Can we forecast utility-scale solar uptake in New Zealand?

One of the challenges in forecasting utility-scale solar uptake in New Zealand is the absence of any built schemes from which to draw insights and to benchmark potential forecast schemes against.

How do I choose a utility-scale solar site in New Zealand?

Solar resource also varies widely throughout New Zealand and there are many potential sites for utility-scale solar across the entirety of New Zealand. Selecting and ranking suitable utility-scale solar sites would require matching the LCOE with prevailing locational electricity prices.

How many solar panels are installed in New Zealand?

In October 2022, Electricity Authority data showed 43,641 solar systems installed across New Zealand, adding up to 240 MW. This makes up an estimated contribution of under 1% of total electricity consumption. Globally, solar PV uptake has increased significantly over the past decade.

Could utility-scale solar development become economic in New Zealand?

One of the key findings from this study is how rapidly utility-scale solar development could become economic in New Zealand. For example, if all economic utility-scale solar systems were built within the existing grid capacity, there could be several gigawatts of development in the space of 5-10 years.

What are the capacity factors of solar in New Zealand?

With these improvements the capacity factors of solar modelled throughout New Zealand range, conservatively, from about 0.12 to 0.20. The forecasts must be viewed in conjunction with possible medium- to long-term electricity infrastructure changes.

Why do PV solar systems vary in New Zealand?

varies substantially by location in New Zealand due to weather patterns, naturally throughout a day, and by season and latitude with sun angle. Combined with the low efficiency of PV modules and electrical losses, the capacity factor of PV solar systems in New Zealand varies substantially, as shown in Figure 5.