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Solar PV Analysis of Bentley, Australia
Bentley, Western Australia, located in the Southern Sub Tropics at latitude -32.0094 and longitude 115.9138, offers a favorable environment for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. The location experiences significant seasonal variations in solar energy production, with peak performance during the summer months.
Seasonal Solar Performance
Solar panels in Bentley can expect to generate an average of 8.80 kWh per day for each kW of installed capacity during summer, making it the most productive season. Spring follows with 6.98 kWh/day, while autumn sees a moderate output of 4.60 kWh/day. Winter experiences the lowest production at 3.20 kWh/day per kW installed.
The substantial difference between summer and winter production highlights the importance of proper system sizing to ensure adequate energy supply throughout the year. Despite the winter dip, Bentley's location still provides a respectable year-round solar potential.
Optimal Panel Installation
For fixed panel installations in Bentley, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round solar production is 27 degrees facing North. This angle optimizes the panels' exposure to sunlight across all seasons, balancing the high summer sun with the lower winter sun angle.
Best Times for Solar Generation
The most ideal period for solar energy generation in Bentley is from late spring through early autumn (approximately October to March). During these months, longer daylight hours and higher sun angles contribute to peak solar panel efficiency.
Environmental Considerations
While Bentley's climate is generally conducive to solar energy production, there are a few environmental factors to consider:
- Dust and pollen: Bentley's proximity to both urban and natural areas can lead to dust and pollen accumulation on panels, potentially reducing efficiency.
- Coastal influence: Being relatively close to the coast, there's a slight risk of salt spray, which could affect panel performance over time.
To mitigate these factors, regular cleaning of solar panels is recommended. Additionally, using high-quality, corrosion-resistant materials for mounting hardware can help protect against potential salt-air corrosion. Implementing these measures can help ensure optimal energy production and longevity of the solar PV system in Bentley's environment.
Note: The Southern Sub Tropics extend from -23.5° latitude South down to -35° latitude.
So far, we have conducted calculations to evaluate the solar photovoltaic (PV) potential in 501 locations across Australia. This analysis provides insights into each city/location's potential for harnessing solar energy through PV installations.
Link: Solar PV potential in Australia by location
Solar output per kW of installed solar PV by season in Bentley
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: -32.0094, Longitude: 115.9138 (Bentley, Australia), 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 27° North in Bentley, Australia
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Bentley, Australia (Lat/Long -32.0094, 115.9138) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 27° 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 Bentley, Australia
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 Bentley, Australia. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 27° North tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16° North in Summer | 37° North in Autumn | 47° North in Winter | 25° 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 Bentley, Australia
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 Bentley, Australia.
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 Bentley, Australia
The topography around Bentley, Australia, which is located in the Perth metropolitan area, is generally characterized by relatively flat terrain. This area is part of the Swan Coastal Plain, a low-lying region that stretches along the southwestern coast of Western Australia.
The landscape in and around Bentley is mostly urban, with a mix of residential, commercial, and light industrial areas. The terrain is gently undulating, with subtle variations in elevation. There are no significant hills or mountains in the immediate vicinity. The nearby Canning River, which flows to the south and east of Bentley, has created some minor topographical features along its banks, including small floodplains and gentle slopes.
To the east of Bentley, the terrain gradually rises towards the Darling Scarp, a low escarpment that marks the edge of the coastal plain. However, this change in elevation is not dramatic and occurs over several kilometers.
Areas Suited for Large-Scale Solar PV
For large-scale solar PV installations, the most suitable areas would be found outside the immediate urban area of Perth, where Bentley is located. The ideal locations would have the following characteristics:
1. Flat or gently sloping land: Areas to the east and southeast of Perth, as you move towards the Wheatbelt region, offer vast expanses of relatively flat terrain that would be well-suited for solar farms.
2. High solar exposure: The climate in this part of Western Australia is characterized by abundant sunshine, making it generally favorable for solar energy production.
3. Minimal shading: Locations away from tall structures or natural features that could cast shadows on solar panels would be preferred.
4. Proximity to existing infrastructure: Areas with good access to roads and electrical grid connections would be advantageous for the development of large-scale solar projects.
Some specific regions that might be suitable for large-scale solar PV installations include:
- The agricultural areas east of Perth, such as York, Northam, and Beverley, where there is ample open space and relatively flat terrain.
- The northern outskirts of Perth, towards Gingin and Dandaragan, which offer expansive, sun-drenched landscapes.
- Areas south of Perth, such as Pinjarra and Waroona, which have a mix of agricultural and open lands that could potentially accommodate solar farms.
It's important to note that any large-scale solar PV project would require detailed site assessments, environmental impact studies, and compliance with local planning regulations before development could proceed.
Australia solar PV Stats as a country
Australia ranks 7th in the world for cumulative solar PV capacity, with 19,076 total MW's of solar PV installed. This means that 10.70% of Australia's total energy as a country comes from solar PV (that's 2nd in the world). Each year Australia is generating 742 Watts from solar PV per capita (Australia ranks 2nd in the world for solar PV Watts generated per capita). [source]
Are there incentives for businesses to install solar in Australia?
Yes, there are a variety of incentives available in Australia to businesses wanting to install solar energy. These include:
1. Renewable Energy Target (RET): The RET provides businesses with financial assistance for installing and operating renewable energy systems such as solar panels. Businesses may be eligible to receive certificates that can be sold or traded on the open market for additional income.
2. Feed-in Tariffs: Some states offer feed-in tariffs which pay businesses for generating and exporting excess electricity from their solar panel system back into the grid during peak demand periods.
3. Solar Credits: The Solar Credits program provides households and small business owners with an upfront discount when purchasing a new solar system, based on the amount of renewable energy generated by the system over its lifetime.
4. Tax Breaks: Small business owners may be able to claim tax deductions on certain expenses associated with installing a solar power system, including installation costs, maintenance expenses and interest payments related to financing arrangements taken out specifically for this purpose.
Do you have more up to date information than this on incentives towards solar PV projects in Australia? Please reach out to us and help us keep this information current. Thanks!
Citation Guide
Article Details for Citation
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Friday 6th of September 2024
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.
