Solar Energy Potential in Daqing, Heilongjiang, China

Daqing, Heilongjiang, China, located at latitude 46.5851° North and longitude 125.0044° East in the Northern Temperate Zone, presents varying conditions for solar energy generation throughout the year. This location experiences significant seasonal differences in solar energy production.

Seasonal Solar Production

The solar energy output in Daqing shows a clear pattern across seasons:

• Summer: 5.67 kWh per day per kW installed
• Autumn: 3.26 kWh per day per kW installed
• Winter: 2.34 kWh per day per kW installed
• Spring: 5.68 kWh per day per kW installed

Spring and summer clearly represent the peak production periods, with nearly identical output levels. This makes the warmer half of the year (roughly March through August) the ideal time for solar energy generation in Daqing. Winter production drops to less than half of the summer values, indicating a significant seasonal challenge.

Optimal Panel Installation

For fixed solar panel installations in Daqing, Heilongjiang, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round production is 41 degrees facing South. This angle has been calculated to optimize the capture of available sunlight throughout the year, accounting for the Earth's elliptical orbit and Daqing's specific latitude.

Environmental and Weather Challenges

Several factors may impede solar production in Daqing. The location experiences cold winters with potential snow accumulation, which can cover panels and reduce efficiency. Daqing's industrial nature as an oil production center may also contribute to air pollution and particulate matter that can reduce solar irradiance reaching panels. Additionally, the significant seasonal variation means that winter production is substantially lower than summer, creating challenges for year-round energy reliability from solar alone.

Preventative Measures

To maximize solar production in Daqing, Heilongjiang, several measures can be implemented: Installing panels at the optimal 41-degree tilt will help shed snow naturally. Incorporating snow removal systems or regular maintenance schedules during winter months is advisable. Anti-soiling coatings can reduce dust and pollution accumulation on panels. Considering the strong seasonal variation, a hybrid energy system that combines solar with other renewable or conventional energy sources would provide more consistent year-round energy production. Battery storage systems can also help balance the seasonal differences by storing excess energy from high-production periods.

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 Daqing

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 46.5851, Longitude: 125.0044 (Daqing, 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 41° South in Daqing, China

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Daqing, China (Lat/Long 46.5851, 125.0044) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 41° 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 Daqing, 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 Daqing, China. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 41° South tilt angle throughout the year.

Overall Best Summer Angle	Overall Best Autumn Angle	Overall Best Winter Angle	Overall Best Spring Angle
30° South in Summer	50° South in Autumn	61° South in Winter	39° 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 Daqing, 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 Daqing, China.

Our calculation method

1. Solar Position:
   We determine the Sun's position on the Winter solstice using the location's latitude and solar declination.
2. Shadow Projection:
   We calculate the shadow length cast by panels using trigonometry, considering panel tilt and the Sun's elevation angle.
3. 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 Daqing, China

Daqing, situated in the northeastern part of China, is characterized by a relatively flat topography as it lies within the Songnen Plain. The area around Daqing features a predominantly level landscape with subtle undulations and low-lying hills. This region is part of the broader Northeastern China Plain, which is one of the country's major geographical features. The terrain surrounding Daqing consists mainly of grasslands and agricultural fields, with elevations generally ranging between 140 to 200 meters above sea level. The flatness of this area is a result of sedimentary deposits from the Songhua River system over geological time. This river network has played a significant role in shaping the local landscape, creating fertile alluvial plains that have been extensively cultivated.

Topographical Features

To the east of Daqing, the land gradually transitions into the Greater Khingan Range, a significant mountain system that forms a natural boundary between the Northeastern China Plain and the Mongolian Plateau. However, the immediate vicinity of Daqing remains predominantly flat, with only minor variations in elevation. The western and southern portions of the region maintain this flat character, extending into vast agricultural areas. Small water bodies, including lakes and wetlands, dot the landscape, particularly in low-lying areas where drainage is poor. These wetland ecosystems, though diminished from their historical extent due to agricultural development, remain important ecological features of the region.

Soil and Surface Conditions

The soil composition around Daqing is predominantly black soil, known locally as "black earth" or chernozem. This type of soil is highly fertile and has contributed to the agricultural productivity of the region. The surface layer is typically rich in organic matter, underlain by loess deposits and alluvial sediments. In some areas, particularly where industrial development has occurred, the natural landscape has been modified significantly. Daqing is famous for its oil fields, and the infrastructure associated with petroleum extraction has altered portions of the original topography.

Potential for Solar PV Development

Given the topographical characteristics of the Daqing region, several areas nearby present favorable conditions for large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations: The flat, open grasslands to the south and southwest of Daqing offer extensive uninterrupted spaces that would be well-suited for solar arrays. These areas experience minimal shading from geographical features and have good exposure to sunlight throughout the day. Agricultural plains that are less productive or fallow could be repurposed for solar development. The level terrain in these areas would minimize the need for extensive grading and site preparation, reducing installation costs. The slightly elevated areas to the northeast, where the land begins to rise toward the Greater Khingan Range, might offer advantageous positioning for solar installations with potentially reduced dust accumulation compared to lower-lying areas. Areas away from wetlands and water bodies would be preferable, as these locations can experience higher humidity and potential morning fog, which might temporarily reduce solar efficiency. The region's continental climate, characterized by clear skies during many parts of the year, enhances the potential for solar energy capture despite the northern latitude. The relatively low precipitation in the area also favors solar PV deployment, as there are fewer cloudy days to interrupt energy production. While winter conditions can be harsh with snow cover potentially affecting solar production, the flat topography allows for easier maintenance access and snow removal compared to more rugged terrains.

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!

Citation Guide

Article Details for Citation

Tell Us About Your Work

We love seeing how our research helps others! If you've cited this article in your work, we'd be delighted to hear about it. Drop us a line via our Contact Us page or on X, to share where you've used our information - we may feature a link to your work on our site. This helps create a network of valuable resources for others in the solar energy community and helps us understand how our research is contributing to the field. Plus, we occasionally highlight exceptional works that reference our research on our social media channels.

Feeling generous?

Share this with your friends!

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.

Helping you assess viability of solar PV for your site

Calculate Your Optimal Solar Panel Tilt Angle: A Comprehensive Guide

Enhance your solar panel's performance with our in-depth guide. Determine the best tilt angle using hard data, debunk common misunderstandings, and gain insight into how your specific location affects solar energy production.