Dongying, Shandong, China, located at latitude 37.4603 and longitude 118.4945, offers a moderately favorable environment for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. This location in the Northern Temperate Zone experiences distinct seasonal variations in solar energy production.

Seasonal Solar Performance

Solar energy output at this location varies significantly across seasons. Summer proves to be the most productive period, with an average daily output of 5.56 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely behind, generating 5.42 kWh/day. Autumn and winter see a notable decrease in production, with 3.53 kWh/day and 3.07 kWh/day respectively.

Optimal Installation Angle

For fixed panel installations in Dongying, Shandong, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round solar production is 33 degrees facing South. This angle optimizes the panels' exposure to sunlight throughout the year, accounting for the Earth's elliptical orbit and the location's specific latitude.

Peak Production Periods

The most ideal times for solar energy generation in Dongying are during the summer months (June to August) and spring (March to May). These seasons offer longer daylight hours and more direct sunlight, resulting in higher energy output. However, it's important to note that even during the less productive autumn and winter months, the system still generates a significant amount of energy.

Environmental Factors and Mitigation

Dongying faces some environmental challenges that could impact solar production. The city is known for its oil industry, which can contribute to air pollution. Smog and particulate matter in the air can reduce solar panel efficiency by blocking sunlight. To mitigate this issue, regular cleaning of solar panels is crucial. Installing panels at a slightly steeper angle than the optimal 33 degrees can also help, as it allows rain to wash away some of the accumulated dirt and pollutants.

Additionally, Dongying experiences occasional dust storms due to its proximity to arid regions. These events can temporarily decrease solar panel efficiency. Implementing a robust cleaning schedule and using protective covers during severe dust storms can help maintain optimal performance. Some advanced solar panel systems also incorporate self-cleaning technologies, which could be particularly beneficial in this environment.

By addressing these environmental factors through proper maintenance and strategic installation choices, solar PV systems in Dongying can achieve consistent and efficient energy production throughout the year.

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 Dongying

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 37.4603, Longitude: 118.4945 (Dongying, 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 Dongying, China

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Dongying, China (Lat/Long 37.4603, 118.4945) 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 Dongying, 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 Dongying, 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 Dongying, 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 Dongying, 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 Dongying, China

Dongying, located in the eastern part of China's Shandong Province, is situated in a predominantly flat and low-lying coastal region. The city and its surrounding areas are characterized by a vast expanse of alluvial plains formed by the Yellow River Delta. This topography is the result of centuries of sediment deposition from the Yellow River as it flows into the Bohai Sea. The landscape around Dongying is remarkably level, with very little variation in elevation. The terrain is primarily composed of fertile soil, wetlands, and mudflats. To the east of the city, the coastline is marked by extensive tidal flats and shallow waters. Moving inland, the area transitions into agricultural land, with fields stretching as far as the eye can see.

Suitability for Large-Scale Solar PV

The flat topography of the Dongying region makes it potentially suitable for large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations. Several areas nearby could be considered for such projects: The expansive agricultural lands to the west and southwest of Dongying present opportunities for solar development. These areas benefit from minimal shading and obstruction, allowing for optimal sunlight exposure throughout the day. The flat terrain also simplifies the installation process and reduces construction costs. Abandoned or less productive farmlands in the region could be repurposed for solar farms. This approach would make efficient use of the land while potentially providing additional income for local communities. The coastal areas to the east and northeast of Dongying, while subject to environmental considerations, might also be suitable for solar PV installations. These regions often have higher wind speeds, which can help cool solar panels and improve their efficiency. However, it's important to note that the development of large-scale solar projects in this area would need to carefully consider environmental factors. The Yellow River Delta is an ecologically sensitive region, home to various bird species and wetland ecosystems. Any solar installations would need to be planned and implemented with minimal impact on these natural habitats. Additionally, the region's proximity to the coast means that solar installations would need to be designed to withstand potential flooding and saltwater corrosion. Despite these challenges, the abundant sunlight and vast open spaces make the areas around Dongying potentially attractive for large-scale solar PV development, provided proper environmental safeguards are in place.

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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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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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.