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Solar PV Analysis of Maryborough, Victoria, Australia
Based on the data provided, Maryborough, Victoria, Australia is a suitable location for generating solar energy year-round. However, its effectiveness varies with each season.
In simple terms, the amount of electricity you can produce from solar panels depends on how much sunlight they receive. In summer at this location, each kilowatt (kW) of installed solar could generate about 8.04 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per day because it's the sunniest season. Spring is also relatively good with around 5.78 kWh/day being produced per kW of installed solar due to increased daylight hours and more direct sunlight compared to other seasons.
Autumn sees a decrease in production to around 3.75 kWh/day per kW due to shorter days and less intense sunlight while winter has the lowest output at approximately 2.51 kWh/day per kW because of fewer daylight hours and lower sun intensity.
Ideally then for this location in Australia, if you want to maximize your solar energy generation using these panels throughout the year, you should tilt them at an angle of about 31 degrees facing North.
However, there are several factors that could potentially affect your energy production here such as environmental conditions or local topography which may block sunlight from reaching your panels effectively like tall buildings or trees nearby casting shadows on your installation or hilly terrain that might obstruct direct sunlight during certain times of day/year.
Weather patterns too can influence efficiency - cloudy days will reduce panel performance as will high temperatures which can cause overheating leading to reduced efficiency; plus dust and dirt accumulation on panel surfaces over time may also limit their performance by blocking light absorption unless regularly cleaned off.
To mitigate against these potential issues when installing your system: choose a site free from obstructions where possible; ensure adequate ventilation/cooling systems are in place if high temperatures are common; maintain regular cleaning schedules for panel surfaces; consider use of tracking systems that adjust panel angles throughout the day/year to follow the sun's path across the sky for maximum sunlight exposure.
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 Maryborough, Victoria
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: -37.0483491, Longitude: 143.7353612 (Maryborough, Victoria, 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 31° North in Maryborough, Victoria, Australia
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Maryborough, Victoria, Australia (Lat/Long -37.0483491, 143.7353612) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 31° 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 Maryborough, Victoria, 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 Maryborough, Victoria, Australia. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 31° North tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 19° North in Summer | 43° 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 Maryborough, Victoria, 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 Maryborough, Victoria, 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 Maryborough, Victoria, Australia
Maryborough, Australia is located in the state of Victoria and has a largely flat topography with some gently rolling hills. The area is characterized by its mix of agricultural land and natural vegetation. There are also several bodies of water nearby including the Bet Bet Creek and Maryborough Reservoir.
For large-scale solar PV installations, flat open areas with minimal shading are ideal. In the case of Maryborough, potential suitable locations could include unused agricultural lands or other open spaces. It's crucial to consider factors like local weather patterns (solar irradiation), proximity to existing power infrastructure for grid connection, as well as environmental and social impacts before deciding on a location.
In general, Australia has high solar potential due to its abundant sunlight year-round. However, specific feasibility studies would have to be conducted for any proposed site to ensure it meets all necessary criteria for successful operation.
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: 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.
