Ordos, Inner Mongolia, China, located at latitude 39.596° and longitude 109.7835° in the Northern Temperate Zone, offers varying potential for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. The location experiences significant seasonal fluctuations in solar electricity production that are worth understanding for anyone considering solar installations in this area.

Seasonal Solar Production

Solar panels in Ordos generate their highest output during summer months, producing approximately 7.08 kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed capacity. Spring follows as the second most productive season with 6.33 kWh/day. Production drops considerably during autumn to 4.13 kWh/day, while winter represents the lowest generation period with only 3.36 kWh/day per kilowatt installed.

This seasonal pattern creates a more than two-fold difference between the best and worst production periods, with summer yielding over twice the electricity of winter months. The substantial spring and summer production makes these seasons particularly valuable for solar energy harvesting in this region.

Optimal Panel Installation

For fixed solar panel installations in Ordos, Inner Mongolia, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round energy production is 35 degrees facing South. This angle has been calculated by analyzing solar elevation throughout the year and weighting the optimal daily angles according to the location's solar potential.

Environmental Challenges

Several environmental factors in Ordos can impact solar production:

• Dust and sand accumulation: Ordos is located near the edge of the Ordos Desert, making dust and sand buildup on panels a significant concern. Regular cleaning systems, either manual or automated, should be incorporated into maintenance schedules.
• Temperature extremes: The region experiences cold winters and hot summers, which can affect panel efficiency. Using temperature-tolerant panels and ensuring proper ventilation behind mounting systems can mitigate efficiency losses.
• Occasional snowfall: Winter snow can completely block panels. Installing panels at the recommended 35-degree tilt helps with natural snow shedding, while accessible installation locations facilitate manual snow removal when necessary.

Despite these challenges, Ordos remains a viable location for solar energy production, particularly during the spring and summer months when generation potential is highest. With proper installation techniques and regular maintenance to address environmental factors, solar installations can effectively capitalize on the available solar resources 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 Ordos

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 39.596, Longitude: 109.7835 (Ordos, 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 35° South in Ordos, China

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Ordos, China (Lat/Long 39.596, 109.7835) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 35° 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 Ordos, 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 Ordos, China. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 35° South tilt angle throughout the year.

Overall Best Summer Angle	Overall Best Autumn Angle	Overall Best Winter Angle	Overall Best Spring Angle
23° South in Summer	45° South in Autumn	55° South in Winter	32° 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 Ordos, 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 Ordos, 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 Ordos, China

The topography surrounding Ordos, China, is characterized by the vast Ordos Plateau, a significant geographical feature of the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. This plateau sits at an elevation of approximately 1,000-1,500 meters above sea level, creating a relatively flat to gently undulating landscape. The region is predominantly comprised of the Ordos Desert (also known as the Mu Us Desert), which occupies much of the southern portion of the plateau. The landscape around Ordos presents a striking transition zone between several ecological regions. To the north and east, the terrain gradually slopes toward the Yellow River valley, while to the west, the land rises toward the Helan Mountains. The southern portions merge with the Loess Plateau, characterized by its distinctive yellow, silty soil deposits.

Desert and Steppe Environment

The immediate vicinity of Ordos features semi-arid to arid conditions with sparse vegetation. The terrain consists primarily of sandy and gravelly plains interspersed with low hills and occasional depressions. Wind erosion has shaped much of the landscape, creating dunes in some areas and exposing rocky outcrops in others. Unlike some deserts, the Ordos region doesn't typically feature extreme elevation changes or massive dune systems. Instead, it presents a more subdued topography of gentle rises and shallow valleys, with occasional flat expanses that stretch for many kilometers.

Optimal Areas for Solar PV Development

For large-scale solar photovoltaic installations, the most suitable areas near Ordos would be the extensive flat or gently sloping terrain of the desert and steppe regions, particularly to the south and southwest of the city. These areas offer several advantageous characteristics: The flat, open expanses minimize shadowing effects and simplify construction logistics, reducing the need for extensive grading or terracing. Many of these locations have minimal existing vegetation or human settlement, reducing environmental impact and simplifying land acquisition. The southwestern portions of the Ordos region are particularly promising, as they feature stable sandy or gravelly soil that can provide adequate foundation support for solar infrastructure while experiencing minimal seasonal flooding or erosion concerns.

Topographical Considerations

When evaluating specific sites, developers should note that while the region appears uniformly flat from a distance, local variations in topography can significantly impact solar installation efficiency. Slight south-facing slopes (given the Northern Hemisphere location) would maximize solar exposure throughout the year. Areas near the Yellow River valley to the east should be approached with caution due to potential flooding concerns and more valuable agricultural land. Similarly, the more rugged terrain toward the western mountains presents installation challenges that would increase development costs. The northeastern sections of the region, while still suitable, may experience more frequent dust storms due to prevailing wind patterns, which could affect solar panel efficiency and increase maintenance requirements. The central and southern portions of the Ordos Plateau represent an optimal balance of favorable topography, minimal competing land uses, and proximity to existing infrastructure, making them prime candidates for large-scale solar development.

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.

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.