Solar energy in Newcastle, Australia
Average irradiation 4.77 kWh/m²/day · ~1393 kWh per kWp per year
Monthly solar irradiation & temperature in Newcastle (NASA POWER)
| Month | Irradiation (kWh/m²/day) | Avg temp (°C) | Est. production per kWp (kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 6.59 | 23.7 | 160 |
| Feb | 5.73 | 23.4 | 139 |
| Mar | 4.86 | 22.2 | 118 |
| Apr | 3.95 | 20.3 | 96 |
| May | 3.14 | 17.5 | 76 |
| Jun | 2.50 | 15.4 | 61 |
| Jul | 2.90 | 14.4 | 71 |
| Aug | 3.85 | 15.0 | 94 |
| Sep | 5.04 | 17.2 | 123 |
| Oct | 5.78 | 19.0 | 141 |
| Nov | 6.28 | 20.7 | 153 |
| Dec | 6.59 | 22.2 | 160 |
Solar potential of Newcastle explained
Newcastle receives an average of 4.77 kilowatt-hours of solar energy per square metre per day, measured over four decades of satellite observation. In practical terms, every kilowatt-peak of installed PV capacity yields about 1393 kWh of electricity per year here, assuming a well-oriented system with a typical 80% performance ratio. This places Newcastle among the stronger solar locations globally — comparable to southern Spain or California.
Frequently asked questions
Is solar worth it in Newcastle?
With 4.77 kWh/m²/day of average irradiation, a 1 kWp system in Newcastle produces roughly 1393 kWh per year. That is an excellent solar resource — payback periods are typically among the shortest worldwide.
How much electricity would a 5 kW system produce in Newcastle?
Approximately 7,000 kWh per year — enough to cover a large share of a typical household's consumption.
What data is this based on?
Long-term satellite observations from NASA POWER (1981–present) and the PVGIS SARAH3 database, assuming a performance ratio of 80%.
Compare with nearby cities
Sydney (4.7) · Melbourne (4.2) · Perth (5.4) · Auckland (4) · Brisbane (5.4) · Adelaide (4.7) · all cities →