Lynker Analytics has extended the coverage of our rooftop solar estimate service to an additional 150 urban areas across New Zealand. These estimates are now freely available through homes.co.nz and Harrisons Energy Solutions.
Previously solar estimates were only available in major centres like Auckland, Hamilton, Tauranga, Wellington and Christchurch but over the past six months we have been working hard to complete the modelling for areas where detailed 3D data from LiDAR are available.
This update includes large towns such as Blenheim, Rangiora, Whakatane, Oamaru, Fielding and Thames as well as smaller locations such as Lincoln, Ohope, Bulls, Methven, Takaka and Opotiki. The map below shows the new areas now available highlighted in orange.
This release adds a further 320,000 buildings to the modelled data set which brings the total coverage to over 1.5 million buildings – the largest data set of its type in New Zealand.
The Lynker Analytics Solar Estimate is the value of the estimated yearly power generated for a property by a standard residential rooftop solar system. The estimate is based on the annual value a standard Harrison’s 3kW and 5kW system can generate using the average retail power price of 0.2875c per kWh.
The primary input for the solar modelling is LiDAR or light detection and ranging, which is a remote sensing method used for measuring the exact distance of an object on the earth’s surface from the air. Using this data we model solar receipt considering the size, angle and orientation of all roof facets as well as shadows from nearby trees, buildings and hills.
We then intersect the solar surface with building outlines to determine a unique solar receipt heatmap for every rooftop. From this we can predict the likely placement of a solar array and estimate the power generation potential in kilowatt hours and dollar terms.
Solar heatmaps for two of the new areas – Temuka and Thames are shown here.
Solar heatmap - Temuka
Solar heatmap - Thames
A solar system added to your home is an investment. It adds green features and can increase the value of your home to potential buyers who see the benefits of solar. If you are a landlord, a solar system can also make your property a lot more attractive to prospective tenants who will see the opportunity to reduce their energy bills.
Key Links:
Homes.co.nz – the home of New Zealand property.
Elevation Aotearoa – more on the plans for a national elevation data set for Aotearoa New Zealand. By 2024, 80% of the country will be covered.
Harrisons Energy Solutions - for more information about the solar potential of your home.