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Solar PV Analysis of Broadwater, Australia
Broadwater, New South Wales, Australia, located in the Southern Sub Tropics, offers a generally favorable environment for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. The location's latitude and longitude (-29.0089, 153.4337) contribute to its solar potential, with varying levels of electricity output across different seasons.
Seasonal Solar Performance
Summer stands out as the most productive season, with an impressive 7.11kWh/day per kW of installed solar. Spring follows closely, generating 6.06kWh/day. Autumn sees a decrease in output to 4.45kWh/day, while winter experiences the lowest production at 3.84kWh/day per kW of installed solar.
These figures indicate that Broadwater enjoys strong solar potential for much of the year, with peak performance during the warmer months. The substantial difference between summer and winter output suggests that the location experiences significant seasonal variations in daylight hours and sun intensity.
Optimal Panel Installation
For fixed panel installations in Broadwater, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round solar production is 26 degrees facing North. This angle is calculated based on the location's latitude, daily solar elevation angles, and weighted by daily PV potential using NASA's solar irradiance data.
Environmental and Weather Considerations
While Broadwater generally offers good conditions for solar energy production, there are some factors that could potentially impact solar panel efficiency:
- Coastal location: Broadwater's proximity to the coast may expose solar panels to salt spray, which can corrode equipment over time.
- Summer storms: The region can experience intense summer storms, potentially causing temporary reductions in solar output.
To mitigate these issues, installers should consider using corrosion-resistant materials for mounting systems and ensuring panels are properly sealed against moisture. Regular cleaning and maintenance can also help prevent salt buildup and maintain optimal performance.
Despite these minor challenges, Broadwater's location remains highly suitable for solar PV installations, with ample sunshine throughout the year to generate significant renewable energy.
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 Broadwater
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: -29.0089, Longitude: 153.4337 (Broadwater, 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 26° North in Broadwater, Australia
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Broadwater, Australia (Lat/Long -29.0089, 153.4337) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 26° 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 Broadwater, 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 Broadwater, Australia. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 26° North tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13° North in Summer | 35° North in Autumn | 44° North in Winter | 23° 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 Broadwater, 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 Broadwater, 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 Broadwater, Australia
The topography around Broadwater, Australia, located at latitude -29.0089 and longitude 153.4337, is characterized by a mix of coastal and inland features. This area is situated in the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales, close to the eastern coast of Australia.
The immediate vicinity of Broadwater is predominantly flat to gently undulating, with low-lying areas near the coast. The Richmond River flows through this region, creating a floodplain with rich alluvial soils. As you move slightly inland, the terrain becomes more varied, with some rolling hills and small elevations.
To the west of Broadwater, the landscape gradually rises towards the Great Dividing Range, which runs parallel to the coast. This transition creates a mix of gentle slopes and more pronounced hills as you move further inland. The coastal areas feature sandy beaches, dunes, and estuaries, while the hinterland is characterized by a patchwork of agricultural land, remnant forests, and scattered woodlands.
For large-scale solar PV installations, the areas best suited would likely be found slightly inland from Broadwater. The ideal locations would be on gently sloping or flat terrain that is not prone to flooding and receives ample sunlight throughout the year. Some potential areas to consider include:
- The slightly elevated lands to the west and southwest of Broadwater, where the terrain begins to rise but is still relatively flat. These areas often have fewer trees and obstructions, allowing for maximum solar exposure.
- Agricultural lands that are currently underutilized or could accommodate dual-use solar farming. These areas are typically already cleared and have good access to existing infrastructure.
- The broader hinterland region, where larger tracts of land might be available for development. This area offers a balance between flat terrain and slightly elevated positions that can maximize sun exposure.
It's important to note that while the topography is suitable for solar PV in many areas around Broadwater, other factors such as land availability, proximity to the electrical grid, and local planning regulations would also need to be considered when selecting specific sites for large-scale solar installations.
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: Thursday 29th of August 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.
