Flag of United States

Flag of ChinaSolar PV Analysis of Nanyang, China

Graph of hourly avg kWh electricity output per kW of Solar PV installed in Nanyang, China (by season)

Nanyang, Henan, China, located in the Northern Sub Tropics, presents a favorable environment for solar energy generation throughout the year. This location, with coordinates 32.9879° N, 112.5376° E, experiences varying levels of solar potential across different seasons.

Seasonal Solar Performance

Solar panel efficiency in Nanyang fluctuates with the changing seasons. Summer stands out as the most productive period, with an impressive daily output of 4.85 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely, generating 4.35 kWh/day. Autumn sees a moderate decrease to 3.57 kWh/day, while winter experiences the lowest output at 3.05 kWh/day.

The substantial difference between summer and winter production highlights the impact of seasonal variations on solar energy generation in this region. However, even during the least productive winter months, the output remains significant, ensuring year-round energy production.

Optimal Panel Installation

To maximize solar energy capture throughout the year, fixed solar panels in Nanyang should be tilted at a 30-degree angle facing south. This optimal angle has been calculated considering various factors, including daily solar elevation angles, panel tilt optimization, and NASA's solar irradiance data.

Environmental Considerations

While Nanyang offers generally favorable conditions for solar energy production, there are some environmental factors to consider:

  • Air pollution: Being an industrial city, Nanyang may experience periods of increased air pollution, which can slightly reduce solar panel efficiency.
  • Seasonal rainfall: The region experiences a monsoon-influenced humid subtropical climate, with increased rainfall during summer months that may temporarily affect solar output.

Mitigating Factors

To address these potential challenges and ensure optimal solar energy production, consider the following preventative measures:

1. Regular cleaning: Implement a routine cleaning schedule for solar panels to remove dust and pollutants that may accumulate on the surface.

2. Quality inverters: Use high-quality inverters that can efficiently manage varying light conditions, especially during overcast days.

3. Proper drainage: Ensure proper installation with adequate drainage to prevent water accumulation on panels during heavy rainfall periods.

By implementing these measures, solar installations in Nanyang can maintain high efficiency and capitalize on the region's favorable solar conditions throughout the year.

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 Nanyang

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 32.9879, Longitude: 112.5376 (Nanyang, 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:

Summer
Average 4.85kWh/day in Summer.
Autumn
Average 3.57kWh/day in Autumn.
Winter
Average 3.05kWh/day in Winter.
Spring
Average 4.35kWh/day in Spring.

 

Ideally tilt fixed solar panels 30° South in Nanyang, China

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Nanyang, China (Lat/Long 32.9879, 112.5376) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 30° 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.

The sun
At Latitude: 32.9879, Longitude: 112.5376, the ideal angle to tilt panels is 30° South

Seasonally adjusted solar panel tilt angles for Nanyang, 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 Nanyang, China. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 30° South tilt angle throughout the year.

Overall Best Summer Angle Overall Best Autumn Angle Overall Best Winter Angle Overall Best Spring Angle
17° South in Summer 38° South in Autumn 48° South in Winter 26° South in Spring

Assuming you can modify the tilt angle of your solar PV panels throughout the year, you can optimize your solar generation in Nanyang, China as follows: In Summer, set the angle of your panels to 17° facing South. In Autumn, tilt panels to 38° facing South for maximum generation. During Winter, adjust your solar panels to a 48° angle towards the South for optimal energy production. Lastly, in Spring, position your panels at a 26° angle facing South to capture the most solar energy in Nanyang, China.

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 Nanyang, 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 Nanyang, 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.






Please enter information above to calculate panel spacing.

Topography for solar PV around Nanyang, China

The topography around Nanyang, China, located at latitude 32.9879 and longitude 112.5376, is characterized by a diverse landscape that includes both flat plains and hilly areas. Nanyang is situated in the southwestern part of Henan Province, nestled within the Nanyang Basin. This basin is surrounded by mountains on three sides, creating a unique geographical setting. To the north and east of Nanyang, the terrain is predominantly flat, consisting of fertile plains that are part of the larger North China Plain. These areas are well-suited for agriculture and have been cultivated for centuries. As one moves towards the south and west, the landscape gradually transitions into more hilly and mountainous terrain. The Funiu Mountains, part of the larger Qinling mountain range, lie to the northwest of Nanyang. These mountains create a natural boundary between northern and southern China and contribute to the region's varied topography. To the south, the Tongbai Mountains rise, further adding to the area's geographical diversity.

Suitability for Large-Scale Solar PV

When considering areas nearby Nanyang for large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations, several factors come into play. The most suitable locations would typically be: The flat plains to the north and east of Nanyang offer excellent potential for solar PV installations. These areas provide ample space for large arrays of solar panels and have minimal shading from natural features. The flat terrain also simplifies construction and maintenance processes, making it more cost-effective to develop and operate solar farms. Some of the gently sloping hillsides in the region could also be suitable for solar PV projects. South-facing slopes, in particular, can be advantageous as they receive more direct sunlight throughout the day. However, care must be taken to avoid areas with steep gradients or unstable soil conditions. It's worth noting that while the mountainous areas to the south and west may receive good solar radiation, they are generally less suitable for large-scale installations due to the challenging terrain and potential environmental impacts. When selecting specific sites for solar PV projects, additional factors such as proximity to existing power infrastructure, local land use regulations, and environmental considerations would need to be carefully evaluated. The final decision would require detailed site assessments and feasibility studies to ensure the optimal use of the region's solar energy potential.

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

Article: Solar PV Analysis of Nanyang, China
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Wednesday 19th of February 2025
Last Updated: Monday 21st of July 2025

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?

"就像太阳给太阳能光伏板注满活力一样,咖啡也为我们的研发工作添了把火。" 😊
Buy me a coffee - Thanks for your support!

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.

Worldwide Solar PV Analysis of 20,000 Locations

Helping you assess viability of solar PV for your site

profileSOLAR on YouTube

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.

Calculate Your Optimal Solar Panel Tilt Angle