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.

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.

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.

What is solar energy in New Zealand?

Learn about solar energy in New Zealand, and its advantages and limitations. 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.

How much solar capacity is forecasted for 2030?

In the case of Production Scenario 1 it reduced the cumulative capacity to 1,225 MWp from 1,676 MWp, all of which is forecast for 2030. This is shown in Table 11. The same was tested with Production Scenario 1 which shows no solar forecast in any year.

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.