Solar PV Analysis of Havelock North, New Zealand
Havelock North, Hawke's Bay Region, New Zealand, situated at latitude -39.6636 and longitude 176.8759, presents a mixed picture for solar energy generation throughout the year. This location in the Southern Temperate Zone experiences significant seasonal variations in solar output, which affects the overall efficiency of photovoltaic (PV) systems.
Seasonal Solar Performance
The solar energy production in Havelock North fluctuates considerably across the four seasons. Summer stands out as the most productive period, with an impressive daily output of 6.92 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows as the second-best season, generating 5.28 kWh/day. However, there's a notable decline in autumn, with production dropping to 3.54 kWh/day. Winter sees the lowest output at just 2.43 kWh/day, less than half of the spring production and only about a third of the summer yield.
Optimal Installation Angle
For those considering a fixed panel installation in Havelock North, Hawke's Bay Region, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round solar production is 34 degrees facing North. This angle has been calculated to optimize energy capture across all seasons, taking into account the location's specific latitude and the Earth's elliptical orbit.
Best Times for Solar Generation
The most ideal times for solar energy generation in Havelock North are during the summer months, typically from December to February in the Southern Hemisphere. This period offers long daylight hours and more direct sunlight, resulting in peak energy production. Spring (September to November) also provides favorable conditions for solar generation, though not as optimal as summer.
Environmental and Weather Factors
While Havelock North generally offers good conditions for solar energy, there are some factors that could potentially impact solar production:
- Cloud cover: The region can experience periods of overcast weather, particularly in winter, which may reduce solar efficiency.
- Fog: Morning fog, common in some seasons, can delay the start of peak solar production hours.
To mitigate these factors, consider installing high-efficiency panels that perform well in low-light conditions. Additionally, implementing a solar tracking system, although more expensive, can significantly increase energy capture by following the sun's path throughout the day.
In conclusion, while Havelock North's location presents challenges for year-round solar production, particularly in winter, it still offers substantial potential for solar energy generation, especially during summer and spring. With proper planning and installation techniques, a solar PV system can be a viable and beneficial energy solution for this New Zealand town.
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 Havelock North
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: -39.6636, Longitude: 176.8759 (Havelock North, 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 34° North in Havelock North, New Zealand
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Havelock North, New Zealand (Lat/Long -39.6636, 176.8759) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 34° 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 Havelock North, 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 Havelock North, New Zealand. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 34° North tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24° North in Summer | 44° North in Autumn | 54° North in Winter | 32° 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 Havelock North, 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 Havelock North, 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 Havelock North, New Zealand
The topography around Havelock North, New Zealand, is characterized by a mix of flat plains and rolling hills. The town itself is situated on the eastern edge of the Heretaunga Plains, a large flat area that extends westward towards Hastings. To the east and southeast of Havelock North, the landscape becomes more varied, with gentle hills rising into the foothills of the Tuki Tuki Hills.
Te Mata Peak, a prominent landmark, stands to the south of Havelock North. This distinctive hill rises to about 399 meters (1,309 feet) above sea level, offering panoramic views of the surrounding area. The eastern slopes of Te Mata Peak are quite steep, while the western side has a more gradual incline.
To the northeast of Havelock North, the Tuki Tuki River winds its way through a valley, creating a picturesque landscape with some flat areas along its banks surrounded by rolling hills. This river valley extends towards the coast, where it meets the Pacific Ocean.
For large-scale solar PV installations, the most suitable areas nearby would likely be found on the Heretaunga Plains to the west and northwest of Havelock North. These flat, open areas receive ample sunlight and have fewer obstructions that could cast shadows on solar panels. The plains also offer easier access for construction and maintenance of solar facilities.
Some of the gently sloping hillsides to the south and southeast of Havelock North could also be considered for solar PV installations, particularly those with a northward aspect. These areas would receive good sun exposure throughout the day. However, developers would need to carefully assess the impact of any shading from nearby hills and consider the additional costs associated with building on sloped terrain.
It's worth noting that while the flat plains are technically ideal for solar PV, these areas are also valuable agricultural land. Any large-scale solar development would need to balance energy production goals with the preservation of productive farmland. As such, careful planning and consultation with local authorities and communities would be essential for any significant solar PV project in this region.
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!
Citation Guide
Article Details for Citation
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Wednesday 14th of August 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.
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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.
