Solar PV Analysis of Aizu-wakamatsu Shi, Japan
Aizu-wakamatsu Shi, Fukushima, Japan, located at latitude 37.4868 and longitude 139.9502, presents a varied landscape for solar energy production throughout the year. This northern temperate location experiences significant seasonal fluctuations in solar output, which impacts the overall efficiency of photovoltaic (PV) systems.
Seasonal Solar Performance
The solar energy potential in Aizu-wakamatsu Shi varies considerably across seasons. Summer stands out as the most productive period, with an average daily output of 5.54 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely, generating 4.83 kWh/day. Autumn sees a noticeable decrease to 3.44 kWh/day, while winter experiences the lowest output at 1.96 kWh/day.
These figures indicate that the location is most ideal for solar energy generation from late spring through early autumn. During these months, longer daylight hours and higher sun angles contribute to increased solar panel efficiency.
Optimal Panel Positioning
To maximize year-round solar energy production in Aizu-wakamatsu Shi, Fukushima, fixed solar panels should be tilted at a 32-degree angle facing south. This orientation helps optimize the panels' exposure to sunlight throughout the year, balancing the varying sun angles across seasons.
Environmental and Weather Considerations
Several factors can potentially impact solar energy production in this region:
- Snowfall: Aizu-wakamatsu experiences significant snowfall in winter, which can cover solar panels and reduce efficiency.
- Cloud cover: The region's climate includes periods of overcast weather, particularly during the rainy season, which can diminish solar output.
To mitigate these challenges, consider installing panels at a steeper angle to encourage snow sliding off. Additionally, using snow-shedding coatings on panels and implementing a regular cleaning schedule can help maintain efficiency. For cloud cover issues, incorporating micro-inverters or power optimizers can help maximize energy harvesting during partially cloudy conditions.
While Aizu-wakamatsu Shi may not be ideal for year-round solar energy production due to its seasonal variations, proper system design and maintenance can still yield significant energy output, particularly during the more favorable months of late spring through early autumn.
Note: The Northern Temperate Zone extends from 35° latitude North up to 66.5° latitude.
So far, we have conducted calculations to evaluate the solar photovoltaic (PV) potential in 187 locations across Japan. This analysis provides insights into each city/location's potential for harnessing solar energy through PV installations.
Link: Solar PV potential in Japan by location
Solar output per kW of installed solar PV by season in Aizu-wakamatsu Shi
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 37.4868, Longitude: 139.9502 (Aizu-wakamatsu Shi, Japan), 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 32° South in Aizu-wakamatsu Shi, Japan
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Aizu-wakamatsu Shi, Japan (Lat/Long 37.4868, 139.9502) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 32° 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 Aizu-wakamatsu Shi, Japan
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 Aizu-wakamatsu Shi, Japan. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 32° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 21° South in Summer | 42° South in Autumn | 52° South in Winter | 31° 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 Aizu-wakamatsu Shi, Japan
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 Aizu-wakamatsu Shi, Japan.
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 Aizu-wakamatsu Shi, Japan
Aizu-wakamatsu Shi is located in the western part of Fukushima Prefecture, Japan. The city is nestled in a basin surrounded by mountains, creating a diverse and picturesque landscape. The topography of the area is characterized by a mix of flat lowlands and rolling hills, with more rugged terrain in the surrounding mountain ranges.
The city itself sits on a relatively flat plain, which was formed by ancient volcanic activity and subsequent erosion. This area, known as the Aizu Basin, is surrounded by mountains on all sides. To the north and west, you'll find the Iide Mountains, while the Ou Mountains lie to the east. The southern part of the region is bordered by the Echigo Mountains.
The nearby mountains create a natural bowl-like formation around the city, which influences the local climate and contributes to the area's natural beauty. Several rivers flow through the region, including the Aga River and its tributaries, which have shaped the landscape over time.
When considering areas suitable for large-scale solar PV installations near Aizu-wakamatsu Shi, there are a few factors to keep in mind. The most promising locations would likely be found in the flatter, open areas of the Aizu Basin. These areas offer more consistent exposure to sunlight throughout the day and would require less land preparation for installation.
Specifically, the agricultural lands and open fields to the south and southeast of the city center could be potential candidates for solar PV development. These areas typically have fewer obstructions and more available space for large installations. Additionally, some of the gently sloping hillsides surrounding the basin might also be suitable, particularly those with a southern exposure that receive more direct sunlight throughout the year.
However, it's important to note that the region's mountainous surroundings may cast shadows on certain areas during parts of the day, potentially reducing the efficiency of solar panels in those locations. A detailed site-specific analysis would be necessary to determine the most optimal locations for large-scale solar PV installations, taking into account factors such as sun exposure, land availability, grid connectivity, and local regulations.
Japan solar PV Stats as a country
Japan ranks 3rd in the world for cumulative solar PV capacity, with 74,191 total MW's of solar PV installed. This means that 8.30% of Japan's total energy as a country comes from solar PV (that's 9th in the world). Each year Japan is generating 590 Watts from solar PV per capita (Japan ranks 4th in the world for solar PV Watts generated per capita). [source]
Are there incentives for businesses to install solar in Japan?
Yes, there are several incentives for businesses wanting to install solar energy in Japan. These include the Feed-in Tariff (FIT) program, which provides a fixed price for electricity generated from renewable sources such as solar; subsidies and grants from local governments; tax credits; and loans with low interest rates. Additionally, businesses may be eligible for additional incentives depending on their location and type of installation.
Do you have more up to date information than this on incentives towards solar PV projects in Japan? 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: Monday 29th of July 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.
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