How much will solar panels produce in Rotorua?

A 5 kWp system facing north at 35° tilt in Rotorua produces about 6,832 kWh a year. In a weak year that is 5,677 kWh, in a good one 7,986 kWh — 1,366 kWh per kWp.

That’s about 98% of a typical home’s yearly use (7,000 kWh).

Calculate for my roof

Based on 2014–2023 satellite weather data

Production by month

02505007501,000JanJanuary: 5 kWp 784 kWh, range 593–974FebFebruary: 5 kWp 635 kWh, range 480–790MarMarch: 5 kWp 644 kWh, range 522–767AprApril: 5 kWp 529 kWh, range 421–638MayMay: 5 kWp 471 kWh, range 381–560JunJune: 5 kWp 374 kWh, range 287–460JulJuly: 5 kWp 437 kWh, range 342–533AugAugust: 5 kWp 506 kWh, range 410–601SepSeptember: 5 kWp 554 kWh, range 443–664OctOctober: 5 kWp 652 kWh, range 517–787NovNovember: 5 kWp 673 kWh, range 543–802DecDecember: 5 kWp 716 kWh, range 576–856

kWh per month

A typical day in January

The sunniest month in Rotorua. Output peaks around 11:00 solar time, at about 2.9 kWh in the best hour.

0:006:0012:0018:0023:00 2.9 0

Month by month

Month Weak year, kWh Typical year, kWh Good year, kWh
January 593 784 974
February 480 635 790
March 522 644 767
April 421 529 638
May 381 471 560
June 287 374 460
July 342 437 533
August 410 506 601
September 443 554 664
October 517 652 787
November 543 673 802
December 576 716 856
Year 5,677 6,832 7,986

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 Rotorua?

From May to August the system produces about 1,787 kWh, which is 26% of the year. The weakest month (June) gives roughly 374 kWh.

Is an east-west roof worth it in Rotorua?

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.

Compare an east-west roof for Rotorua

Ground mount or roof in Rotorua?

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.

Check a ground-mounted system in Rotorua

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 roof

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Climate data: Photovoltaic Geographical Information System (PVGIS) — European Commission, Joint Research Centre