Wewak, East Sepik Province, Papua New Guinea is a good location for generating solar energy all year round due to its tropical climate where sunlight is consistent throughout the year. The amount of electricity that can be produced from each kilowatt of installed solar panels varies slightly with the seasons but remains fairly high: around 5.05 kWh/day in summer, 5.39 kWh/day in autumn, 5.19 kWh/day in winter and 5.74 kWh/day in spring.

The most ideal times to generate solar energy at this location would be during autumn and spring when the output per kW of installed solar is highest. However, even during summer and winter, the output remains quite high making it suitable for year-round power generation.

For a fixed panel installation at this location, tilting the panels at an angle of 4 degrees towards North will help maximize total yearly production from solar PV.

There might be some local factors that could impede solar production at this location such as heavy rainfall or cloud cover particularly during wet seasons which may reduce sunlight exposure on panels. High humidity levels can also affect panel efficiency by causing corrosion or other damage over time.

Preventative measures that can be taken include installing durable weather-resistant panels designed to withstand tropical climates and regular maintenance checks for any signs of wear or damage due to environmental factors like humidity or rainfalls.
Additionally, using tracking systems that adjust panel position according to sun's position could help ensure maximum sunlight absorption even on less sunny days.

In conclusion, Wewak offers favorable conditions for efficient year-round solar energy generation with just minor seasonal variations in output levels and some manageable challenges posed by local weather conditions.

Note: The Tropics are located between 23.5° North and -23.5° South of the equator.

So far, we have conducted calculations to evaluate the solar photovoltaic (PV) potential in 9 locations across Papua New Guinea. This analysis provides insights into each city/location's potential for harnessing solar energy through PV installations.

Link: Solar PV potential in Papua New Guinea by location

Solar output per kW of installed solar PV by season in Wewak

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: -3.5800229, Longitude: 143.6583166 (Wewak, Papua New Guinea), 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:

Average 5.05kWh/day in Summer.

Average 5.39kWh/day in Autumn.

Average 5.19kWh/day in Winter.

Average 5.74kWh/day in Spring.

Ideally tilt fixed solar panels 4° North in Wewak, Papua New Guinea

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Wewak, Papua New Guinea (Lat/Long -3.5800229, 143.6583166) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 4° 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.

At Latitude: -3.5800229, Longitude: 143.6583166, the ideal angle to tilt panels is 4° North

Seasonally adjusted solar panel tilt angles for Wewak, Papua New Guinea

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 Wewak, Papua New Guinea. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 4° North tilt angle throughout the year.

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 Wewak, Papua New Guinea

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 Wewak, Papua New Guinea.

Our calculation method

1. Solar Position:
   We determine the Sun's position on the Winter solstice using the location's latitude and solar declination.
2. Shadow Projection:
   We calculate the shadow length cast by panels using trigonometry, considering panel tilt and the Sun's elevation angle.
3. 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 Wewak, Papua New Guinea

Wewak is located on the northern coast of Papua New Guinea. The topography around Wewak is a mix of coastal plains and inland hills, with the Torricelli Mountains to the south. The area has tropical rainforests and some grasslands.

For large-scale solar PV installations, flat areas are typically preferred as they allow for easier installation and maintenance, as well as more efficient operation. Coastal plains around Wewak could be suitable for this purpose. However, several other factors need to be considered including land ownership issues (as land in PNG is largely communally owned), proximity to power grids or demand centers (for electricity transmission), local climate conditions (amount of sunlight received), potential environmental impacts etc.

Additionally, Papua New Guinea experiences significant cloud cover throughout the year which can impact solar energy production. It's important to conduct a detailed feasibility study before deciding on any potential location for large-scale solar PV installations.

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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.

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