Solar in French Polynesia

Solar Energy in Arue

Arue is located at 17.5°S, 149.5°W in French Polynesia. Here's what solar energy looks like for homeowners in this area.

Annual Irradiance

1,938

kWh/m²

Peak Sun Hours

4.6

hrs/day

2.5 kWp Output

4,168

kWh/year

Solar Score

93

/ 100

What does this mean for your roof?

Arue receives approximately 1,938 kWh/m² of solar irradiance per year, which translates to 4.6 peak sun hours per day. This is excellent for residential solar energy production.

With a solar score of 93/100, Arue ranks #5 of 12 cities in French Polynesia for solar potential in our atlas.

A typical 2.5 kWp residential solar system (6 panels) in Arue would produce approximately 4,168 kWh per year, sized for the average household in French Polynesia.

The best months for solar production in Arue are November – February, while the lowest production occurs during May – July. Being in the southern hemisphere, north-facing roofs capture the most annual sunlight.

Estimated savings in Arue

System Cost

₣358,000

2.5 kWp, before incentives

Annual Savings

~₣70,200

At ₣28.4/kWh

Payback Period

~5 years

Before local incentives

25-Year Net Result

~₣1,882,000

Savings minus system cost

These are approximate figures based on a standardized household consumption of 5,000 kWh/year and an estimated electricity rate of ₣28.4/kWh in French Polynesia. Local incentives may reduce the upfront cost — check current subsidy, tax-credit, or VAT programs in French Polynesia, as these can meaningfully shorten the payback period.

Figures are estimates based on typical system assumptions and the latest available electricity-price and billing data for French Polynesia. Actual costs, tariffs, net-metering rules, and incentives vary by utility and change over time — confirm with a local installer or energy authority before making decisions.

How solar billing works in French Polynesia

Net billing

Exports and imports are priced separately, usually at different rates.

In French Polynesia, rooftop solar appears to fall under a net-billing-style approach, where the energy you export and the energy you import are typically valued separately rather than simply cancelling out. Exports are often credited at a rate that may be lower than the retail price you pay for imported power, which generally rewards using your own generation as it is produced. The precise export and import prices vary by region and utility and change over time, so they should be confirmed locally.

Get your exact numbers

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Solar tips for Arue homeowners

Face panels north

In the southern hemisphere, north-facing panels capture the most annual sunlight. East-west split systems also work well.

Optimal tilt angle

For Arue, the energy-optimal panel tilt is about 18° from horizontal.

Size your system right

For the average household in French Polynesia, a 2.5 kWp system (6 panels) covers most electricity needs. Use our calculator for a personalized estimate.

Check local incentives

Local incentives may reduce the upfront cost of residential solar — check current subsidy, tax-credit, and VAT programs with your energy authority in French Polynesia.

Gear to prepare for solar

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Solar in other French Polynesia cities

Frequently asked questions about solar in Arue

How much do solar panels cost in Arue?

A typical 2.5 kWp residential solar system in Arue, French Polynesia costs approximately ₣358,000 before incentives — this is an estimate based on typical regional pricing. Local incentives such as subsidies, tax credits, or VAT exemptions may reduce the upfront cost; check current programs in French Polynesia.

How are solar exports valued under net billing in French Polynesia?

Under a net-billing-style scheme, exports from your system in French Polynesia are typically bought at one rate while the electricity you import is charged at another, and the two are usually not the same. Because the export credit may be lower than the retail import price, consuming your own solar power directly tends to be the most valuable option. Actual rates vary by region and utility and can change, so confirm the current figures with a local installer or energy authority.

How much electricity do solar panels produce in Arue?

A 2.5 kWp solar system in Arue produces approximately 4,168 kWh per year, based on 4.6 peak sun hours per day and 1,938 kWh/m² annual irradiance.

What is the solar panel payback period in Arue?

Based on French Polynesia's electricity rate of ₣28.4/kWh, a 2.5 kWp system in Arue pays for itself in approximately 5 years before incentives. After that, the electricity it generates is essentially free for the remaining panel lifespan of 25+ years.

Which direction should solar panels face in Arue?

In Arue, panels should ideally face north since it's in the southern hemisphere. The optimal tilt angle is about 18° from horizontal.

How many solar panels do I need for my home in Arue?

A typical household in French Polynesia uses the equivalent of a 2.5 kWp system (6 panels). With 4.6 peak sun hours per day in Arue, this covers most electricity needs. Use our calculator for a personalized estimate.

Learn more about solar energy