Jining, Shandong, China, situated at latitude 35.4043 and longitude 116.583 in the Northern Temperate Zone, presents a moderately favorable location for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. The city experiences distinct seasonal variations in solar energy production, with peak output during the summer months.
Seasonal Solar Production
Solar energy generation in Jining reaches its zenith during summer, with an impressive daily output of 5.31 kWh per kW of installed capacity. Spring follows closely behind, yielding 5.09 kWh per day. These seasons offer the most substantial solar energy potential, making them ideal for maximizing production.
Autumn and winter see a notable decrease in solar output. Autumn produces 3.40 kWh per day, while winter drops to 3.05 kWh. Despite this reduction, the location still maintains a reasonable level of solar energy generation during these cooler months.
Optimal Panel Installation
For fixed panel installations in Jining, Shandong, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round solar production is 32 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.
Environmental Considerations
While Jining's climate is generally conducive to solar energy production, there are a few environmental factors to consider:
- Air pollution: Jining, Shandong, like many industrial Chinese cities, may experience periods of high air pollution, which can reduce solar panel efficiency.
- Dust storms: The region occasionally experiences dust storms, which can temporarily decrease panel performance.
To mitigate these issues, regular cleaning and maintenance of solar panels is crucial. Installing panels at a steeper angle can help reduce dust accumulation, while high-quality, anti-reflective coatings can minimize the impact of air pollution on panel efficiency.
In conclusion, Jining offers a reasonably good location for solar PV energy generation, with particularly strong potential during spring and summer. By optimizing panel angle and implementing appropriate maintenance measures, solar installations in this area 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 Jining
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 35.4043, Longitude: 116.583 (Jining, 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 32° South in Jining, China
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Jining, China (Lat/Long 35.4043, 116.583) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 32° 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 Jining, 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 Jining, China. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 32° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 19° South in Summer | 41° South in Autumn | 50° South in Winter | 28° 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 Jining, 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 Jining, 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 Jining, China
The topography around Jining, China, located at latitude 35.4043 and longitude 116.583, is characterized by predominantly flat terrain with some gently rolling hills. This area is part of the North China Plain, a vast expanse of lowlands that stretches across several provinces. The landscape is largely shaped by the Yellow River and its tributaries, which have deposited rich alluvial soil over millennia. Jining itself sits at a relatively low elevation, with most of the surrounding area ranging from about 30 to 70 meters above sea level. The terrain is generally uniform, with occasional slight undulations and shallow depressions. This flat topography is interrupted by a few isolated hills and low ridges, particularly to the south and southeast of the city. The region's geography is also marked by numerous water bodies, including rivers, lakes, and artificial reservoirs. The Grand Canal, an ancient waterway that runs from Beijing to Hangzhou, passes through Jining, further influencing the local landscape.
Suitability for Large-Scale Solar PV
Given the topographical characteristics of the area around Jining, several nearby regions would be well-suited for large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations. The flat, open terrain provides ideal conditions for solar farms, offering minimal shading and ease of construction. Areas to the east and southeast of Jining would be particularly suitable for solar PV projects. These regions feature expansive, level plains with little to no tree cover or significant elevation changes. The absence of major geographical obstacles means that solar panels could be efficiently arranged to maximize exposure to sunlight throughout the day. Additionally, the areas to the north and northeast of Jining, extending towards the city of Tai'an, offer promising locations for solar installations. These regions maintain the characteristic flatness of the North China Plain and have relatively low population density, providing ample space for large-scale solar farms. It's worth noting that while the immediate vicinity of rivers and lakes may not be suitable due to potential flooding risks, the slightly elevated areas adjacent to these water bodies could be excellent locations for solar PV projects. These areas often have good drainage and are less likely to be used for intensive agriculture. When considering specific sites for solar installations, factors such as proximity to existing power infrastructure, local land use regulations, and environmental considerations would need to be taken into account. However, from a purely topographical perspective, the vast, flat expanses surrounding Jining offer numerous opportunities for the development of 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: Friday 18th of April 2025
Last Updated: Sunday 17th of August 2025
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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.




