Tangshan, Hebei, China, situated at latitude 39.6333 and longitude 118.1852, presents a varied landscape for solar energy production throughout the year. This location in the Northern Temperate Zone experiences distinct seasonal changes, which significantly impact the potential for solar power generation.

Seasonal Solar Performance

The solar energy output in Tangshan fluctuates considerably across the four seasons. Spring and summer emerge as the most productive periods, with daily outputs of 5.51 kWh and 5.41 kWh per kilowatt of installed solar capacity, respectively. These seasons offer extended daylight hours and generally clearer skies, maximizing solar panel efficiency. In contrast, autumn and winter see a notable decline in solar energy production. Autumn yields 3.40 kWh per day, while winter drops further to 3.03 kWh. This reduction is primarily due to shorter days, lower sun angles, and potentially increased cloud cover during these cooler months.

Optimal Panel Positioning

To maximize year-round solar energy production in Tangshan, Hebei, fixed solar panels should be tilted at a 36-degree angle facing south. This optimal angle has been calculated considering the location's latitude and seasonal sun positions, ensuring the best overall performance across all seasons.

Environmental Considerations

Tangshan faces some environmental challenges that could impact solar energy production: 1. Air pollution: As an industrial city, Tangshan often experiences high levels of air pollution, which can reduce sunlight reaching solar panels. 2. Dust storms: The region is susceptible to dust storms, particularly in spring, which can coat panels and decrease efficiency. To mitigate these issues, regular panel cleaning and maintenance are crucial. Installing panels at a steeper angle can help with natural cleaning during rainfall. Additionally, using high-quality, dust-resistant panels and implementing automated cleaning systems can significantly improve performance.

Weather Factors

Tangshan's climate presents both opportunities and challenges for solar energy: - Hot summers are ideal for solar production but may slightly reduce panel efficiency on extremely hot days. - Cold winters with occasional snow require panels to be installed at an angle that facilitates snow sliding off. - Occasional extreme weather events, such as hailstorms, necessitate the use of durable, impact-resistant panels. In conclusion, while Tangshan's location is not ideal year-round for solar PV generation, it offers significant potential, especially during spring and summer. With proper installation techniques and regular maintenance, many of the challenges can be effectively managed, making solar energy a viable option in this region.

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 Tangshan

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 39.6333, Longitude: 118.1852 (Tangshan, 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 36° South in Tangshan, China

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Tangshan, China (Lat/Long 39.6333, 118.1852) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 36° 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 Tangshan, 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 Tangshan, China. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 36° 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 Tangshan, 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 Tangshan, 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 Tangshan, China

The topography around Tangshan, China is characterized by a mix of flat coastal plains and gently rolling hills. The city itself is situated on a relatively flat area, part of the expansive North China Plain. This plain extends for many kilometers in all directions, offering vast stretches of level terrain.

To the east of Tangshan, the land gradually slopes towards the Bohai Sea, creating a coastal region with low-lying areas and some wetlands. This coastal zone is quite flat and open, with few natural obstacles.

Moving west and northwest from the city, the landscape begins to show more variation. Here, you'll find low hills and slightly more elevated terrain. These hills are generally not very steep or high, but they do provide some contrast to the flatter areas closer to the coast.

To the north and northeast, the terrain becomes more rugged as it transitions into the eastern foothills of the Yanshan Mountains. While not as dramatic as high mountain ranges, this area features more pronounced hills and valleys.

Areas Suitable for Large-Scale Solar PV

For large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations, the most suitable areas near Tangshan would likely be:

1. The flat, open areas to the south and southeast of the city: These expanses of the North China Plain offer large, unobstructed spaces ideal for solar farms. The lack of significant geographical features means minimal shading and easy construction.

2. The gently sloping coastal areas to the east: While care must be taken to avoid wetlands and ecologically sensitive zones, the open nature of this region could be suitable for solar installations. The proximity to the coast might also provide cooling breezes, which can be beneficial for solar panel efficiency.

3. Some of the lower hill areas to the west and northwest: While not as ideal as completely flat land, some of these areas could be suitable if they have south-facing slopes. Such locations might even benefit from slightly increased solar radiation due to their elevated position.

It's important to note that while topography is a crucial factor, other considerations such as land use, grid connectivity, and local regulations would also play significant roles in determining the best locations for large-scale solar PV projects in the Tangshan area.

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.

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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.