How much will solar panels produce in Cairns?
A 6.6 kWp system facing north at 35° tilt in Cairns produces about 10,460 kWh a year. In a weak year that is 8,766 kWh, in a good one 12,153 kWh — 1,585 kWh per kWp.
That’s about 190% of a typical home’s yearly use (5,500 kWh).
Based on 2014–2023 satellite weather data
Production by month
kWh per month
A typical day in September
The sunniest month in Cairns. Output peaks around 12:00 solar time, at about 3.6 kWh in the best hour.
Month by month
| Month | Weak year, kWh | Typical year, kWh | Good year, kWh |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 570 | 727 | 884 |
| February | 575 | 749 | 923 |
| March | 718 | 875 | 1,033 |
| April | 750 | 938 | 1,126 |
| May | 762 | 917 | 1,072 |
| June | 639 | 782 | 925 |
| July | 723 | 887 | 1,051 |
| August | 788 | 968 | 1,148 |
| September | 797 | 980 | 1,163 |
| October | 810 | 975 | 1,140 |
| November | 731 | 879 | 1,027 |
| December | 600 | 768 | 936 |
| Year | 8,766 | 10,460 | 12,153 |
The months don’t add up exactly to the yearly figure, because each one is the typical value across many years.
Common questions
How much do solar panels produce in winter in Cairns?
From May to August the system produces about 3,554 kWh, which is 34% of the year. The weakest month (January) gives roughly 727 kWh.
Is an east-west roof worth it in Cairns?
An east-west system typically produces 10–25% less per kWp than one facing north, but spreads production more evenly through the day. The exact difference depends on tilt and shading.
Ground mount or roof in Cairns?
A ground mount can be tilted and aimed freely, which can add some yield, but it costs more and needs space. Compare both for your own plot.
Your roof is not an average roof
Set your own tilt, direction, shading and inverter limit and get a range for your address.
Calculate for my roofClimate data: Photovoltaic Geographical Information System (PVGIS) — European Commission, Joint Research Centre