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Solar PV Analysis of Rokeby, Australia
Rokeby, Victoria, Australia, located in the Southern Temperate Zone, offers varying potential for solar energy generation throughout the year. This location experiences significant seasonal fluctuations in solar PV output, which is typical for regions at similar latitudes.
Seasonal Solar Performance
Summer stands out as the most productive season for solar energy in Rokeby, with an impressive daily output of 7.34kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows as the second-best season, generating 5.84kWh/day. Autumn sees a considerable drop in production to 3.76kWh/day, while winter experiences the lowest output at 2.49kWh/day.
These figures highlight the substantial difference between summer and winter production, with summer generating nearly three times more energy than winter. This variation is primarily due to the changing sun angle and daylight hours across seasons.
Optimal Panel Installation
To maximize year-round solar energy production in Rokeby, fixed solar panels should be installed at a tilt angle of 33 degrees facing North. This orientation helps balance energy generation across seasons, capturing more sunlight during winter months when the sun is lower in the sky, while still performing well during the more productive summer period.
Environmental Considerations
While Rokeby's climate is generally favorable for solar energy production, there are some factors that could potentially impact system performance:
- Cloud cover: Rokeby experiences some cloudy days, particularly in winter, which can reduce solar output.
- Dust and pollen: Being in a rural area, airborne particles may accumulate on panels, slightly reducing efficiency.
To mitigate these issues, regular panel cleaning and maintenance should be scheduled. Additionally, investing in high-quality, weather-resistant panels and considering a system with micro-inverters or power optimizers can help maintain performance in partially shaded conditions.
In conclusion, while Rokeby's location presents some challenges for year-round solar energy production, particularly in winter, it still offers substantial potential, especially during the spring and summer months. With proper system design and maintenance, solar PV can be a viable and effective energy solution for this area.
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 Rokeby
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: -38.067, Longitude: 145.9351 (Rokeby, 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 Rokeby, Australia
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Rokeby, Australia (Lat/Long -38.067, 145.9351) 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 Rokeby, 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 Rokeby, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 22° North in Summer | 43° North in Autumn | 53° North in Winter | 31° 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 Rokeby, 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 Rokeby, 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 Rokeby, Australia
The area around Rokeby, Australia, located at latitude -38.067 and longitude 145.9351, is characterized by a diverse and gently undulating landscape. This region, situated in the state of Victoria, is part of the broader Gippsland area, known for its rolling hills, pastures, and scattered woodlands.
The topography of Rokeby and its surroundings features a mix of low-lying plains and gentle slopes. To the north and west, the terrain gradually rises towards the foothills of the Great Dividing Range, creating a picturesque backdrop of distant hills. To the south and east, the land becomes flatter as it approaches the coastal plains of the Gippsland region.
The area is dotted with small creeks and streams that wind their way through the landscape, contributing to the lush vegetation and fertile soil. These waterways have, over time, carved shallow valleys and created natural drainage patterns across the terrain.
When considering areas nearby that would be most suited for large-scale solar PV (photovoltaic) installations, several factors come into play. The ideal locations would be relatively flat or gently sloping areas with minimal shading from trees or hills. These conditions allow for maximum exposure to sunlight throughout the day.
The plains to the south and east of Rokeby would likely be the most suitable for solar PV projects. These areas offer larger, open spaces with fewer obstructions to sunlight. The flatter terrain also makes construction and maintenance of solar arrays more straightforward and cost-effective.
However, it's important to note that any large-scale solar development would need to balance energy production potential with other land-use considerations, such as agricultural activities, which are significant in this region. Environmental impact assessments and local planning regulations would also play a crucial role in determining the feasibility and location of such projects.
In conclusion, while the varied topography around Rokeby offers scenic beauty and supports diverse land uses, the flatter areas to the south and east present the most promising opportunities for large-scale solar PV installations, subject to careful planning and environmental considerations.
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: Friday 26th of July 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.
