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Solar PV Analysis of Willow View, Australia
Willow View, New South Wales, Australia, located in the Southern Temperate Zone, offers varying potential for solar energy generation throughout the year. This location, with coordinates -36.4123, 148.6558, experiences significant seasonal fluctuations in solar PV output.
Seasonal Solar Performance
Summer stands out as the most productive season, with an impressive 7.52kWh/day per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows as the second-best season, generating 5.71kWh/day. Autumn sees a moderate decrease in output at 4.38kWh/day, while winter experiences the lowest production at 2.64kWh/day.
These figures indicate that Willow View is well-suited for solar energy production during the warmer months, particularly from late spring through early autumn. However, the substantial drop in winter output suggests that supplementary energy sources may be necessary during the colder months.
Optimal Panel Installation
To maximize year-round solar energy production at this location, fixed solar panels should be installed at a tilt angle of 32 degrees facing North. This angle has been calculated to optimize energy capture across all seasons, taking into account the Earth's elliptical orbit and the site's specific latitude.
Environmental Considerations
While Willow View generally offers favorable conditions for solar energy production, there are some environmental factors to consider:
- Snow: Being in a temperate zone, the area may experience occasional snowfall in winter, which could temporarily reduce panel efficiency.
- Cloud cover: The region might experience periods of increased cloud cover, particularly during winter months, potentially affecting solar output.
To mitigate these issues, consider installing panels with a slightly steeper tilt to encourage snow sliding off and using high-efficiency panels that perform well in low-light conditions. Regular maintenance, including prompt snow removal and panel cleaning, can help maintain optimal performance year-round.
In conclusion, while Willow View experiences significant seasonal variations in solar energy potential, it remains a viable location for solar PV installations, especially when optimized for year-round performance.
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 Willow View
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: -36.4123, Longitude: 148.6558 (Willow View, 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 32° North in Willow View, Australia
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Willow View, Australia (Lat/Long -36.4123, 148.6558) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 32° 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 Willow View, 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 Willow View, Australia. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 32° North tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20° North in Summer | 41° North in Autumn | 51° 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 Willow View, 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 Willow View, 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 Willow View, Australia
The topography around Willow View, Australia, located at latitude -36.4123 and longitude 148.6558, is characterized by diverse and rugged terrain. This area is situated in the Snowy Mountains region of New South Wales, known for its mountainous landscape and varied elevations.
The surroundings of Willow View feature a mix of rolling hills, steep slopes, and some flatter areas interspersed throughout the region. The nearby Snowy River winds its way through the landscape, creating valleys and gorges. The elevation in this area generally ranges from about 1,000 to 2,000 meters above sea level, with some peaks reaching even higher altitudes.
The vegetation in the region is typically alpine and subalpine, with snow gum forests, grasslands, and areas of exposed rock at higher elevations. Lower slopes and valleys may have more dense forest cover, including eucalyptus trees and other native Australian flora.
When considering areas nearby that would be most suited to large-scale solar PV (photovoltaic) installations, it's important to look for relatively flat or gently sloping terrain with good sun exposure. While the mountainous nature of the region presents some challenges, there are potential sites that could be suitable:
- Valley floors and wider basins between mountain ranges may offer larger, flatter areas that could accommodate solar arrays. These locations might have the added benefit of being closer to existing infrastructure.
- Elevated plateaus or tablelands, if present in the region, could provide ideal locations for solar farms. These areas often have less vegetation and obstructions, allowing for maximum sun exposure.
- Gently sloping hillsides facing north (in the Southern Hemisphere) could be suitable for solar installations, as they would receive more direct sunlight throughout the day.
- Areas that have been previously cleared for agriculture or other human activities might offer opportunities for solar development without significant impact on natural habitats.
It's important to note that any large-scale solar PV project would require detailed site-specific assessments, including environmental impact studies, grid connection feasibility, and consideration of local regulations and land use policies. The alpine nature of the region and potential for extreme weather conditions would also need to be factored into the planning and design of any solar installation in this area.
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: Monday 2nd of September 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.
