Solar PV Analysis of Marton, New Zealand
Based on the given data, Marton, Rangitikei, New Zealand can generate a decent amount of energy via solar PV throughout the year. However, it's not ideal all year round because the amount of electricity produced varies significantly across different seasons.
In simple terms, you'll get more power from your solar panels in summer and spring than in autumn and winter. Summer is the most productive season with an average output of 7.02 kWh per day for each kW of installed solar. Spring isn't far behind with an average output of 5.36 kWh/day per kW installed.
On the other hand, Autumn sees a drop to about half that at 3.62 kWh/day per kW installed while Winter has the lowest production rate at only 2.29kWh/day per kW installed.
So if you're considering when to use your solar panels more efficiently in Marton, Rangitikei, summer and spring would be your best bet due to higher sunlight exposure during these periods.
For fixed panel installations at this location, tilting them at an angle of 35 degrees facing North will maximize total yearly production from your solar PV system as this angle captures most sunlight over the course of a year.
As for local factors that could affect solar production; weather conditions like cloud cover or heavy rainfall can reduce sunlight availability thereby affecting energy generation potential from your panels. Seasonal changes also play part where shorter daylight hours during winter leads to less power generated compared to longer daylight hours in summer or spring.
To help ensure greater energy production despite these factors; regular maintenance should be done on your panels such as cleaning off any debris or dust that might block sunlight reaching them effectively increasing their efficiency level overall.
Additionally installing tracking systems which adjust panel angles based on sun’s position could also help increase their productivity especially during less sunny periods like winter or autumn but this may come with additional costs so one needs consider its benefit against its cost before deciding whether it's worth investing into.
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 Marton
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: -40.0793203, Longitude: 175.3792768 (Marton, 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 35° North in Marton, New Zealand
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Marton, New Zealand (Lat/Long -40.0793203, 175.3792768) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 35° 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 Marton, 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 Marton, New Zealand. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 35° 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 | 55° 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 Marton, 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 Marton, 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 Marton, New Zealand
Marton, New Zealand is located in the Rangitikei District of the Manawatu-Wanganui region on the North Island. The topography around Marton is predominantly flat with some gently rolling hills. The area is largely used for agricultural purposes including dairy farming, sheep and beef cattle grazing.
The relatively flat landscape and high levels of sunlight make it potentially suitable for large-scale solar PV installations. However, specific site suitability would need to consider factors such as land use restrictions, soil stability, accessibility for installation and maintenance activities, proximity to electrical grid connections or demand centers among other considerations.
Areas that are currently under-utilized or unproductive could be most suited for solar PV installations. This could include areas with poor soil quality unsuitable for agriculture or grazing. Given Marton's rural setting and agricultural focus, there may also be opportunities to integrate solar panels into existing farm operations – such as installing them on barn roofs or using them to power irrigation systems – which can offer both economic and environmental benefits.
However, a detailed feasibility study would be needed to identify specific sites that are most suitable based on a comprehensive assessment of all relevant factors.
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 1st of May 2024
Last Updated: Monday 21st of July 2025
Tell Us About Your Work
We love seeing how our research helps others! If you've cited this article in your work, we'd be delighted to hear about it. Drop us a line via our Contact Us page or on X, to share where you've used our information - we may feature a link to your work on our site. This helps create a network of valuable resources for others in the solar energy community and helps us understand how our research is contributing to the field. Plus, we occasionally highlight exceptional works that reference our research on our social media channels.
Feeling generous?
Share this with your friends!
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.
