Solar PV Analysis of Binzhou, China
Binzhou, Shandong, China, situated at latitude 37.3616 and longitude 118.0215 in the Northern Temperate Zone, offers a moderately favorable location for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. The seasonal variations in electricity output demonstrate the potential for solar power in this area.
Seasonal Solar Performance
Summer stands out as the most productive season, with an impressive 5.56 kWh per day generated for each kilowatt of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely behind, yielding 5.42 kWh/day. These seasons present ideal conditions for maximizing solar energy production.
Autumn and winter see a significant drop in output, with 3.53 kWh/day and 3.07 kWh/day respectively. While these figures are lower, they still indicate that solar energy remains a viable option year-round in Binzhou.
Optimal Panel Positioning
To maximize year-round solar production at this location, fixed panels should be tilted at a 33-degree angle facing south. This positioning helps capture the most sunlight throughout the year, considering the Earth's elliptical orbit and Binzhou's specific latitude.
Environmental Considerations
While Binzhou's climate is generally conducive to solar energy production, there are some environmental factors to consider:
- Air pollution: Binzhou, Shandong, like many industrial cities in China, may experience air pollution that can reduce solar panel efficiency.
- Dust storms: The region can be affected by dust storms, particularly in spring, which may temporarily decrease panel performance.
To mitigate these issues, regular cleaning and maintenance of solar panels is crucial. Installing panels at a slight angle can help with natural cleaning during rainfall. Additionally, using high-quality, dust-resistant panels can improve performance in these conditions.
Overall, while Binzhou faces some challenges, its location still offers significant potential for solar energy production, especially during the spring and summer months. With proper installation and maintenance, solar PV systems can be an effective and sustainable energy solution in this area.
Note: The Northern Temperate Zone extends from 35° latitude North up to 66.5° latitude.
So far, we have conducted calculations to evaluate the solar photovoltaic (PV) potential in 319 locations across China. This analysis provides insights into each city/location's potential for harnessing solar energy through PV installations.
Link: Solar PV potential in China by location
Solar output per kW of installed solar PV by season in Binzhou
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 37.3616, Longitude: 118.0215 (Binzhou, China), based on our analysis of 8760 hourly intervals of solar and meteorological data (one whole year) retrieved for that set of coordinates/location from NASA POWER (The Prediction of Worldwide Energy Resources) API:
Ideally tilt fixed solar panels 33° South in Binzhou, China
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Binzhou, China (Lat/Long 37.3616, 118.0215) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 33° South for fixed panel installations.
As the Earth revolves around the Sun each year, the maximum angle of elevation of the Sun varies by +/- 23.45 degrees from its equinox elevation angle for a particular latitude. Finding the exact optimal angle to maximise solar PV production throughout the year can be challenging, but with careful consideration of historical solar energy and meteorological data for a certain location, it can be done precisely.
We use our own calculation, which incorporates NASA solar and meteorological data for the exact Lat/Long coordinates, to determine the ideal tilt angle of a solar panel that will yield maximum annual solar output. We calculate the optimal angle for each day of the year, taking into account its contribution to the yearly total PV potential at that specific location.
Seasonally adjusted solar panel tilt angles for Binzhou, China
If you can adjust the tilt angle of your solar PV panels, please refer to the seasonal tilt angles below for optimal solar energy production in Binzhou, China. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 33° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 21° South in Summer | 42° South in Autumn | 52° South in Winter | 30° South in Spring |
Our recommendations take into account more than just latitude and Earth's position in its elliptical orbit around the Sun. We also incorporate historical solar and meteorological data from NASA's Prediction of Worldwide Energy Resources (POWER) API to assign a weight to each ideal angle for each day based on its historical contribution to overall solar PV potential during a specific season.
This approach allows us to provide much more accurate recommendations than relying solely on latitude, as it considers unique weather conditions in different locations sharing the same latitude worldwide.
Calculate solar panel row spacing in Binzhou, China
We've added a feature to calculate minimum solar panel row spacing by location. Enter your panel size and orientation below to get the minimum spacing in Binzhou, China.
Our calculation method
- Solar Position:
We determine the Sun's position on the Winter solstice using the location's latitude and solar declination. - Shadow Projection:
We calculate the shadow length cast by panels using trigonometry, considering panel tilt and the Sun's elevation angle. - Minimum Spacing:
We add the shadow length to the horizontal space occupied by tilted panels.
This approach ensures maximum space efficiency while avoiding shading during critical times, as the Winter solstice represents the worst-case scenario for shadow length.
Topography for solar PV around Binzhou, China
The topography around Binzhou, China, is characterized by a predominantly flat landscape. This area is part of the North China Plain, which is known for its low-lying terrain and extensive alluvial deposits. The region surrounding Binzhou is primarily composed of level or gently rolling plains, with very little variation in elevation.
The city of Binzhou itself is situated near the coast of the Bohai Sea, and the surrounding area includes a mix of agricultural land, urban development, and some wetlands near the coastline. The Yellow River, one of China's major waterways, flows through the southern part of Binzhou, contributing to the fertile soil of the region.
Given the flat nature of the terrain, there are few natural obstacles or significant changes in elevation that would impact large-scale solar PV installations. This type of landscape is generally favorable for solar energy projects, as it allows for easier construction and maintenance of solar panel arrays.
For large-scale solar PV installations, the areas most suited would likely be the expansive agricultural lands surrounding Binzhou. These areas offer several advantages:
- Ample open space with minimal shading from buildings or natural features
- Relatively easy access for construction and maintenance vehicles
- Existing road infrastructure for transportation of equipment
- Proximity to urban areas for energy distribution
However, it's important to note that the use of agricultural land for solar installations could potentially compete with food production. Therefore, careful planning and consultation with local authorities and communities would be necessary to identify the most suitable locations that balance energy production with other land use needs.
Additionally, areas slightly inland from the coast might be preferable to avoid potential issues with salt spray or coastal weather patterns that could affect solar panel efficiency. The regions to the south and west of Binzhou, which are further from the coastline but still within the flat plain, could be particularly well-suited for large-scale solar PV projects.
China solar PV Stats as a country
China ranks 1st in the world for cumulative solar PV capacity, with 306,973 total MW's of solar PV installed. This means that 6.20% of China's total energy as a country comes from solar PV (that's 13th in the world). Each year China is generating 217 Watts from solar PV per capita (China ranks 24th in the world for solar PV Watts generated per capita). [source]
Are there incentives for businesses to install solar in China?
Yes, there are several incentives for businesses wanting to install solar energy in China. These include subsidies from the Chinese government, preferential tax policies, and access to low-interest loans. Additionally, businesses may be eligible for renewable energy certificates (RECs) which can be sold on the open market for additional income.
Do you have more up to date information than this on incentives towards solar PV projects in China? Please reach out to us and help us keep this information current. Thanks!
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Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Saturday 12th of October 2024
Last Updated: Monday 21st of July 2025
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Compare this location to others worldwide for solar PV potential
The solar PV analyses available on our website, including this one, are offered as a free service to the global community. Our aim is to provide education and aid informed decision-making regarding solar PV installations.
However, please note that these analyses are general guidance and may not meet specific project requirements. For in-depth, tailored forecasts and analysis crucial for feasibility studies or when pursuing maximum ROI from your solar projects, feel free to contact us; we offer comprehensive consulting services expressly for this purpose.
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