How much will solar panels produce in Wānaka?

A 5 kWp system facing north at 35° tilt in Wānaka produces about 6,786 kWh a year. In a weak year that is 5,675 kWh, in a good one 7,896 kWh — 1,357 kWh per kWp.

That’s about 97% 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 789 kWh, range 641–936FebFebruary: 5 kWp 692 kWh, range 551–833MarMarch: 5 kWp 657 kWh, range 536–777AprApril: 5 kWp 512 kWh, range 389–636MayMay: 5 kWp 352 kWh, range 274–430JunJune: 5 kWp 267 kWh, range 214–319JulJuly: 5 kWp 295 kWh, range 226–363AugAugust: 5 kWp 440 kWh, range 346–534SepSeptember: 5 kWp 606 kWh, range 496–717OctOctober: 5 kWp 728 kWh, range 589–866NovNovember: 5 kWp 757 kWh, range 617–897DecDecember: 5 kWp 774 kWh, range 607–940

kWh per month

A typical day in January

The sunniest month in Wānaka. Output peaks around 11:00 solar time, at about 3.1 kWh in the best hour.

0:006:0012:0018:0023:00 3.1 0

Month by month

Month Weak year, kWh Typical year, kWh Good year, kWh
January 641 789 936
February 551 692 833
March 536 657 777
April 389 512 636
May 274 352 430
June 214 267 319
July 226 295 363
August 346 440 534
September 496 606 717
October 589 728 866
November 617 757 897
December 607 774 940
Year 5,675 6,786 7,896

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 Wānaka?

From May to August the system produces about 1,353 kWh, which is 20% of the year. The weakest month (June) gives roughly 267 kWh.

Is an east-west roof worth it in Wānaka?

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 Wānaka

Ground mount or roof in Wānaka?

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 Wānaka

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