Solar energy in Wellington, New Zealand
Average irradiation 4.21 kWh/m²/day · ~1229 kWh per kWp per year
Monthly solar irradiation & temperature in Wellington (NASA POWER)
| Month | Irradiation (kWh/m²/day) | Avg temp (°C) | Est. production per kWp (kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 6.74 | 16.7 | 164 |
| Feb | 5.94 | 16.9 | 145 |
| Mar | 4.61 | 15.9 | 112 |
| Apr | 3.10 | 14.0 | 75 |
| May | 2.08 | 12.5 | 51 |
| Jun | 1.55 | 10.7 | 38 |
| Jul | 1.76 | 9.8 | 43 |
| Aug | 2.63 | 10.1 | 64 |
| Sep | 3.83 | 10.9 | 93 |
| Oct | 5.17 | 11.9 | 126 |
| Nov | 6.36 | 13.3 | 155 |
| Dec | 6.69 | 15.3 | 163 |
Solar potential of Wellington explained
Wellington receives an average of 4.21 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 1229 kWh of electricity per year here, assuming a well-oriented system with a typical 80% performance ratio. This is a solid mid-range solar resource: production is meaningful year-round, though winter output drops noticeably.
Frequently asked questions
Is solar worth it in Wellington?
With 4.21 kWh/m²/day of average irradiation, a 1 kWp system in Wellington produces roughly 1229 kWh per year. That is a good solar resource; with current panel prices most systems pay back well within their lifetime.
How much electricity would a 5 kW system produce in Wellington?
Approximately 6,000 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 →