Solar PV Analysis of Avondale, New Zealand
Avondale, Auckland, New Zealand is a decent location for generating solar energy year-round, although there are variations in output depending on the season. In simpler terms, how much electricity you can produce from solar panels installed here changes with the time of year.
During summer, each kilowatt (kW) of your installed solar system can generate about 7.17 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per day. This drops to around 4 kWh/day in autumn and further down to about 2.69 kWh/day in winter. However, it picks up again during spring when you can expect around 5.58 kWh/day for every kW of your installed solar power.
So if we're talking about the best times for generating solar energy at this location, that would be during summer and spring when days are longer and sunnier compared to other seasons.
To get the most out of your installation all-year round though, make sure that your panels are tilted at an angle of approximately 32 degrees facing North - this is considered as the ideal position for capturing sunlight throughout different times of the year in Avondale.
As far as environmental or weather factors go that could potentially hinder production from your solar setup here: New Zealand's weather can be quite unpredictable with periods of heavy rain or overcast skies which could reduce sunlight exposure; also keep an eye out for potential shading issues from nearby buildings or trees especially if they're north-facing where our sun primarily comes from.
To help mitigate these issues - consider installing a system that tracks movement of the sun so it captures maximum light even on less sunny days; ensure regular cleaning and maintenance to remove any dirt or debris blocking sunlight; and finally plan ahead by properly surveying potential shade sources before installing panels so they're positioned optimally right from start.
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 105 locations across New Zealand. This analysis provides insights into each city/location's potential for harnessing solar energy through PV installations.
Link: Solar PV potential in New Zealand by location
Solar output per kW of installed solar PV by season in Avondale
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: -36.882, Longitude: 174.6922 (Avondale, New Zealand), 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 Avondale, New Zealand
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Avondale, New Zealand (Lat/Long -36.882, 174.6922) 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 Avondale, New Zealand
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 Avondale, New Zealand. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 21° North in Summer | 42° North in Autumn | 52° North in Winter | 29° 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 Avondale, New Zealand
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 Avondale, New Zealand.
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 Avondale, New Zealand
Avondale, New Zealand is located in the Auckland region and its topography is characterized by a mix of flat land and low-lying hills. The area's coastal location provides it with access to ample sunlight, making it suitable for solar PV installations.
The flat areas would be most suitable for large-scale solar PV installations as they provide unobstructed exposure to sunlight. However, the exact suitability would depend upon factors like soil type, land usage restrictions, proximity to power grids etc.
In terms of nearby areas, Waitakere Ranges to the west has hilly terrain which might not be ideal for large scale solar farms but could accommodate smaller distributed installations. To the east of Avondale lies Manukau Harbour and further east are more urbanized regions of Auckland city where rooftop solar can be a viable option.
Please note that local regulations regarding land use and environmental impact assessments will play a crucial role in determining actual feasibility of any such project. It's always recommended to consult with local authorities or experts before planning a large-scale renewable energy project.
New Zealand solar PV Stats as a country
New Zealand ranks 78th in the world for cumulative solar PV capacity, with 146 total MW's of solar PV installed. Each year New Zealand is generating 29 Watts from solar PV per capita (New Zealand ranks 58th in the world for solar PV Watts generated per capita). [source]
Are there incentives for businesses to install solar in New Zealand?
Yes, there are several incentives for businesses wanting to install solar energy in New Zealand. The government offers a range of grants and subsidies to help businesses reduce their energy costs and increase their use of renewable energy sources. These include the Solar PV Grant Scheme, which provides up to $20,000 per installation towards the cost of installing solar photovoltaic (PV) systems; the Low Emission Vehicles Contestable Fund, which provides funding for electric vehicles; and the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority’s Business Energy Management Programme, which helps businesses identify ways to save money on their energy bills. Additionally, some local councils offer rates rebates or other incentives for businesses that install solar panels.
Do you have more up to date information than this on incentives towards solar PV projects in New Zealand? 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: Sunday 12th of May 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.
