Solar PV Analysis of Xuzhou, China
Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China, situated in the Northern Sub Tropics, is a decent location for generating solar energy throughout the year. The electricity output from each kilowatt of installed solar power varies by season: it's highest in summer (5.11kWh/day) and spring (5.04kWh/day), and lower in autumn (3.67kWh/day) and winter (3.23kWh/day). This means that the most efficient times to generate solar energy at this location are during spring and summer.
For a fixed panel installation here, tilting panels 31 degrees towards the south would maximize total year-round production from solar power.
However, there could be some local factors that might affect solar production at this location. For instance, Xuzhou experiences pollution which can block sunlight reaching the panels; also weather conditions like fog or heavy cloud cover can reduce sunlight exposure as well.
To overcome these challenges when installing solar panels:
1) Regular cleaning of panels is necessary to remove dust or pollutants.
2) Use of high-quality PV modules with anti-reflective coating can help capture more light under low-light conditions.
3) Panels should be placed where they will get maximum sun exposure throughout the day – avoiding areas shaded by trees or buildings if possible.
4) It might be beneficial to consider tracking systems that move panels according to Sun's position for maximum efficiency but they come with additional cost & maintenance considerations.
So while Xuzhou does have potential for good year-round solar energy generation especially during spring & summer seasons; attention needs to be paid on regular maintenance along with careful planning & installation considering local environmental factors for optimum results.
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 Xuzhou
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 34.1823, Longitude: 117.1519 (Xuzhou, 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 Xuzhou, China
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Xuzhou, China (Lat/Long 34.1823, 117.1519) 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 Xuzhou, 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 Xuzhou, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18° South in Summer | 40° South in Autumn | 49° 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 Xuzhou, 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 Xuzhou, 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 Xuzhou, China
Xuzhou, China is located in the northern part of Jiangsu Province and it is characterized by a mix of flat plains, hills, and lakes. The area has a diverse terrain with the western region being hilly while the eastern part consists mostly of plains. The city lies near several rivers including the Grand Canal.
For large-scale solar PV installations, flat open areas are typically preferred due to ease of installation and maintenance. Therefore, the eastern plains around Xuzhou would be more suitable for such projects. These areas have less shading from hills or trees which allows for maximum sunlight exposure.
However, it's also important to consider other factors like local climate (solar irradiance), land use constraints (agriculture or conservation areas), proximity to power grids for energy transmission as well as local policies supporting renewable energy development.
In terms of solar irradiance, Xuzhou has a relatively high level compared to other regions in China due to its geographical location on lower latitudes which makes it an ideal place for solar PV projects.
Lastly, floating solar farms on lakes could also be an option given that there are several bodies of water around Xuzhou such as Yunlong Lake and Weishan Lake among others.
Before any decisions can be made though comprehensive feasibility studies should be conducted taking into account all these factors along with economic considerations like cost-benefit analysis etc.
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: Wednesday 27th of March 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.
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.
