If you’re thinking about going solar in Cherry Hill, one of the first things you might ask is: how much sun do solar panels need? That’s a great question. After all, solar panels turn sunlight into energy—so it makes sense to wonder if we get enough sun here in New Jersey to make it worth it.
The good news? We do! Even though New Jersey doesn’t get as much sun as some other states, solar panels still work very well here. In fact, our state is one of the top in the country when it comes to solar energy.
Let’s take a closer look at how much sun solar panels need, how Cherry Hill stacks up, and how you can get the best results from your solar system.
What Are Peak Sun Hours?
Before we talk about how much sun your home gets, it helps to understand what peak sun hours means. This isn’t the same as the total hours of daylight in a day.
A peak sun hour is one hour when the sun is strong enough to give your panels 1,000 watts of solar power per square meter. That’s the level of sunlight needed for solar panels to work their best.
Here in Cherry Hill, we average about 4.21 peak sun hours per day. That number goes up in the summer to about 4.76 hours and drops in the winter to about 3.2 hours. Even though it changes with the seasons, we still get enough strong sunlight year-round to make solar power a smart choice.
Is Cherry Hill Sunny Enough for Solar?
Yes—absolutely! Even though New Jersey is ranked 37th out of 50 states for sunlight, we’ve become one of the top states for solar power. So how does that work?
There are a few key reasons:
- Better solar panels: Today’s panels work well even when the sky is cloudy.
- Helpful solar programs: New Jersey offers great incentives like net metering and tax credits.
- Good panel placement: If your roof faces the right direction and has little shade, your panels will get plenty of sun.
So if you’re still asking how much sun do solar panels need to work in Cherry Hill, the answer is simple: we’ve got just the right amount.
How Much Sunlight Do Solar Panels Actually Need?
Most solar panels need around four peak sun hours a day to work well and save you money. Since Cherry Hill averages a little more than that, it’s a solid place for solar.
A few things affect the amount of sunlight for solar panels:
- Roof direction: A roof that faces south gets the most sun during the day.
- Roof angle: The tilt of your panels can help catch more sun, depending on the season.
- Shade: Trees, chimneys, or nearby homes can block sunlight. Even a little shade can lower your system’s output.
- Weather: While clouds do make a difference, your panels will still produce energy on cloudy days.
Getting the Most Out of Your System
When you’re investing in solar, you want it to work as well as possible. Here’s how to make sure your system performs at its best:
- Work with a local expert: A Cherry Hill installer will know how to design your system for our weather and roof styles.
- Keep your panels clean: Dirt and leaves can block the sun. A quick clean every so often can help your panels stay efficient.
- Think about storage: Battery systems can store extra power for when the sun isn’t shining.
- Consider solar tracking: Some systems move to follow the sun throughout the day, which can boost your energy by up to 25%.
Cherry Hill’s Solar Potential: A Closer Look
There’s never been a better time to go solar in Cherry Hill. Even though we don’t get as many peak sun hours as sunnier states, we still get more than enough to power your home.
And with strong state programs, great local contractors, and newer solar technology, it’s easier than ever to lower your electric bills and boost your home’s value with solar.
Plus, if you’re already thinking about a roof replacement or energy upgrade, it’s a perfect time to consider adding solar panels too.
Ready to See If Solar Makes Sense for You?
Still wondering how much sun do solar panels need to work on your home? Or whether your roof gets the right amount of sunlight for solar panels?
That’s where we come in.
At Mack Solar and Roofing, we help Cherry Hill homeowners get the answers they need. We’ll check your roof, talk through your energy use, and give you honest advice about your solar options—with no pressure.
Schedule your free inspection today and let’s see how solar can work for your home.
