It’s time to save money and control consumption.

Find out more about all the ways solar is the right choice for your home and get your estimate today!

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