Tengzhou, Shandong, China, located at latitude 35.0836 and longitude 117.1907 in the Northern Temperate Zone, presents a relatively favorable location for solar PV energy generation, though with seasonal variations in output.

Seasonal Solar Production

Solar energy production in Tengzhou follows a bimodal pattern throughout the year. The highest electricity generation occurs during summer months, with an average of 5.33 kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed capacity. Spring follows closely behind with 5.25 kWh/day, making these two seasons the most productive periods for solar energy harvesting in this region.

Autumn and winter show a noticeable decline in production, with outputs of 3.52 kWh/day and 3.13 kWh/day respectively. While winter represents the annual low point, it still provides meaningful energy generation, with approximately 59% of the summer maximum output.

Optimal Panel Installation

For fixed solar panel installations in Tengzhou, Shandong, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round energy production is 31 degrees facing South. This optimal angle balances the seasonal variations in sun path across the year, ensuring the highest possible annual electricity generation.

Environmental Challenges

Several environmental factors may impact solar production in Tengzhou:

• Air pollution from nearby industrial activities and coal power plants can significantly reduce solar irradiance reaching panels, potentially decreasing efficiency by 10-25% during heavy pollution events.
• Seasonal dust storms, particularly in spring, can coat panels with particulate matter, reducing light transmission.
• Winter snow accumulation, though infrequent, can temporarily block panels.

Mitigation Strategies

To maximize production despite these challenges, several preventative measures can be implemented:

• Regular cleaning schedules, with increased frequency during spring dust storm season and after pollution events
• Installation of automated cleaning systems or hydrophobic coatings to reduce dust accumulation
• Slightly steeper panel angles (33-35°) in areas prone to dust or snow to facilitate natural cleaning by rainfall
• Air quality monitoring systems that can trigger panel cleaning when pollution levels exceed thresholds

With proper planning and maintenance, solar installations in Tengzhou can achieve reliable energy production throughout the year, with particularly strong output during spring and summer months.

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 Tengzhou

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 35.0836, Longitude: 117.1907 (Tengzhou, 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 31° South in Tengzhou, China

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Tengzhou, China (Lat/Long 35.0836, 117.1907) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 31° 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 Tengzhou, 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 Tengzhou, China. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 31° South tilt angle throughout the year.

Overall Best Summer Angle	Overall Best Autumn Angle	Overall Best Winter Angle	Overall Best Spring Angle
19° South in Summer	40° South in Autumn	50° South in Winter	27° 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 Tengzhou, 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 Tengzhou, 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 Tengzhou, China

Tengzhou is situated in the southwestern part of Shandong Province in eastern China. The topography of the area is characterized primarily by flat plains typical of the North China Plain, with gentle undulations rather than dramatic elevation changes. The city lies in a transitional zone between the Yellow River alluvial plain to the north and the more hilly terrain that begins to emerge as one moves south toward the Dabie Mountains. The landscape around Tengzhou features predominantly low-lying terrain with elevations generally ranging from 30 to 100 meters above sea level. The area has been shaped by centuries of agricultural development, with much of the natural landscape transformed into farmland. The flat nature of the terrain has facilitated extensive agricultural use, with wheat, corn, and other crops dominating the visual landscape.

Hydrological Features

Several water bodies influence the local topography, including the Yi River which flows through the region. This river and its tributaries have created subtle valley formations and alluvial deposits that provide minor variations in an otherwise predominantly flat landscape. These water features have historically been important for agriculture and have influenced settlement patterns in the region.

Urban and Rural Contrast

The urban center of Tengzhou presents a more developed topography with built infrastructure, while the surrounding rural areas maintain their agricultural character. The transition between urban and rural zones creates a patchwork of land use types that affects the overall topographic experience of the region.

Solar PV Suitability

Given the topographical characteristics of the Tengzhou region, several nearby areas present favorable conditions for large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations: The extensive flat plains surrounding Tengzhou offer ideal conditions for solar PV deployment. These areas provide large, uninterrupted spaces where solar arrays can be installed without significant terrain modification or concerns about shadowing from natural features. The minimal elevation changes reduce construction complexity and costs associated with site preparation. Agricultural lands that are less productive or areas classified as marginal for farming purposes could be particularly well-suited for solar development. The conversion of such land would minimize impact on food production while utilizing space efficiently. Areas to the southeast of Tengzhou, where slightly more elevated terrain begins, might offer advantages in terms of reduced dust accumulation and potentially better exposure to sunlight throughout the day. These areas, while still relatively flat, provide subtle topographic variations that can be strategically utilized in solar farm design. Former industrial zones or brownfield sites near the urban areas would also be suitable candidates for solar development, aligning with land reclamation goals while providing renewable energy generation capacity close to points of consumption. The region's well-developed road network, another consequence of the flat topography, provides good accessibility to potential solar sites, facilitating construction and maintenance operations for large-scale installations. It's worth noting that while the flat terrain is generally advantageous for solar deployment, the region's seasonal climate variations, including potential dust storms in spring and occasional heavy rainfall events, would need to be factored into the design and maintenance strategies for any large-scale solar PV installation.

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.