Weifang, Shandong, China, situated at latitude 36.71 and longitude 119.1038 in the Northern Temperate Zone, presents a relatively favorable location for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. The city experiences distinct seasonal variations in solar energy production, with peak output occurring during the summer and spring months.

Seasonal Solar Performance

Solar panels in Weifang can expect to generate an average of 5.42 kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed capacity during both summer and spring. This high output makes these seasons ideal for solar energy production. In contrast, autumn sees a moderate decrease to 3.56 kWh/day, while winter experiences the lowest output at 3.13 kWh/day per kW installed.

The substantial difference between peak and low seasons suggests that Weifang's solar potential is strongly influenced by its seasonal climate. However, even during the less productive winter months, the region still maintains a reasonable level of solar energy generation.

Optimal Panel Installation

For fixed panel installations in Weifang, Shandong, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round solar production is 33 degrees facing South. This angle is calculated based on the location's latitude and accounts for the Earth's elliptical orbit, ensuring optimal exposure to sunlight throughout the year.

Environmental Considerations

While Weifang's location is generally favorable for solar energy production, there are some environmental factors that could potentially impact solar panel efficiency:

1. Air pollution: Weifang, Shandong, like many Chinese cities, may experience periods of high air pollution, which can reduce sunlight reaching solar panels.
2. Dust storms: The region is occasionally affected by dust storms, which can deposit particles on panel surfaces, reducing their efficiency.

To mitigate these issues, regular cleaning and maintenance of solar panels is crucial. Installing panels at a steeper angle can help reduce dust accumulation, while high-quality, anti-reflective coatings can improve performance in less-than-ideal conditions. Additionally, implementing a monitoring system can help quickly identify and address any drops in efficiency.

Overall, despite some challenges, Weifang's location offers good potential for solar PV energy generation, with particularly strong output during the 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 Weifang

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 36.71, Longitude: 119.1038 (Weifang, 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 33° South in Weifang, China

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Weifang, China (Lat/Long 36.71, 119.1038) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 33° 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 Weifang, 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 Weifang, China. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 33° South tilt angle throughout the year.

Overall Best Summer Angle	Overall Best Autumn Angle	Overall Best Winter Angle	Overall Best Spring Angle
20° South in Summer	42° South in Autumn	52° South in Winter	29° 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 Weifang, 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 Weifang, 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 Weifang, China

The topography around Weifang, China, located at latitude 36.71 and longitude 119.1038, is characterized by a diverse landscape that transitions from coastal plains to rolling hills as one moves inland. Weifang itself is situated in the central part of Shandong Province, nestled within the North China Plain. The city and its immediate surroundings are predominantly flat, with gentle undulations in the terrain. To the east of Weifang, the land gradually slopes towards the Bohai Sea, forming a coastal plain that stretches for several kilometers. This area is marked by low-lying wetlands, estuaries, and tidal flats. As one moves westward from the city, the terrain becomes slightly more varied, with subtle hills and shallow valleys interspersed throughout the landscape. The southern part of the Weifang region sees a gradual increase in elevation, with the terrain becoming more hilly and rugged. This area marks the beginning of the Shandong Peninsula's central mountain range, though the peaks near Weifang are relatively modest in height. To the north, the landscape remains primarily flat, continuing the expansive nature of the North China Plain.

Suitability for Large-Scale Solar PV

When considering areas near Weifang for large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations, several factors come into play. The flat terrain of the coastal plains to the east and the gently rolling landscapes to the immediate west and north of Weifang present favorable conditions for solar PV development. These areas offer ample space for expansive solar farms without the need for significant land preparation or terracing. The coastal region, while potentially suitable in terms of topography, may face challenges due to higher humidity levels and the risk of sea spray, which could affect the longevity and efficiency of solar panels. Therefore, areas slightly inland, where the terrain remains relatively flat but is protected from direct coastal influences, might be more ideal. The gently undulating terrain to the west and northwest of Weifang could be particularly well-suited for solar PV installations. These areas typically receive good sun exposure throughout the day and the subtle slopes can be advantageous for panel orientation and natural air circulation, which helps maintain optimal operating temperatures for the solar modules. It's worth noting that while the hilly regions to the south might offer some suitable locations on south-facing slopes, the more varied terrain could increase installation costs and complexity. Therefore, the expansive flat to gently rolling areas north and west of Weifang likely present the most promising locations for large-scale solar PV development, balancing favorable topography with practical considerations for construction and maintenance.

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.