Solar PV Analysis of Mawson Station, Antarctica
Mawson Station, Antarctica, situated at latitude -67.6032742 and longitude 62.8741649, presents a challenging environment for solar power generation due to its extreme weather conditions and seasonal variations in sunlight hours. Nevertheless, with strategic planning and consideration of these factors, solar energy can be harnessed effectively during the summer and spring months.
On average, per kW of installed solar capacity at Mawson Station, the daily energy production is as follows: 7.98 kWh in summer, 1.60 kWh in autumn, 0.24 kWh in winter, and 5.55 kWh in spring. This indicates that the highest energy output occurs during the summer months when there are more daylight hours available for solar power generation; conversely, winter months experience extended periods of darkness due to Mawson Station's location within the Antarctic Circle which significantly reduces available sunlight hours for solar energy production.
In addition to limited sunlight availability during certain seasons, other environmental factors such as cold temperatures, strong winds and snowfall throughout the year could further impede solar power generation at this location. To optimize energy production from a solar PV system at Mawson Station despite these challenges:
1) Install panels at an ideal tilt angle of 56 degrees North to maximize exposure to sunlight.
2) Utilize durable materials designed specifically for harsh environments like Antarctica.
3) Implement regular maintenance procedures including clearing snow accumulation from panels.
4) Consider incorporating battery storage systems or hybrid solutions (e.g., wind turbines) to supplement power supply during periods of low solar output.
By taking these preventative measures into account when installing a solar PV system at Mawson Station, it is possible to harness renewable energy more efficiently even amidst challenging environmental conditions unique to Antarctica's landscape.
Note: The Antartic Circle includes any location with a latitude South of -66.5°.
Solar output per kW of installed solar PV by season in Mawson Station
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: -67.6032742, Longitude: 62.8741649 (Mawson Station, Antarctica), based on our analysis of 8760 hourly intervals of solar and meteorological data (one whole year) retrieved for that set of coordinates/location from NASA POWER (The Prediction of Worldwide Energy Resources) API:
Ideally tilt fixed solar panels 56° North in Mawson Station, Antarctica
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Mawson Station, Antarctica (Lat/Long -67.6032742, 62.8741649) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 56° North for fixed panel installations.
As the Earth revolves around the Sun each year, the maximum angle of elevation of the Sun varies by +/- 23.45 degrees from its equinox elevation angle for a particular latitude. Finding the exact optimal angle to maximise solar PV production throughout the year can be challenging, but with careful consideration of historical solar energy and meteorological data for a certain location, it can be done precisely.
We use our own calculation, which incorporates NASA solar and meteorological data for the exact Lat/Long coordinates, to determine the ideal tilt angle of a solar panel that will yield maximum annual solar output. We calculate the optimal angle for each day of the year, taking into account its contribution to the yearly total PV potential at that specific location.
Seasonally adjusted solar panel tilt angles for Mawson Station, Antarctica
If you can adjust the tilt angle of your solar PV panels, please refer to the seasonal tilt angles below for optimal solar energy production in Mawson Station, Antarctica. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 56° North tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 51° North in Summer | 68° North in Autumn | 76° North in Winter | 58° North in Spring |
Our recommendations take into account more than just latitude and Earth's position in its elliptical orbit around the Sun. We also incorporate historical solar and meteorological data from NASA's Prediction of Worldwide Energy Resources (POWER) API to assign a weight to each ideal angle for each day based on its historical contribution to overall solar PV potential during a specific season.
This approach allows us to provide much more accurate recommendations than relying solely on latitude, as it considers unique weather conditions in different locations sharing the same latitude worldwide.
Calculate solar panel row spacing in Mawson Station, Antarctica
We've added a feature to calculate minimum solar panel row spacing by location. Enter your panel size and orientation below to get the minimum spacing in Mawson Station, Antarctica.
Our calculation method
- Solar Position:
We determine the Sun's position on the Winter solstice using the location's latitude and solar declination. - Shadow Projection:
We calculate the shadow length cast by panels using trigonometry, considering panel tilt and the Sun's elevation angle. - Minimum Spacing:
We add the shadow length to the horizontal space occupied by tilted panels.
This approach ensures maximum space efficiency while avoiding shading during critical times, as the Winter solstice represents the worst-case scenario for shadow length.
Topography for solar PV around Mawson Station, Antarctica
Mawson Station is located in the Queen Mary Land region of Antarctica, which is characterized by a relatively flat topography with gentle slopes. Areas nearby that would be most suitable for large-scale solar PV are those with unobstructed access to direct sunlight and minimal shade from surrounding terrain features. The area around Mawson Station is mostly free of obstructions and has good sun exposure, making it an ideal location for solar PV installations.
Citation Guide
Article Details for Citation
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Saturday 13th of August 2022
Last Updated: Monday 21st of July 2025
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Compare this location to others worldwide for solar PV potential
The solar PV analyses available on our website, including this one, are offered as a free service to the global community. Our aim is to provide education and aid informed decision-making regarding solar PV installations.
However, please note that these analyses are general guidance and may not meet specific project requirements. For in-depth, tailored forecasts and analysis crucial for feasibility studies or when pursuing maximum ROI from your solar projects, feel free to contact us; we offer comprehensive consulting services expressly for this purpose.
Helping you assess viability of solar PV for your site
Calculate Your Optimal Solar Panel Tilt Angle: A Comprehensive Guide
Enhance your solar panel's performance with our in-depth guide. Determine the best tilt angle using hard data, debunk common misunderstandings, and gain insight into how your specific location affects solar energy production.
