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Solar PV Analysis of Merimbula, Australia
The location at Merimbula, New South Wales, Australia is generally good for generating solar energy throughout the year. However, there are differences in how much energy can be produced during each season.
In simple terms, a solar panel installation here could produce an average of 6.82 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per day in summer for every kilowatt (kW) of installed solar power. In autumn, this drops to about 4.30 kWh/day and further dips to approximately 2.95 kWh/day in winter due to shorter daylight hours and less intense sunlight. Spring sees an increase again with around 5.63 kWh/day being generated.
To maximize the total amount of energy produced throughout the year, it's recommended that fixed-panel installations at this location be tilted at an angle of 33 degrees towards the north.
As far as environmental or other local factors that may affect solar production are concerned - like any coastal area - Merimbula may experience more cloudy or overcast days which could reduce solar production slightly compared to sunnier inland locations.
However, these factors do not significantly impede solar production overall and should not discourage you from installing a system here.
When installing a system though, it would be wise to consider these factors and plan accordingly – such as ensuring panels are positioned where they will receive maximum sun exposure throughout the day and won't be shaded by nearby buildings or trees.
Also consider using high-quality panels that perform well even on cloudy days and ensure regular maintenance is carried out so your system continues operating efficiently even when weather conditions aren't ideal.
In summary: The location is pretty ideal for generating solar power all year round despite some seasonal variation in output levels due mainly to changes in daylight hours and sunlight intensity; with careful planning when installing your system you can maximize its efficiency regardless of local environmental conditions.
Note: The Southern Temperate Zone extends from -35° latitude South down to -66.5° 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 Merimbula
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: -36.8880702, Longitude: 149.9062981 (Merimbula, 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 33° North in Merimbula, Australia
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Merimbula, Australia (Lat/Long -36.8880702, 149.9062981) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 33° 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 Merimbula, 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 Merimbula, Australia. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 33° North tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 21° North in Summer | 42° North in Autumn | 52° North in Winter | 30° 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 Merimbula, 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 Merimbula, 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 Merimbula, Australia
Merimbula is located on the Sapphire Coast of New South Wales, Australia. The topography around Merimbula is characterized by a mix of coastal plains and hilly terrain. There are several beaches, lagoons, and estuaries in the region. The town itself is situated on a peninsula between Merimbula Lake and the Pacific Ocean.
The area has a temperate climate with plenty of sunshine throughout the year which makes it suitable for solar PV installations. However, due to its coastal location, any large-scale solar PV installation would need to be resistant to saltwater corrosion.
In terms of large-scale solar PV projects, flat areas would be most suitable for such installations as they provide maximum exposure to sunlight and minimize installation complexities related to uneven terrain. Considering this fact, areas like Bega Valley or Bombala which are slightly inland could be potential sites for large scale solar installations due their relatively flatter terrains compared to the coastal area.
However, it's important that detailed feasibility studies considering factors such as land availability & usage restrictions (like protected natural areas), local climate conditions (including cloud cover), grid connectivity infrastructure etc., should be carried out before finalizing any site for large scale solar PV project.
Also note that while flat open spaces are generally considered good for ground-mounted solar farms; rooftops in urban or semi-urban areas can also serve as potential sites for distributed generation through smaller-scale rooftop PV systems.
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.
