Solar PV Analysis of Liaocheng, China
Liaocheng, Shandong, China, situated at latitude 36.4469° N and longitude 116.0042° E, offers a moderate potential for solar energy generation throughout the year. Located in the Northern Temperate Zone, this city experiences distinct seasonal variations in solar output.
Seasonal Solar Performance
Solar panel performance in Liaocheng fluctuates significantly across the seasons. Spring and summer are the most productive periods, with daily outputs of 5.42 kWh and 5.36 kWh per kilowatt of installed capacity, respectively. Autumn sees a decrease to 3.41 kWh/day, while winter experiences the lowest output at 3.17 kWh/day.
The substantial difference between summer and winter production highlights the impact of seasonal changes on solar energy generation in this region. Spring emerges as the optimal season for solar power, closely followed by summer, making the warmer months ideal for maximizing energy output.
Optimal Panel Orientation
To achieve the best year-round solar production in Liaocheng, Shandong, fixed solar panels should be tilted at a 33-degree angle facing south. This orientation helps to capture the maximum amount of sunlight throughout the year, balancing the varying sun angles across seasons.
Environmental Considerations
While Liaocheng's location is generally favorable for solar energy production, there are some environmental factors to consider:
- Air pollution: As an industrial city, Liaocheng may experience periods of increased air pollution, which can reduce solar panel efficiency. Regular cleaning of panels can help mitigate this issue.
- Seasonal weather patterns: The region experiences a monsoon-influenced climate, with hot, humid summers and cold, dry winters. Heavy rainfall during the monsoon season might temporarily reduce solar output, while dust accumulation in drier periods can affect panel performance.
To address these challenges, consider implementing automated cleaning systems, using anti-soiling coatings on panels, and ensuring proper drainage to prevent water accumulation. Additionally, choosing high-quality, weather-resistant solar equipment can help maintain optimal performance in varying conditions.
Overall, while Liaocheng faces some environmental challenges, its location still offers a good opportunity for solar energy production, especially during the spring and summer months. With proper planning and maintenance, solar installations in this area can provide a reliable source of renewable energy 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 Liaocheng
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 36.4469, Longitude: 116.0042 (Liaocheng, 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 Liaocheng, China
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Liaocheng, China (Lat/Long 36.4469, 116.0042) 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 Liaocheng, 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 Liaocheng, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20° South in Summer | 42° South in Autumn | 52° South in Winter | 29° 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 Liaocheng, 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 Liaocheng, 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 Liaocheng, China
The topography around Liaocheng, China, is characterized by relatively flat terrain typical of the North China Plain. This area is part of a vast alluvial plain formed by sediments deposited over millions of years by major rivers, including the Yellow River. The landscape is predominantly low-lying, with minimal elevation changes across the region.
The terrain in and around Liaocheng is mostly composed of fertile agricultural land, interspersed with small hills and gentle undulations. The average elevation in this area is approximately 20 to 40 meters above sea level. There are no significant mountains or steep slopes in the immediate vicinity, which contributes to the overall flat appearance of the landscape.
The region's flatness is punctuated by a network of rivers, streams, and artificial waterways that crisscross the plain. These water bodies, while not dramatically altering the topography, do create some subtle variations in the landscape. The presence of these water sources has historically made the area suitable for agriculture, which remains a significant land use in the region.
Regarding areas nearby that would be most suited to large-scale solar PV (photovoltaic) installations, the flat terrain of the North China Plain offers several advantages. The lack of significant elevation changes means that there are numerous potential sites with good exposure to sunlight throughout the day. Areas to the south and southeast of Liaocheng would be particularly well-suited for solar PV projects due to their optimal sun exposure.
Ideal locations for large-scale solar PV installations would be on non-agricultural land that is not prone to flooding. This could include areas of less productive soil or former industrial sites. The flat terrain would minimize the need for extensive land preparation, reducing installation costs. Additionally, areas away from major population centers but close enough to existing power infrastructure would be preferable to facilitate grid connection.
It's worth noting that while the topography is generally favorable for solar PV, other factors such as local climate conditions, land availability, and proximity to transmission lines would also need to be considered when selecting specific sites for large-scale solar projects in the region around Liaocheng.
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 24th of August 2024
Last Updated: Monday 21st of July 2025
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Compare this location to others worldwide for solar PV potential
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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.
