Solar PV Analysis of Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
Located in the Northern Subtropics, Xi'an, China (34.2635, 108.9246) is a promising site for solar photovoltaic (PV) installations due to its climate and geographical position. Throughout the year, this location experiences varying levels of solar energy production.
In the summer season, Xi'an benefits from extended sunlight hours and elevated temperatures. These factors contribute to an average output of 5.57 kWh/day per kW of installed solar capacity - an impressive figure for this time of year.
Meanwhile, during autumn and winter seasons, there is a slight dip in power generation due to shorter daylight hours and cooler temperatures; with averages recorded at 3.37 kWh/day and 3.23 kWh/day per kW respectively.
During springtime however, there's an uptick in production as daylight hours begin to increase again - resulting in an average output of 4.92 kWh/day per kW.
For fixed panel installations here in Xi'an, it's recommended that panels are tilted at an angle of approximately 31 degrees facing south for maximum exposure to sunlight throughout the day.
However, certain environmental conditions could potentially impede optimal PV performance at this location; these include high humidity levels during hot summers which can affect equipment cooling efficiency; along with occasional sandstorms from nearby deserts causing dust accumulation on panels which can reduce their effectiveness until cleaned off again.
To mitigate these issues when installing solar PV systems here: adequate ventilation or cooling systems could be incorporated into system designs to manage overheating issues during humid summer periods; while regular maintenance schedules should be established early on – including frequent cleaning routines after sandstorms – ensuring panels remain clean and efficient all year round.
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 Xi'an, Shaanxi
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 34.2635, Longitude: 108.9246 (Xi'an, Shaanxi, 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 Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Xi'an, Shaanxi, China (Lat/Long 34.2635, 108.9246) 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 Xi'an, Shaanxi, 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 Xi'an, Shaanxi, 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 | 50° South in Winter | 26° 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 Xi'an, Shaanxi, 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 Xi'an, Shaanxi, 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 Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
The topography around Xi'an, China is mostly flat and consists of plains. Areas that are most suitable for large-scale solar PV include the open fields outside of the city, as well as the flat areas in the suburbs. These areas have plenty of open space with minimal obstructions from buildings or trees which makes them ideal for solar energy production. Additionally, they are close enough to Xi'an that they can be connected to the city's power grid easily.
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 5th of July 2023
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.
