Solar PV Analysis of Kerikeri, New Zealand
Kerikeri, Northland, New Zealand can be a good spot for year-round solar energy production, although the amount of electricity you can generate will vary depending on the season. In simple terms, during summer you'll get about 7.21 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per day for every kilowatt (kW) of solar panels installed. This falls to 4.23 kWh/day in autumn and further drops to around 2.78 kWh/day in winter before rising again to roughly 5.72 kWh/day in spring.
So if we look at this information, it's clear that summer is the best time for generating solar power at this location due to longer daylight hours and more direct sunlight exposure compared to other seasons.
To make sure your solar panels work as efficiently as possible all year round, they should ideally be fixed at an angle facing 30 degrees North - this will maximize their exposure to sunlight throughout the year.
As with any location though, there may be local factors that could affect how much power you're able to generate from your solar panels here in Kerikeri. For example, weather conditions like heavy cloud cover or rainfall can reduce sunlight exposure which would decrease your energy output.
If trees or buildings cast shadows over where your panels are located then these too could limit how much sun they get each day – particularly during winter when the sun is lower in the sky and shadows are longer.
To help mitigate against these potential issues it's important that during installation you try and position your panels somewhere open where they won't be shaded by surrounding objects if possible; also consider installing additional equipment such as tracking systems which allow panels to move with the sun thereby increasing their efficiency even on cloudy days or during shorter daylight periods.
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 Kerikeri
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: -35.225, Longitude: 173.9445 (Kerikeri, 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 30° North in Kerikeri, New Zealand
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Kerikeri, New Zealand (Lat/Long -35.225, 173.9445) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 30° 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 Kerikeri, 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 Kerikeri, New Zealand. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 30° North tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 19° North in Summer | 40° North in Autumn | 50° North in Winter | 28° 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 Kerikeri, 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 Kerikeri, 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 Kerikeri, New Zealand
Kerikeri, New Zealand, is located in the Northland Region of the country's North Island. The area is characterized by a mix of flatlands and gentle rolling hills. Kerikeri sits near the coast but also has some forested areas nearby. It's known for its fertile soils and warm climate.
When considering large-scale solar PV installations, it's important to consider factors such as sunlight hours, topography, land use restrictions and proximity to power grids for transmission.
Given Kerikeri’s relatively flat terrain and sunny climate (it enjoys one of New Zealand’s highest levels of sunshine), it can be considered suitable for large-scale solar PV installations. Flat farmlands or unused lands that are not shadowed by hills or trees would be ideal locations.
However, specific site selection would need careful study including aspects like local regulations regarding land use, environmental impact assessments etc. Proximity to existing power infrastructure will also be crucial as it would significantly reduce costs related to energy transmission.
It should also be noted that while Kerikeri does have a high level of sunlight relative to other parts of New Zealand; compared globally - especially with more arid regions – this level is moderate.
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 26th of June 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.
