Solar PV Analysis of Palmerston North, New Zealand
Palmerston North, New Zealand, situated at a latitude of -40.3544628 and longitude of 175.6097478, offers favorable conditions for solar PV generation throughout the year. The average daily energy production per kW of installed solar varies across seasons: 7.02 kWh in summer, 3.62 kWh in autumn, 2.29 kWh in winter, and 5.36 kWh in spring. These figures indicate that solar power generation is most effective during the summer months due to longer daylight hours and increased sunlight exposure.
However, certain local factors can impact the efficiency of solar panels at this location. Weather conditions such as heavy cloud cover or rain may reduce energy production by limiting direct sunlight on the panels and causing dirt or debris accumulation that hinders their performance. Strong winds can also affect panel output capacity over time by inducing vibrations.
To optimize energy production from solar installations in Palmerston North, it is recommended to tilt fixed panels at an angle of 35 degrees facing north for maximum sun exposure throughout the year. Additionally, regular maintenance should be performed to clean panels and remove any accumulated dirt or debris that could impede their efficiency. Implementing wind-resistant mounting systems can also help minimize potential damage caused by strong winds and ensure more consistent energy production from your solar installation.
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 92 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 Palmerston North
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: -40.3544628, Longitude: 175.6097478 (Palmerston 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 35° North in Palmerston North, New Zealand
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Palmerston North, New Zealand (Lat/Long -40.3544628, 175.6097478) 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 Palmerston 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 Palmerston North, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25° North in Summer | 45° North in Autumn | 55° North in Winter | 33° 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 Palmerston 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 Palmerston 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 Palmerston North, New Zealand
The topography around Palmerston North, New Zealand is generally flat with some gentle rolling hills. Areas to the north and east of the city are particularly well suited for large-scale solar PV installations due to their relatively high levels of sunshine and open terrain. These areas are also home to a number of agricultural operations which could benefit from solar energy generation. Other potential sites for large-scale solar PV include rooftops in urban areas, as well as land near power lines or other infrastructure that could be used to transmit generated electricity.
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: Friday 12th of August 2022
Last Updated: Wednesday 26th of June 2024
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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.
