Solar PV Analysis of Shanghai, China
The location in Shanghai, China at latitude 31.2222 and longitude 121.4581 is well-suited for generating solar power throughout the year due to its relatively high average daily energy production per kW of installed solar capacity. In summer, this location can expect an average of 5.07 kWh/day per kW; in autumn, it's 4.08 kWh/day; in winter, it's 3.15 kWh/day; and in spring, it's 4.73 kWh/day.
Spring and summer are particularly favorable seasons for solar power generation at this site because they offer longer daylight hours and higher sunlight intensity compared to autumn and winter when days are shorter and sunlight intensity may be reduced by factors such as cloud cover or other weather conditions like fog or smog.
It is important to consider local environmental factors that could potentially impede solar production at this location in Shanghai. For instance, windy conditions might lead to dust accumulation on panels or cause shading from nearby trees or buildings during gusts of wind, which would reduce the system's exposure to direct sunlight.
To optimize energy production from a fixed panel installation at this site, the ideal angle for tilting the panels is 28 degrees facing south. This orientation will help maximize the amount of sunlight captured by the panels throughout the year while minimizing potential losses due to shading or other environmental factors.
In conclusion, Shanghai's latitude and longitude make it a suitable location for generating solar power year-round with seasonal variations in energy production expected based on changes in daylight hours and sunlight intensity. By taking into account local environmental factors that could impact efficiency – such as wind-related dust accumulation or shading – preventative measures can be implemented during installation to ensure greater overall energy production from a solar PV system at this specific site in Shanghai, China.
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 Shanghai
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 31.2222, Longitude: 121.4581 (Shanghai, 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 Shanghai, China
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Shanghai, China (Lat/Long 31.2222, 121.4581) 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 Shanghai, 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 Shanghai, 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 | 37° South in Autumn | 47° 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 Shanghai, 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 Shanghai, 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 Shanghai, China
The topography around Shanghai, China is mostly flat with some rolling hills. Areas that would be most suitable for large-scale solar PV installations are those on the outskirts of the city where there is ample open space and plenty of sunlight. Additionally, areas close to bodies of water such as rivers or lakes could also be ideal for solar installations due to their reflective properties.
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: Wednesday 28th of September 2022
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.
