How Latitude, Seasons and Angles Impact Solar Outdoor Lighting in Australia

How Latitude, Seasons and Angles Impact Solar Outdoor Lighting in Australia

Solar lights rely on sunlight - sounds obvious, but the amount and angle of that sunlight changes more than most people realise. In Australia, your latitude, the seasons, and the direction your lights face can all affect how long they stay on at night.

Here’s how each factor plays into solar performance, with rough percentage impacts to help you plan smarter.

1. Latitude: up to 40% difference between northern and southern Australia
Latitude is your distance from the equator - and it has a big effect on how high the sun sits in the sky. In Darwin (12°S), the sun is almost directly overhead for most of the year, which means solar panels charge efficiently regardless of their tilt. Down in Hobart (43°S), the sun stays much lower, especially in winter.

That lower sun angle means panels need to face more directly towards the sky to work well. If you use the same garden solar light in Cairns and Canberra, it might produce 30–40% less charge time in Canberra during winter, simply due to latitude.

2. Seasonal changes: 20–40% swing in light output between summer and winter
Summer means longer days and a higher sun angle, so solar lights charge quickly and stay on longer. In winter, the shorter days and lower sun angle lead to slower charging and reduced output. A solar light that runs for 8 hours after a summer charge in Perth might last 5 hours in July.

This change is most noticeable in the southern half of the country. In northern areas like Townsville or Broome, seasonal variation is mild. Down south - in places like Melbourne, Adelaide or Launceston - you’ll notice a big winter dip in performance unless lights are well-positioned.

3. Sun angles and aspect: up to 30–50% loss with poor placement
Solar panels are most efficient when they’re pointed directly at the sun. Since most outdoor solar lights aren’t adjustable, you need to be thoughtful about where you install them.

• North-facing positions are best across all of Australia.

• East or west-facing spots can still work, but performance drops slightly.

• South-facing areas are generally poor, especially in southern states.

Shading from trees, fences or gutters can also cut charging by up to 50%, especially in winter when the sun is lower and casts longer shadows. Even partial shade for part of the day can dramatically reduce output.

Practical tips for better solar lighting in your region:

• In northern Australia: Almost anywhere with full sun will work well.

• In southern regions: Prioritise north-facing spots with minimal shading.

• In winter: Check for long shadows around midday and adjust positions.

• Clean panels regularly to maintain efficiency.

In short:
Latitude affects how high the sun sits in your sky. The further south you go, the lower the sun’s arc, and the more care you need to take with placement. Combine that with seasonal changes and poor angles, and you could be losing 30–50% of your solar light's potential.

A few smart decisions at installation can make all the difference - so your lights keep shining, whatever the season.