Zhangzhou, Fujian, China, located at 24.5027°N, 117.6495°E in the Northern Sub-Tropics, offers a promising environment for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. The location experiences consistent solar radiation across all seasons, with some variations that are typical for its latitude.

Seasonal Solar Performance

Summer stands out as the peak season for solar energy production, with an impressive 5.55 kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed solar capacity. Spring and autumn follow closely, generating 4.83 kWh/day and 4.68 kWh/day, respectively. Even during winter, the solar output remains relatively strong at 4.10 kWh/day. This year-round performance indicates that Zhangzhou is well-suited for solar PV installations, with the potential for consistent energy generation throughout the year. The difference between the highest and lowest producing seasons is relatively small, suggesting a stable energy supply across all seasons.

Optimal Panel Positioning

For fixed panel installations in Zhangzhou, Fujian, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round solar production is 22 degrees facing south. This angle has been calculated to optimize energy capture across all seasons, taking into account the location's latitude and the Earth's elliptical orbit.

Environmental Considerations

While Zhangzhou's climate is generally favorable for solar energy production, there are some environmental factors to consider: 1. Typhoons: The region can experience typhoons, which may pose a risk to solar installations. To mitigate this, robust mounting systems and weather-resistant panels should be used. 2. Humidity: High humidity levels in the sub-tropical climate can potentially affect solar panel efficiency. Regular cleaning and maintenance of panels can help maintain optimal performance. 3. Air pollution: Industrial activities in the region may contribute to air pollution, which can reduce solar panel efficiency. Installing panels at a height and regular cleaning can help minimize this impact. By addressing these factors during installation and maintenance, solar PV systems in Zhangzhou can capitalize on the location's favorable solar conditions and produce reliable, renewable energy throughout the year.

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 Zhangzhou

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 24.5027, Longitude: 117.6495 (Zhangzhou, 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 22° South in Zhangzhou, China

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Zhangzhou, China (Lat/Long 24.5027, 117.6495) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 22° 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 Zhangzhou, 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 Zhangzhou, China. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 22° South tilt angle throughout the year.

Overall Best Summer Angle	Overall Best Autumn Angle	Overall Best Winter Angle	Overall Best Spring Angle
9° South in Summer	29° South in Autumn	40° South in Winter	17° 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 Zhangzhou, 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 Zhangzhou, 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 Zhangzhou, China

The topography surrounding Zhangzhou, China, is characterized by a diverse landscape that includes coastal plains, rolling hills, and mountainous regions. Located in the southeastern part of Fujian Province, Zhangzhou sits near the Taiwan Strait, with its terrain gradually rising from the coast towards the inland areas. Along the coastline, the land is predominantly flat, featuring expansive coastal plains and river deltas. These low-lying areas are dotted with numerous rivers and streams that flow into the sea, creating fertile agricultural land. As one moves inland from the coast, the landscape becomes more varied, with gently rolling hills and small valleys interspersed throughout the region. Further inland, the terrain becomes increasingly rugged and mountainous. The Daiyun Mountains, part of the larger Wuyi Mountain range, dominate the northwestern part of Zhangzhou's vicinity. These mountains, while not extremely high, create a picturesque backdrop and contribute to the area's scenic beauty. The highest peaks in this region typically reach elevations of around 1,000 to 1,500 meters above sea level.

Suitability for Large-Scale Solar PV

When considering areas nearby Zhangzhou for large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations, several factors come into play. The most suitable locations would be those that offer ample sunlight exposure, relatively flat terrain, and minimal environmental impact. The coastal plains and gently rolling hills to the east and southeast of Zhangzhou present promising opportunities for solar PV development. These areas benefit from abundant sunlight due to their proximity to the coast and generally clear skies. The relatively flat terrain in these regions would simplify the installation process and reduce construction costs. Some of the agricultural lands in the river deltas might also be suitable for solar farms, particularly in areas where crop yields are lower or where land use changes are permissible. However, care must be taken to balance energy production with food security concerns. The hilly areas to the north and west of Zhangzhou could also accommodate solar installations, especially on south-facing slopes that receive optimal sunlight. While these locations might require more complex engineering solutions, they could potentially offer higher energy yields due to their elevated positions and reduced shading from surrounding terrain. It's important to note that while the mountainous regions further inland receive ample sunlight, their rugged terrain and potential ecological sensitivity make them less ideal for large-scale solar projects. These areas are better suited for smaller, distributed solar installations or other forms of renewable energy that have a lower land-use footprint. In conclusion, the diverse topography around Zhangzhou offers several options for large-scale solar PV development, with the coastal plains and gently rolling hills presenting the most promising opportunities. Careful site selection and environmental impact assessments would be crucial to ensure the successful and sustainable implementation of solar energy projects in this region.

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.