Full Sun

What is full sun?

Full sun is defined as an area that gets more than 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.

Key Takeaways:

  • Solar panels can operate at less than direct sun with reduced efficacy
  • Full sun constitutes at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day

Understanding full sun

Full sun is any area that gets at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. While solar panels are able to function without full sun, they are most effective when placed in a location that receives at least this much direct sun each day. 

Related Terms

Peak Sun Hours – Peak sun hours are defined as the number of one-hour units of time where the intensity of sunlight is at least 1kW per square meter.

Solar Noon – Solar noon is the moment that the sun reaches its highest point in the sky at any particular location.

Solar Constant – The constant rate at which solar radiation hits the surface of the earth, which is accepted to be approximately 1,388 watts per square meter.