Chicago Solar Power Information & Peak Sun Hours
Green Energy Summary for Chicago, Illinois
Lattitude: 41.78
Sunlight
Fixed Tilt Sunlight Hours: 4.4 hours per day
1-Axis Tilt Sunlight Hours: 5.5 hours per day
2-Axis Tilt Sunlight Hours: 5.7 hours per day
Wind
Average Annual Wind Speed: 10.29 miles per hour
Peak sun hours per day in Chicago is a variable number that changes daily and seasonally. The total hours of daylight each day in Chicago is predictable and accurate throughout the year, but average peak sun hours in Chicago are estimates that vary from a list of controllable factors and also other reasons beyond our control. The variables that affect average peak sun hours that are outside of our control are things like weather, cloud coverage, accidents, and deterioration of products. Variables that one can control are the angles of solar panels and the type of mount used, the quality of the solar panels and attached systems, and the care given towards maintenance and upkeep. For example, a 2-axis tracking mount will usually increase the amount of peak sun hours per day compared to a fixed mount of a solar panel of equal quality.
Weather patterns are probably the most impactful of the uncontrollable factors that influence peak sun hours in Chicago. A day with thick cloud coverage will result in lower solar insolation than a clear day during the same time of year. The type of mount can also dramatically change peak sun hours and solar insolation levels
In Chicago, the average peak sun hours for a fixed tilt panel mounted at the angle equal to the latitude of the city is hours. The more efficient 2-axis system that tracks the sun in the sky during each season will boost the average peak sun hours to hours per day in Chicago.