Solar PV Analysis of Shaoxing, China
Shaoxing, Zhejiang, China, located in the Northern Sub Tropics at coordinates 30.0034, 120.5676, offers a relatively favorable environment for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. The seasonal variations in electricity output provide insights into the location's suitability for solar power production.
Seasonal Solar Performance
Summer stands out as the most productive season, with an impressive 4.90 kWh per day output for each kilowatt of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely behind at 4.29 kWh/day, while autumn sees a slight decrease to 3.87 kWh/day. Winter experiences the lowest output at 3.12 kWh/day, but still maintains a respectable level of energy production.
The consistently moderate to high output across all seasons indicates that Shaoxing is well-suited for year-round solar energy generation. The peak production period spans from late spring through early autumn, making these months ideal for maximizing solar energy harvesting.
Optimal Panel Installation
For fixed panel installations in Shaoxing, Zhejiang, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round solar production is 27 degrees facing South. This angle optimizes the panels' exposure to sunlight throughout the year, accounting for seasonal variations in the sun's position.
Environmental Considerations
While Shaoxing's climate is generally conducive to solar energy production, there are a few environmental factors to consider:
- Humidity: The region's subtropical climate can lead to high humidity levels, potentially affecting panel efficiency. Regular cleaning and maintenance can mitigate this issue.
- Typhoons: Shaoxing may occasionally experience typhoons, which could pose a risk to solar installations. Robust mounting systems and weather-resistant panels are crucial for longevity.
To address these factors, it's recommended to use high-quality, weather-resistant solar panels and mounting systems. Additionally, implementing a regular cleaning and maintenance schedule will help ensure optimal performance and longevity of the solar installation in Shaoxing's climate.
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 Shaoxing
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 30.0034, Longitude: 120.5676 (Shaoxing, 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 27° South in Shaoxing, China
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Shaoxing, China (Lat/Long 30.0034, 120.5676) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 27° 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 Shaoxing, 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 Shaoxing, China. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 27° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14° South in Summer | 35° South in Autumn | 46° South in Winter | 22° 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 Shaoxing, 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 Shaoxing, 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 Shaoxing, China
The topography around Shaoxing, China is characterized by a diverse landscape that includes both flat lowlands and hilly areas. Shaoxing is situated in the eastern part of Zhejiang Province, nestled within the Yangtze River Delta region. The city itself is primarily built on relatively flat terrain, with numerous waterways and canals crisscrossing the urban area.
To the north and east of Shaoxing, the land is predominantly flat, consisting of alluvial plains formed by the Qiantang River and its tributaries. This area is part of the larger Hangzhou Bay plain, which extends towards the East China Sea. The flat terrain in this direction is punctuated by a network of rivers, streams, and man-made canals that have been used for irrigation and transportation for centuries.
As you move south and west from Shaoxing, the landscape becomes more varied and hilly. The southern part of Shaoxing County features rolling hills and low mountains, with some peaks reaching heights of 500 to 1,000 meters above sea level. These hills are part of the Kuaiji Mountain range, which extends further south into neighboring counties.
For large-scale solar PV installations, the areas most suited would likely be the flat, open spaces to the north and east of Shaoxing. These lowland areas offer several advantages for solar energy development:
- Ample sunlight exposure due to the lack of tall natural obstacles
- Easier access for construction and maintenance of solar facilities
- Proximity to existing power infrastructure and urban centers
- Less competition with agricultural land use compared to the fertile river valleys
However, it's important to note that the region experiences a subtropical monsoon climate with frequent cloud cover and rainfall, which could impact the efficiency of solar power generation. Additionally, the flat areas near rivers may be prone to flooding, so careful site selection and engineering would be necessary to mitigate potential risks.
While the hilly areas to the south and west might seem less suitable for large-scale solar installations due to their uneven terrain, they could still be considered for smaller, distributed solar projects. Some hillsides with southern exposure could potentially be utilized for solar farms, although the construction and maintenance costs would likely be higher than in the flatter regions.
Ultimately, the selection of sites for solar PV development would require detailed environmental and feasibility studies, taking into account factors such as local climate patterns, land use regulations, grid connectivity, and environmental impact assessments.
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: Sunday 13th of October 2024
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.
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Calculate Your Optimal Solar Panel Tilt Angle: A Comprehensive Guide
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