Solar Energy in Chattanooga, Tennessee

Average Solar Resource Pop. 182,799

Chattanooga, Tennessee receives 4.32 kWh/m²/day of solar irradiance and 4.9 peak sun hours daily, representing average solar resources . A typical 5 kW residential solar system in Chattanooga produces approximately 7,139 kWh annually, potentially saving homeowners $807 per year on electricity bills. After the 30% federal Investment Tax Credit, a 5 kW system has an estimated payback period of 13.0 years, leaving roughly 12 years of profitable operation within a standard 25-year warranty. For maximum annual output in Chattanooga, panels should be tilted at approximately 35° and oriented true south (180° azimuth).

Solar Resource Summary

4.32
kWh/m²/day
GHI Annual
4.9
hours/day
Peak Sun Hours
4.14
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) 2.38 3.13 4.14 5.15 5.92 6.24 5.9 5.68 4.65 3.7 2.7 2.14 4.32
DNI (kWh/m²/d) 3.49 3.98 4.21 4.5 4.58 4.75 4.29 4.62 4.22 4.12 3.75 3.19 4.14
Source: NREL. Monthly averages in kWh/m²/day and °C.

Solar Production Estimates for Chattanooga

5 kW Residential
Typical home system
Residential
7,139 kWh/yr
595 kWh/month avg
≈ $807/year savings
10 kW Residential
Large home system
Residential
14,279 kWh/yr
1,190 kWh/month avg
≈ $1,614/year savings
50 kW Commercial
Small commercial
Commercial
71,394 kWh/yr
5,950 kWh/month avg
100 kW Commercial
Medium commercial
Commercial
142,788 kWh/yr
11,899 kWh/month avg

Production estimates based on NREL solar resource data, 35° tilt, south-facing orientation, and 80% performance ratio.

Local Solar Conditions in Chattanooga

Chattanooga shows significant seasonal variation in solar output, with peak summer months receiving 6.2 kWh/m²/day compared to 2.1 kWh/m²/day in winter — a 2.9x difference. Battery storage or net metering is particularly valuable here.

Best Tilt Angle
35° (latitude-optimized)
Best Azimuth
180° (true south)
Coordinates
35.0456°N, -85.3097°

Financial Overview — Solar in Chattanooga

Solar can be viable with the right setup in Chattanooga. While Chattanooga's solar resource is modest, favorable financing, state incentives, and high electricity rates can still make solar cost-effective. Estimated annual savings from a 5 kW system: $807/year.

Avg. Electricity Rate
$0.113/kWh (TN avg)
Est. Annual Savings (5 kW)
$807/year
Est. Payback Period
13.0 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 — Chattanooga, Tennessee

In Chattanooga, Tennessee, a 5 kW residential solar system produces approximately 7,139 kWh of electricity per year. A 10 kW system produces about 14,279 kWh annually. These estimates use 4.3 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.

Chattanooga receives an average Global Horizontal Irradiance (GHI) of 4.32 kWh/m²/day. This is 0.18 kWh/m²/day below the US national average of 4.5 kWh/m²/day, placing Chattanooga 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.

Chattanooga, Tennessee receives an average of 4.9 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 Chattanooga produces 4.9 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.

Chattanooga is a average location for solar panels, with 4.32 kWh/m²/day solar irradiance — near the national average. With an estimated payback period of 13.0 years, solar installations in Chattanooga can be financially attractive, especially given Tennessee's electricity rates.

The optimal tilt angle for solar panels in Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga.

A 5 kW solar system in Chattanooga can save an estimated $807 per year on electricity bills, based on Chattanooga's average electricity rate of $0.113/kWh. Over a 25-year system lifetime, that represents $20,175 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 13.0 years.

For a typical home in Chattanooga using 1,000 kWh/month, a 5 kW solar system producing 595 kWh/month would offset approximately 60% 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 Chattanooga has an estimated payback period of 13.0 years. This calculation assumes a net system cost of $10,500 (after the 30% federal ITC) and annual savings of $807. Modern solar panels carry 25-year performance warranties, so systems in Chattanooga would operate profitably for roughly 12 years after payback. Electricity rate increases over time typically reduce the effective payback period.

Other Cities in Tennessee

Nashville
4.2 kWh/m²/d
Memphis
4.4 kWh/m²/d
Knoxville
4.3 kWh/m²/d
Clarksville
4.3 kWh/m²/d
Murfreesboro
4.3 kWh/m²/d
View all Tennessee solar data →
Learn more: Solar irradiance · Peak sun hours · GHI explained · Net metering · How solar analysis works

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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.

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Quick Stats

Annual GHI
4.32 kWh/m²/day
Peak Sun Hours
4.9 h/day
5kW Production
7,139 kWh/yr
Payback (5kW)
13.0 years
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