Solar PV Analysis of Mianyang, China
Located in the Northern Subtropics, Mianyang, Sichuan, China (latitude 31.4554, longitude 104.6693), is a promising location for solar power generation due to its considerable sunlight exposure throughout the year. The city experiences optimal solar productivity during summer, with an average yield of 4.67 kWh per day for each kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows next with an average daily production rate of 3.75 kWh per kW, while Autumn and Winter record lower rates at approximately 2.59 and 2.63 kWh/day per kW respectively.
Since Mianyang enjoys a sub-tropical climate devoid of extreme weather conditions that could potentially impede solar production significantly, it makes for an advantageous site for fixed panel installations which are ideally tilted at an angle of 28 degrees facing south to maximize sun exposure.
However, it's worth noting that local factors such as seasonal variations in sunlight intensity and duration should be taken into account when planning installation schedules or calculating energy output expectations over time.
To ensure greater energy production and mitigate any potential challenges related to these factors, it is advisable to regularly maintain the panels by keeping them clean from dust or debris accumulation which could obstruct sunlight penetration onto the panels' surface.
Furthermore, considering Mianyang's topography which consists largely of plains interspersed with hills and mountains can also be beneficial during installation planning phase since high-altitude locations may offer better sun exposure compared to low-lying areas where shadows might reduce panel efficiency.
Note: The Northern Sub Tropics extend from 23.5° latitude North up to 35° 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 Mianyang
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 31.4554, Longitude: 104.6693 (Mianyang, 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 28° South in Mianyang, China
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Mianyang, China (Lat/Long 31.4554, 104.6693) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 28° 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 Mianyang, 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 Mianyang, China. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 28° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15° South in Summer | 36° South in Autumn | 46° South in Winter | 24° 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 Mianyang, 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 Mianyang, 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 Mianyang, China
The topography around Mianyang, China is very hilly with numerous mountain ranges and valleys. The terrain is generally quite steep and rugged, making it difficult to build large-scale solar PV plants on the land. However, the nearby plains of Sichuan Basin are well suited for large-scale solar PV installations due to their flatness and long hours of sunshine. Additionally, there are several areas in the surrounding mountains which could be used for rooftop solar installations.
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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Article Details for Citation
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Monday 16th of October 2023
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.
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.
