Guides to solar output

Short, data-led guides to the figures on this site. Every number comes from the same PVWatts® model runs for 100 U.S. cities.

1. What kWh per kW means, and what a typical city makesMedian city: 1,450 kWh per kW a year4 min read
2. How panel direction and tilt change solar outputEast or west: −14.4% / −14.1% in the median city4 min read
3. The sunniest and least sunny U.S. cities for solar panelsEl Paso 1,835 vs Anchorage 9513 min read
4. How much solar output drops in winter, region by regionWinter ÷ summer: Tampa 0.93, Anchorage 0.183 min read
5. Solar output by state: all 50 states and DC rankedNew Mexico 1,779 at the top3 min read
6. How to use the solar yield estimatorThree worked examples, step by step3 min read

Written by Emily Carter. Published October 27, 2026. Want a number for your own system? Use the yield estimator.