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Solar PV Analysis of Mackay, Australia
Mackay, Queensland, Australia is located in the tropics, where sunlight is consistent for most of the year. This makes it a good location for generating energy through solar photovoltaic (PV) systems. The amount of energy that can be generated from a solar PV system depends on how much sunlight it receives, which changes with the seasons.
In Mackay, Queensland, you can expect to generate around 6.84 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per kilowatt (kW) of installed solar per day in summer and about 6.99 kWh/day in spring. These are the highest amounts throughout the year and make these seasons ideal for solar energy production. In autumn and winter, you can still produce substantial amounts of power - around 5.42 kWh/day and 4.72 kWh/day respectively.
For a fixed panel installation at this location, tilting panels at an angle of 19 degrees North will maximise total year-round production from your solar PV system.
However, there could be local factors that might affect your ability to generate solar power in Mackay:
1) Weather: While Mackay has plenty of sunshine throughout most of the year due to its tropical climate, it also experiences wet seasons which could reduce sunlight exposure on some days.
2) Topography: If there are hills or other obstructions that could block sunlight from reaching your panels at certain times of day or year they may affect performance.
3) Environmental Factors: Large trees or buildings nearby could cast shadows over your panels reducing their efficiency as well.
To combat these potential issues:
1) Weather: Ensure proper installation so that panels are secure against high winds during stormy weather; also consider using microinverters or power optimisers which can help maintain output when part of your array is shaded by clouds
2) Topography: Consider installing additional arrays on different parts of property if possible to ensure maximum exposure throughout day
3) Environmental Factors: Trim any overhanging branches or consider removing obstructions if possible. If not, try to position your panels in a location that receives the most unobstructed sunlight throughout the day.
In conclusion, Mackay's consistent sunlight and tropical climate make it an excellent location for solar power generation year-round, although certain local factors need to be considered for optimal energy production.
Note: The Tropics are located between 23.5° North and -23.5° South of the equator.
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 Mackay
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: -21.1433971, Longitude: 149.1868281 (Mackay, 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 19° North in Mackay, Australia
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Mackay, Australia (Lat/Long -21.1433971, 149.1868281) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 19° 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 Mackay, 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 Mackay, Australia. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 19° North tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5° North in Summer | 27° North in Autumn | 36° North in Winter | 15° 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 Mackay, 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 Mackay, 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 Mackay, Australia
Mackay, Australia is predominantly flat, with some gentle undulating hills. The region is characterized by its coastal location and proximity to the Pioneer River. The landscape consists of tropical rainforests, sugar cane fields, and some mountainous regions further inland.
For large-scale solar PV installations, the most suitable areas would be those with high levels of solar irradiance and large flat expanses of land for maximum exposure to sunlight. In Mackay's case, the rural areas surrounding the city that are currently used for sugar cane cultivation could be ideal for such installations due to their flat terrain and abundant sunlight.
However, it's important to note that while these areas might be physically suited for solar PV installation from a topographical point of view, other factors like land ownership rights, environmental impact assessments and infrastructure connectivity also play crucial roles in determining feasibility.
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!
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Article Details for Citation
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Friday 12th 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.
