Solar in U.S. Virgin Islands

Solar Energy in Saint Croix

Saint Croix is located at 17.7°N, 64.8°W in U.S. Virgin Islands. Here's what solar energy looks like for homeowners in this area.

Annual Irradiance

2,041

kWh/m²

Peak Sun Hours

4.8

hrs/day

2.5 kWp Output

4,388

kWh/year

Solar Score

98

/ 100

What does this mean for your roof?

Saint Croix receives approximately 2,041 kWh/m² of solar irradiance per year, which translates to 4.8 peak sun hours per day. This is excellent for residential solar energy production.

With a solar score of 98/100, Saint Croix ranks #1 of 4 cities in U.S. Virgin Islands for solar potential in our atlas.

A typical 2.5 kWp residential solar system (6 panels) in Saint Croix would produce approximately 4,388 kWh per year, sized for the average household in U.S. Virgin Islands.

The best months for solar production in Saint Croix are May – August, while the lowest production occurs during November – January. Being in the northern hemisphere, south-facing roofs capture the most annual sunlight.

Estimated savings in Saint Croix

System Cost

$3,250

2.5 kWp, before incentives

Annual Savings

~$1,044

At $0.411/kWh

Payback Period

~3 years

Before local incentives

25-Year Net Result

~$30,126

Savings minus system cost

These are approximate figures based on a standardized household consumption of 5,000 kWh/year and an estimated electricity rate of $0.411/kWh in U.S. Virgin Islands. Local incentives may reduce the upfront cost — check current subsidy, tax-credit, or VAT programs in U.S. Virgin Islands, as these can meaningfully shorten the payback period.

Figures are estimates based on typical system assumptions and the latest available electricity-price and billing data for U.S. Virgin Islands. Actual costs, tariffs, net-metering rules, and incentives vary by utility and change over time — confirm with a local installer or energy authority before making decisions.

How solar billing works in U.S. Virgin Islands

Net billing

Exports and imports are priced separately, usually at different rates.

In U.S. Virgin Islands, rooftop solar appears to fall under a net-billing-style approach, where the energy you export and the energy you import are typically valued separately rather than simply cancelling out. Exports are often credited at a rate that may be lower than the retail price you pay for imported power, which generally rewards using your own generation as it is produced. The precise export and import prices vary by region and utility and change over time, so they should be confirmed locally.

Get your exact numbers

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Solar tips for Saint Croix homeowners

Face panels south

In the northern hemisphere, south-facing panels capture the most annual sunlight. East-west split systems also work well.

Optimal tilt angle

For Saint Croix, the energy-optimal panel tilt is about 19° from horizontal.

Size your system right

For the average household in U.S. Virgin Islands, a 2.5 kWp system (6 panels) covers most electricity needs. Use our calculator for a personalized estimate.

Check local incentives

Local incentives may reduce the upfront cost of residential solar — check current subsidy, tax-credit, and VAT programs with your energy authority in U.S. Virgin Islands.

Gear to prepare for solar

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Solar in other U.S. Virgin Islands cities

Frequently asked questions about solar in Saint Croix

How much do solar panels cost in Saint Croix?

A typical 2.5 kWp residential solar system in Saint Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands costs approximately $3,250 before incentives — this is an estimate based on typical regional pricing. Local incentives such as subsidies, tax credits, or VAT exemptions may reduce the upfront cost; check current programs in U.S. Virgin Islands.

How are solar exports valued under net billing in U.S. Virgin Islands?

Under a net-billing-style scheme, exports from your system in U.S. Virgin Islands are typically bought at one rate while the electricity you import is charged at another, and the two are usually not the same. Because the export credit may be lower than the retail import price, consuming your own solar power directly tends to be the most valuable option. Actual rates vary by region and utility and can change, so confirm the current figures with a local installer or energy authority.

How much electricity do solar panels produce in Saint Croix?

A 2.5 kWp solar system in Saint Croix produces approximately 4,388 kWh per year, based on 4.8 peak sun hours per day and 2,041 kWh/m² annual irradiance.

What is the solar panel payback period in Saint Croix?

Based on U.S. Virgin Islands's electricity rate of $0.411/kWh, a 2.5 kWp system in Saint Croix pays for itself in approximately 3 years before incentives. After that, the electricity it generates is essentially free for the remaining panel lifespan of 25+ years.

Which direction should solar panels face in Saint Croix?

In Saint Croix, panels should ideally face south since it's in the northern hemisphere. The optimal tilt angle is about 19° from horizontal.

How many solar panels do I need for my home in Saint Croix?

A typical household in U.S. Virgin Islands uses the equivalent of a 2.5 kWp system (6 panels). With 4.8 peak sun hours per day in Saint Croix, this covers most electricity needs. Use our calculator for a personalized estimate.

Learn more about solar energy