When the build-up gives way to the Wet, plenty of Darwin homeowners ask the same question: is solar still worth it when the sky is grey half the day? The short answer is yes. Your panels keep producing through the wet season, just less than they do in the Dry.
Two seasons, two different outputs
Darwin’s year splits into a dry season from May to October and a wet season from November to April. The Dry brings clear skies and low humidity, so panels run close to their best. The Wet brings cloud, humidity and afternoon storms.
As a rough guide from industry sources, a 6.6 kW system might generate in the order of 32 to 40 kWh a day in the Dry and 22 to 30 kWh a day in the Wet. Your own figures will depend on your roof, shading and system design, so treat these as ballpark numbers rather than a promise.
Mornings still do the heavy lifting
Many Wet season days start clear, with the storms building in the afternoon. That means a good share of your generation happens before the clouds arrive, which is also when many households are running appliances. A system that is well placed and correctly sized still captures plenty of that morning sun.
Why your power bill might still go up in the Wet
Air conditioning is the biggest electricity load in most Darwin homes, and it works hardest through the hot, humid months. So your solar output dips at the same time your usage climbs. This is normal, and it is one reason system size and design matter.
A few things help:
- Size the system for your real usage, not just your roof space. Your recent power bills are a good starting point.
- Run big appliances in the middle of the day where you can, such as the dishwasher, washing machine and pool pump, so you use your own solar rather than buying from the grid.
- Keep panels clean and unshaded. Dirt, leaves and new tree growth after the first rains can quietly cost you output.
- Consider a battery if you want to use more of your solar after sunset. We cover that in our post on home batteries in Darwin.
Storms, lightning and your system
Wet season storms are part of life in the Top End. A quality installation uses mounting rated for your wind region and proper electrical protection, and it is checked and tested at the end of the job. If you have an older system, an annual check before the Wet is a sensible habit.
The bottom line
Solar in Darwin is a year-round investment. You will see lower output in the Wet and higher output in the Dry, and across the year the numbers still stack up well compared with most of Australia. The best way to know what to expect from your own roof is a quote based on your home and your usage.
Talk to the Florance Energy Solutions team
Thinking about solar for your Darwin home or business? Book a free on-site consultation and we will look at your usage, your roof and your goals, then explain what a system could do for you in both seasons. You can also read about our solar power installation service.
