Solar PV Analysis of Tonghua, China
Solar Energy Potential in Tonghua, Jilin, China
Tonghua, Jilin, a city in northeastern China, offers a mixed potential for solar energy generation throughout the year. Located in the Northern Temperate Zone at coordinates 41.7076°N, 125.9227°E, Tonghua experiences significant seasonal variations in solar output.
The summer months prove to be the most productive for solar energy generation in Tonghua, Jilin, with an average daily output of 5.55 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely behind, yielding 5.14 kWh/day. These seasons present ideal conditions for maximizing solar energy production.
However, autumn and winter see a considerable drop in solar output. Autumn produces an average of 3.33 kWh/day, while winter performance dips to 2.64 kWh/day. This substantial seasonal variation highlights the challenges of maintaining consistent energy production throughout the year.
Optimizing Solar Panel Installation
To maximize year-round solar energy production in Tonghua, Jilin, fixed solar panels should be installed at a tilt angle of 37 degrees facing south. This optimal angle takes into account the city's latitude and seasonal sun positions, ensuring the best possible exposure to sunlight throughout the year.
Environmental and Weather Considerations
Tonghua's climate and environmental factors present some challenges for solar energy production. The region experiences cold winters with occasional heavy snowfall, which can temporarily reduce panel efficiency. Regular snow removal and the use of snow-shedding panel designs can help mitigate this issue.
Air pollution, particularly during winter months when coal burning increases for heating, may also impact solar panel performance. Installing panels at a steeper angle and implementing regular cleaning schedules can help minimize the effects of pollution accumulation.
Additionally, Tonghua's location in a mountainous area may lead to partial shading issues. Careful site selection and the use of micro-inverters or power optimizers can help maintain energy production even when parts of the array are shaded.
Despite these challenges, with proper planning and maintenance, Tonghua can still harness significant solar energy, particularly during the productive 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 Tonghua
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 41.7076, Longitude: 125.9227 (Tonghua, 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 37° South in Tonghua, China
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Tonghua, China (Lat/Long 41.7076, 125.9227) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 37° 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 Tonghua, 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 Tonghua, China. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 37° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 26° South in Summer | 46° South in Autumn | 56° South in Winter | 34° 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 Tonghua, 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 Tonghua, 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 Tonghua, China
The topography around Tonghua, China is characterized by a diverse landscape of mountains, hills, and valleys. Located in the southeastern part of Jilin Province, Tonghua is nestled within the Changbai Mountain range, which dominates the region's terrain. The city itself sits in a river valley, surrounded by rolling hills and more rugged mountainous areas.
The immediate vicinity of Tonghua features a mix of gentle slopes and steeper inclines. The Hunjiang River flows through the city, creating a relatively flat floodplain in its path. As you move away from the river, the terrain becomes more undulating, with numerous small hills and ridges. These lower elevations gradually give way to higher mountains as you travel further from the city center.
The Changbai Mountains, which form the backdrop to Tonghua's landscape, are known for their forested slopes and rocky peaks. Some of these mountains reach heights of over 2,000 meters (6,560 feet) above sea level, creating a dramatic contrast with the lower-lying areas around the city.
Regarding areas nearby that would be most suited for large-scale solar PV (photovoltaic) installations, there are a few considerations to keep in mind. Ideally, solar farms require relatively flat or gently sloping land with good sun exposure. Given the mountainous nature of the region, the most suitable areas for solar PV would likely be:
- The broader river valleys and floodplains, especially those to the south and east of Tonghua. These areas tend to have more open, level ground that could accommodate large solar arrays.
- Lower elevation hillsides and plateaus that face south or southwest. These locations would receive more direct sunlight throughout the day, maximizing solar energy production.
- Any cleared or deforested areas on the lower slopes of the surrounding mountains, provided they have suitable access and are not too steep.
It's important to note that while the mountainous terrain may present challenges for large-scale solar installations, it also offers opportunities for smaller, distributed solar projects that could take advantage of the varied topography. Additionally, the region's elevation and cooler climate could potentially benefit solar panel efficiency, as many solar panels perform better in cooler temperatures.
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: Friday 26th of July 2024
Last Updated: Monday 21st of July 2025
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Compare this location to others worldwide for solar PV potential
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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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