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Solar PV Analysis of Marcoola, Australia
Marcoola, Queensland, Australia is a fairly good location for generating solar energy all year round. During the summer months, you can expect to generate about 7.25 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity per day for each kilowatt (kW) of solar panels you have installed. In autumn, this drops to about 4.80 kWh/day per kW; in winter it's around 4.20 kWh/day per kW; and in spring it rises again to about 6.52 kWh/day per kW.
This means that the best times of year to generate solar power at this location are during the summer and spring months when sunlight is more plentiful.
If you're planning on installing solar panels at this location, tilting them at an angle of 24 degrees towards the north will help maximise your total electricity production throughout the year.
However, there could be some local factors that might affect how much energy you can produce from your solar panels here.
For example, Marcoola is located near the coast which means it may experience more cloud cover and rainfall than inland areas - especially during wetter periods like late summer/autumn - which could reduce your potential solar output somewhat.
Also, being close to sea level might mean less direct sunlight due to atmospheric scattering compared with locations at higher elevations - although this effect would likely be minor in comparison with seasonal variations or weather patterns.
To mitigate these potential issues and ensure greater energy production from your solar installation:
- You could consider using advanced PV modules designed for high efficiency even under cloudy conditions.
- Regular cleaning/maintenance of your panels can also help maintain their efficiency by preventing buildup of dust or bird droppings etc.
- If possible/practical given local building regulations or site constraints etc., consider elevated mounting structures for your panels that may help minimise shading issues from nearby trees/buildings while also potentially providing some added resistance against flooding risks if located in a low-lying area.
Always consult with a local solar installer or energy consultant for tailored advice based on your specific circumstances and needs.
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 Marcoola
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: -26.5809506, Longitude: 153.0946976 (Marcoola, 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 24° North in Marcoola, Australia
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Marcoola, Australia (Lat/Long -26.5809506, 153.0946976) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 24° 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 Marcoola, 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 Marcoola, Australia. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 24° North tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11° North in Summer | 32° North in Autumn | 42° North in Winter | 20° 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 Marcoola, 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 Marcoola, 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 Marcoola, Australia
Marcoola is located on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland, Australia. It has a coastal topography with flat, sandy beaches and some dune systems. The area is generally flat or gently undulating, making it potentially suitable for solar PV installations.
However, the immediate vicinity of Marcoola might not be ideal for large-scale solar PV due to its urban development and proximity to the beach (potential issues with salt spray). The hinterland areas of the Sunshine Coast may offer more potential for large scale solar installations. These areas are less densely populated and have larger tracts of land that could accommodate substantial solar arrays.
Areas such as Yandina or Eumundi towards the west have more open farmland which could be suitable for large-scale solar projects. However, any specific site would need a detailed assessment considering factors such as land ownership, proximity to power grid connections and environmental impacts.
The region does have high levels of sunshine throughout the year which makes it an attractive location from a solar irradiance perspective. The Sunshine Coast also already hosts several significant renewable energy projects including a 15 MW solar farm at Valdora near Coolum Beach which demonstrates potential viability in this region.
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: Saturday 17th of February 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.
