Solar Energy in Charlotte, North Carolina
Average Solar Resource
#9 nationally · #1 in North Carolina
Pop. 885,708
Charlotte, North Carolina 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 Charlotte produces approximately 8,468 kWh annually, potentially saving homeowners $999 per year on electricity bills. After the 30% federal Investment Tax Credit, a 5 kW system has an estimated payback period of 10.5 years, leaving roughly 14 years of profitable operation within a standard 25-year warranty. For maximum annual output in Charlotte, panels should be tilted at approximately 35° and oriented true south (180° azimuth).
Solar Resource Summary
GHI vs. US national average (4.5 kWh/m²/day)
Average
0
7.5 kWh/m²/day
Monthly Solar Data
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | 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 Charlotte
5 kW Residential
Typical home system
8,468 kWh/yr
706 kWh/month avg
≈ $999/year savings
10 kW Residential
Large home system
16,936 kWh/yr
1,411 kWh/month avg
≈ $1,998/year savings
50 kW Commercial
Small commercial
84,680 kWh/yr
7,057 kWh/month avg
100 kW Commercial
Medium commercial
169,360 kWh/yr
14,113 kWh/month avg
Production estimates based on NREL solar resource data, 35° tilt, south-facing orientation, and 80% performance ratio.
Local Solar Conditions in Charlotte
Solar production in Charlotte is relatively consistent year-round, ranging from 3.6 to 6.7 kWh/m²/day across the seasons.
- Best Tilt Angle
- 35° (latitude-optimized)
- Best Azimuth
- 180° (true south)
- Coordinates
- 35.2271°N, -80.8431°
Financial Overview — Solar in Charlotte
Solar is a sound investment in Charlotte. A 10.5-year payback period is in line with the national average. With electricity rates likely to increase over time, actual payback may be shorter. Estimated annual savings from a 5 kW system: $999/year.
- Avg. Electricity Rate
- $0.118/kWh (NC avg)
- Est. Annual Savings (5 kW)
- $999/year
- Est. Payback Period
- 10.5 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 — Charlotte, North Carolina
In Charlotte, North Carolina, 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.
Charlotte 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 Charlotte 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.
Charlotte, North Carolina 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 Charlotte 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.
Charlotte is a average location for solar panels, with 5.00 kWh/m²/day solar irradiance — near the national average. It ranks #1 in North Carolina and #9 nationally for solar potential. With an estimated payback period of 10.5 years, solar installations in Charlotte can be financially attractive, especially given North Carolina's electricity rates.
The optimal tilt angle for solar panels in Charlotte is approximately 35°, 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° (50°). For maximum summer output, use latitude − 15° (20°). Fixed south-facing panels at the latitude angle are the standard recommendation for residential systems in Charlotte.
A 5 kW solar system in Charlotte can save an estimated $999 per year on electricity bills, based on Charlotte's average electricity rate of $0.118/kWh. Over a 25-year system lifetime, that represents $24,975 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 10.5 years.
Charlotte ranks #1 in North Carolina for solar potential based on annual GHI. This means 0 cities have higher solar irradiance in the state. As a top-ranked solar location, Charlotte offers particularly strong economics for solar installations.Browse other North Carolina cities on our North Carolina solar data page to compare locations.
For a typical home in Charlotte 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 Charlotte has an estimated payback period of 10.5 years. This calculation assumes a net system cost of $10,500 (after the 30% federal ITC) and annual savings of $999. Modern solar panels carry 25-year performance warranties, so systems in Charlotte would operate profitably for roughly 14 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
Get a Detailed Solar Analysis for Charlotte
This page shows area-level averages. For your specific address — accounting for roof orientation, shading trees, and your utility rate — use SolarScope's AI-powered Site Studio.
Open Site Studio Community Data for North CarolinaQuick Stats
- Annual GHI
- 5.0 kWh/m²/day
- Peak Sun Hours
- 5.8 h/day
- 5kW Production
- 8,468 kWh/yr
- Payback (5kW)
- 10.5 years
- Rank in North Carolina
- #1