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Solar PV Analysis of Warrnambool, Australia
Warrnambool, Victoria, Australia is a decent location for generating energy through solar panels throughout the year. However, it's important to note that the amount of energy generated varies with each season.
During summer, you can expect to generate about 7.45 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per day for every kilowatt (kW) of solar panels installed. This is the best time of year for generating solar power in this location due to longer daylight hours and higher sun intensity.
In autumn and winter, however, the energy generation drops significantly due to shorter days and lower sun intensity. You can expect around 3.71 kWh/day in autumn and even less during winter at about 2.46 kWh/day per kW of installed solar.
Spring sees an increase again with approximately 5.82 kWh/day per kW as days get longer and sun intensity increases.
To maximise your total yearly production from your solar panels in Warrnambool, Victoria, it's recommended that fixed panel installations be tilted at an angle of 33 degrees facing North.
As far as local factors that could impede solar production at this location go, Warrnambool's coastal climate could potentially affect output due to cloud cover or fog which can limit sunlight exposure on some days. The city also experiences strong winds which may cause dust or debris accumulation on the panels reducing their efficiency over time.
To ensure greater energy production despite these factors:
1) Regular cleaning of the panels will help maintain their efficiency by removing any dust or debris.
2) Consider installing a tracking system so your panels can follow the path of the sun throughout the day ensuring maximum exposure.
3) If possible install additional capacity to compensate for those cloudy or foggy days when generation is reduced.
4) Protecting your installation from strong winds by choosing a sheltered location if possible would also be beneficial.
Remember though each situation will vary so professional advice should always be sought when considering a solar installation.
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 Warrnambool
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: -38.3720954, Longitude: 142.4777782 (Warrnambool, 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 Warrnambool, Australia
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Warrnambool, Australia (Lat/Long -38.3720954, 142.4777782) 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 Warrnambool, 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 Warrnambool, 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 Warrnambool, 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 Warrnambool, 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 Warrnambool, Australia
Warrnambool, Australia is located along the southwestern coast of Victoria. The topography of the area is largely flat to gently undulating plains, with some low hills. It's situated on both banks of the Merri River and it's close to several beaches.
The region experiences a temperate maritime climate, which means it has cooler summers and milder winters compared to most parts of Australia. This may not make it an ideal location for large-scale solar PV installations due to lesser sunlight intensity compared to other parts of Australia.
However, considering nearby areas for large-scale solar PV installations, flat or gently sloping regions would be more suitable as they provide easy installation and maintenance. Areas further inland where there may be less cloud cover could also be considered.
One potential area could be north towards Hamilton or Horsham where the land is flatter and more open with less tree coverage. These areas might receive slightly more sunlight than coastal Warrnambool.
Nonetheless, site-specific assessments including factors like local weather patterns, soil conditions and grid connectivity would need to be conducted before deciding on a location for large-scale solar PV installations.
Please note that while southern Australia receives less sunlight than northern parts do in general (due its latitude), technological advancements have made it possible for solar panels to generate significant amounts electricity even under sub-optimal conditions. So even places like Warrnambool can benefit from smaller scale residential or commercial solar power 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: 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.
