The city of Suzhou, located in the Northern Sub Tropics of China, offers a relatively favorable environment for solar energy production throughout the year. With its geographical coordinates at 33.6375° latitude and 116.9775° longitude, Suzhou experiences varying levels of solar potential across different seasons.

Seasonal Solar Performance

Solar energy generation in Suzhou peaks during the summer months, with an average daily output of 4.93 kWh per kW of installed capacity. This high performance is due to longer daylight hours and more direct sunlight. Spring follows closely behind, producing 4.75 kWh per day, making it the second-best season for solar energy production. Autumn sees a moderate decline in solar output, generating 3.78 kWh per day. Winter experiences the lowest solar potential, with a daily average of 3.19 kWh. However, it's worth noting that even during the least productive season, Suzhou still maintains a respectable level of solar energy generation.

Optimal Panel Installation

To maximize year-round solar energy production in Suzhou, fixed solar panels should be installed at a tilt angle of 31 degrees facing south. This angle has been calculated to optimize the panels' exposure to sunlight throughout the year, taking into account the city's latitude and seasonal variations in sun position.

Environmental Factors and Mitigation

While Suzhou generally offers good conditions for solar energy production, there are some environmental factors that could potentially impact performance: 1. Air pollution: Suzhou, like many Chinese cities, can experience high levels of air pollution, which may reduce solar panel efficiency by blocking sunlight. Regular cleaning of panels can help mitigate this issue. 2. Humidity: The region's subtropical climate means high humidity levels, which can lead to condensation on panels. Using high-quality, weather-resistant panels and ensuring proper ventilation can help address this concern. 3. Typhoons: Although rare, Suzhou can be affected by typhoons, which pose a risk to solar installations. Robust mounting systems and storm-resistant panels should be used to withstand potential high winds and heavy rainfall. By addressing these factors during the installation process and maintaining the system regularly, solar energy production in Suzhou can be optimized, making it a viable and sustainable option for renewable energy generation 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 Suzhou, Anhui

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 33.6375, Longitude: 116.9775 (Suzhou, Anhui, 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 Suzhou, Anhui, China

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Suzhou, Anhui, China (Lat/Long 33.6375, 116.9775) 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 Suzhou, Anhui, 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 Suzhou, Anhui, 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
17° South in Summer	39° South in Autumn	49° 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 Suzhou, Anhui, 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 Suzhou, Anhui, 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 Suzhou, Anhui, China

Suzhou, located in eastern China, sits in a region characterized by a mix of flat plains and gently rolling hills. The city itself is situated on the Yangtze River Delta, which is predominantly a low-lying alluvial plain. This area is known for its numerous waterways, including rivers, canals, and lakes, which have played a significant role in shaping the local landscape. To the west of Suzhou, the terrain gradually becomes more elevated, with small hills and low mountains appearing. These hills are part of the larger Tianmu Mountain range, which extends further to the southwest. Despite their presence, the overall topography remains relatively gentle, with most elevations not exceeding a few hundred meters above sea level. The eastern part of Suzhou, extending towards the coast, is primarily flat and low-lying. This area is part of the expansive coastal plain that stretches along much of eastern China. Here, the landscape is dotted with wetlands, marshes, and agricultural fields, interspersed with numerous water bodies.

Potential for Large-scale Solar PV

When considering areas suitable for large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations near Suzhou, several factors come into play. The ideal locations would be those with ample sunlight exposure, minimal shading, and relatively flat terrain to reduce installation costs and maximize efficiency. The expansive plains to the east and southeast of Suzhou offer promising potential for solar PV development. These areas benefit from their flat topography, which simplifies installation and reduces the need for extensive land preparation. Additionally, the open nature of the landscape minimizes the risk of shading from natural features or buildings. Some of the gently sloping hillsides to the west of Suzhou could also be suitable for solar PV installations. South-facing slopes, in particular, would receive optimal sunlight throughout the day. However, care would need to be taken to avoid areas with steeper gradients or dense vegetation, which could complicate installation and reduce efficiency. It's worth noting that while the region around Suzhou has favorable topography for solar PV, other factors such as land availability, proximity to power grids, and local regulations would also play crucial roles in determining the most suitable locations for large-scale solar projects. Additionally, the prevalence of water bodies in the area might limit the available land for extensive solar farms, necessitating careful site selection and planning.

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.