Solar PV Analysis of Zhuhai, China
Zhuhai, Guangdong, China, situated at latitude 22.2767 and longitude 113.5788, presents a favorable location for solar energy generation throughout the year. This tropical city experiences consistent sunlight and is characterized more by wet and dry seasons than traditional four-season patterns.
Seasonal Solar Performance
Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems in Zhuhai demonstrate strong performance across all seasons. Summer yields the highest output at 5.36 kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed capacity. Spring follows closely with 5.04 kWh/day, while autumn and winter produce 4.69 kWh/day and 4.25 kWh/day, respectively. These figures indicate a relatively stable energy production throughout the year, with only a modest decline during the winter months.
Optimal Solar Generation Periods
The most ideal times for solar energy generation in Zhuhai are during the summer and spring seasons. These periods offer longer daylight hours and typically clearer skies, allowing for maximum solar irradiance. However, the consistent performance across all seasons suggests that solar PV systems can provide reliable energy production year-round in this location.
Panel Tilt Angle for Maximum Efficiency
For fixed-panel installations in Zhuhai, Guangdong, the optimal tilt angle to maximize year-round solar production is 20 degrees facing South. This angle has been calculated considering daily solar elevation angles, optimal panel tilt, and weighted by daily PV potential using NASA's solar irradiance data.
Environmental and Weather Considerations
While Zhuhai's tropical climate is generally conducive to solar energy production, there are some factors that could potentially impact efficiency:
- Typhoons and heavy rainfall during the wet season may temporarily reduce solar output and pose risks to panel installations.
- High humidity levels can lead to increased dust accumulation on panels, potentially reducing their efficiency.
To mitigate these challenges, solar installations in Zhuhai should incorporate robust mounting systems capable of withstanding strong winds. Regular cleaning and maintenance of panels is also crucial to combat dust buildup. Additionally, investing in high-quality, weather-resistant solar equipment can help ensure optimal performance and longevity in this tropical environment.
Note: The Tropics are located between 23.5° North and -23.5° South of the equator.
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 Zhuhai
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 22.2767, Longitude: 113.5788 (Zhuhai, 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 20° South in Zhuhai, China
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Zhuhai, China (Lat/Long 22.2767, 113.5788) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 20° 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 Zhuhai, 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 Zhuhai, China. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 20° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6° South in Summer | 28° South in Autumn | 37° South in Winter | 15° 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 Zhuhai, 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 Zhuhai, 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 Zhuhai, China
Zhuhai, located in southern China's Guangdong Province, has a diverse topography that combines coastal, urban, and hilly landscapes. The city is situated on the western bank of the Pearl River estuary, where it meets the South China Sea. This location gives Zhuhai a long coastline with numerous bays, islands, and peninsulas.
The central and northern parts of Zhuhai are relatively flat, with some low-lying areas near the coast. These areas are home to much of the city's urban development and infrastructure. As you move inland and towards the west, the terrain becomes more varied, with rolling hills and small mountains dotting the landscape. The highest point in Zhuhai is Fenghuang Mountain, which reaches an elevation of about 400 meters (1,312 feet) above sea level.
To the north and northeast of Zhuhai, the terrain transitions into the Pearl River Delta, a vast alluvial plain crisscrossed by river channels and dotted with small hills. This area is known for its fertile soil and has historically been important for agriculture.
When considering areas nearby that would be most suited for large-scale solar PV (photovoltaic) installations, several factors come into play. The ideal locations would have ample sunlight exposure, relatively flat terrain, and be away from densely populated areas. Based on these criteria, the following areas near Zhuhai might be suitable:
- The less developed western regions of Zhuhai, where there are open spaces and gently rolling hills that could accommodate large solar arrays without significant terraforming.
- Some of the larger islands off the coast of Zhuhai, particularly those with minimal development and good sun exposure.
- Areas to the north of Zhuhai, in the Pearl River Delta region, where there are expanses of flat land that are not prime agricultural areas or protected wetlands.
- Reclaimed land along the coastline, provided it's not earmarked for urban development or ecological preservation.
It's important to note that any large-scale solar PV project would need to carefully consider environmental impacts, land use regulations, and proximity to existing power infrastructure. Additionally, the subtropical climate of Zhuhai, with its high humidity and occasional typhoons, would require solar installations to be designed to withstand these weather conditions.
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!
Citation Guide
Article Details for Citation
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Friday 23rd of August 2024
Last Updated: Monday 21st of July 2025
Tell Us About Your Work
We love seeing how our research helps others! If you've cited this article in your work, we'd be delighted to hear about it. Drop us a line via our Contact Us page or on X, to share where you've used our information - we may feature a link to your work on our site. This helps create a network of valuable resources for others in the solar energy community and helps us understand how our research is contributing to the field. Plus, we occasionally highlight exceptional works that reference our research on our social media channels.
Feeling generous?
Share this with your friends!
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.
