Solar Energy in Anchorage, Alaska

Average Solar Resource Pop. 291,538

Anchorage, Alaska receives 5.00 kWh/m²/day of solar irradiance and 5.8 peak sun hours daily, representing average solar resources . A typical 5 kW residential solar system in Anchorage produces approximately 8,468 kWh annually, potentially saving homeowners $1,854 per year on electricity bills. After the 30% federal Investment Tax Credit, a 5 kW system has an estimated payback period of 5.7 years, leaving roughly 19 years of profitable operation within a standard 25-year warranty. For maximum annual output in Anchorage, panels should be tilted at approximately 61° and oriented true south (180° azimuth).

Solar Resource Summary

5.0
kWh/m²/day
GHI Annual
5.8
hours/day
Peak Sun Hours
5.5
kWh/m²/day
DNI Annual
GHI vs. US national average (4.5 kWh/m²/day) Average
0 7.5 kWh/m²/day

Monthly Solar Data

Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec Annual
GHI (kWh/m²/d) 3.8 4.4 5.1 5.8 6.4 6.7 6.6 6.1 5.4 4.6 4.1 3.6 5.0
DNI (kWh/m²/d) 4.2 4.8 5.5 6.2 6.8 7.1 7.0 6.5 5.8 5.0 4.5 4.0 5.5
Source: NREL (MOCK DATA). Monthly averages in kWh/m²/day and °C.

Solar Production Estimates for Anchorage

5 kW Residential
Typical home system
Residential
8,468 kWh/yr
706 kWh/month avg
≈ $1,854/year savings
10 kW Residential
Large home system
Residential
16,936 kWh/yr
1,411 kWh/month avg
≈ $3,708/year savings
50 kW Commercial
Small commercial
Commercial
84,680 kWh/yr
7,057 kWh/month avg
100 kW Commercial
Medium commercial
Commercial
169,360 kWh/yr
14,113 kWh/month avg

Production estimates based on NREL solar resource data, 61° tilt, south-facing orientation, and 80% performance ratio.

Local Solar Conditions in Anchorage

Solar production in Anchorage is relatively consistent year-round, ranging from 3.6 to 6.7 kWh/m²/day across the seasons.

Best Tilt Angle
61° (latitude-optimized)
Best Azimuth
180° (true south)
Coordinates
61.2181°N, -149.9003°

Financial Overview — Solar in Anchorage

Solar is an excellent investment in Anchorage. With a 5.7-year payback on a 5 kW system and 25-year panel warranties, early adopters in Anchorage can expect 15+ years of net profit. Estimated annual savings from a 5 kW system: $1,854/year.

Avg. Electricity Rate
$0.219/kWh (AK avg)
Est. Annual Savings (5 kW)
$1,854/year
Est. Payback Period
5.7 years (after 30% ITC)
Federal ITC
30% of system cost
Net Metering
Available
Financial estimates assume a 5 kW system at $3,000/W installed ($15,000 pre-ITC, $10,500 after 30% credit). Actual costs vary by installer and equipment. Consult a local solar installer for firm quotes.

Solar FAQ — Anchorage, Alaska

In Anchorage, Alaska, a 5 kW residential solar system produces approximately 8,468 kWh of electricity per year. A 10 kW system produces about 16,936 kWh annually. These estimates use 5.0 kWh/m²/day average solar irradiance and an 80% system performance ratio, accounting for real-world losses from wiring, inverter efficiency, and temperature. Actual output will vary based on your specific roof orientation, shading, and equipment.

Anchorage receives an average Global Horizontal Irradiance (GHI) of 5.00 kWh/m²/day. This is 0.50 kWh/m²/day above the US national average of 4.5 kWh/m²/day, placing Anchorage near the national average. GHI measures total solar energy incident on a horizontal surface and is the primary indicator of a location's solar resource quality.

Anchorage, Alaska receives an average of 5.8 peak sun hours per day. Peak sun hours represent the equivalent number of hours when solar irradiance equals 1,000 W/m² — the standard condition used to rate solar panel output. This means a 1 kW solar panel array in Anchorage produces 5.8 kWh on a typical day. Seasonal variation is significant: summer months see peak sun hours 40–60% higher than winter months in most US locations.

Anchorage is a average location for solar panels, with 5.00 kWh/m²/day solar irradiance — near the national average. With an estimated payback period of 5.7 years, solar installations in Anchorage can be financially attractive, especially given Alaska's electricity rates.

The optimal tilt angle for solar panels in Anchorage is approximately 61°, which corresponds to the city's latitude. This angle maximizes annual energy production by ensuring panels receive the most direct sunlight averaged over the year. For maximum winter output, tilt panels at latitude + 15° (76°). For maximum summer output, use latitude − 15° (46°). Fixed south-facing panels at the latitude angle are the standard recommendation for residential systems in Anchorage.

A 5 kW solar system in Anchorage can save an estimated $1,854 per year on electricity bills, based on Anchorage's average electricity rate of $0.219/kWh. Over a 25-year system lifetime, that represents $46,350 in total savings before accounting for electricity rate increases. After the 30% federal Investment Tax Credit, the net system cost of approximately $10,500 for a 5 kW system yields a payback period of 5.7 years.

For a typical home in Anchorage using 1,000 kWh/month, a 5 kW solar system producing 706 kWh/month would offset approximately 71% of a typical household's electricity use. Most residential installations in similar climates range from 5 to 12 kW depending on energy consumption, roof size, and budget. Use SolarScope's Site Studio to get a personalized system size recommendation based on your specific address and energy bills.

Based on local solar irradiance and electricity rates, a 5 kW residential solar system in Anchorage has an estimated payback period of 5.7 years. This calculation assumes a net system cost of $10,500 (after the 30% federal ITC) and annual savings of $1,854. Modern solar panels carry 25-year performance warranties, so systems in Anchorage would operate profitably for roughly 19 years after payback. Electricity rate increases over time typically reduce the effective payback period.
Learn more: Solar irradiance · Peak sun hours · GHI explained · Net metering · How solar analysis works

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Quick Stats

Annual GHI
5.0 kWh/m²/day
Peak Sun Hours
5.8 h/day
5kW Production
8,468 kWh/yr
Payback (5kW)
5.7 years
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