Solar Energy Potential in Akashi, Hyōgo, Japan

Akashi, Hyōgo, Japan, located at latitude 34.6534 and longitude 134.9923 in the Northern Sub Tropics, offers a promising location for solar energy generation throughout the year. The city experiences varying levels of solar potential across different seasons, providing opportunities for consistent energy production. During summer, Akashi sees its peak solar energy generation potential, with an average daily output of 5.46 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. This high productivity continues into spring, with a slightly lower but still impressive 5.35 kWh per day. These seasons offer ideal conditions for maximizing solar energy production. Autumn and winter see a decrease in solar energy potential, with daily outputs of 3.98 kWh and 3.21 kWh respectively. While lower than the spring and summer months, these figures still indicate a significant capacity for energy generation during the cooler seasons.

Optimizing Solar Panel Installation

To maximize year-round solar energy production in Akashi, Hyōgo, fixed solar panels should be installed at a tilt angle of 32 degrees facing south. This optimal angle ensures the panels capture the most sunlight throughout the year, accounting for seasonal variations in the sun's position.

Environmental Considerations

While Akashi generally offers favorable conditions for solar energy production, there are some environmental factors to consider: 1. Typhoons: Akashi, Hyōgo, like much of Japan, can experience typhoons, particularly during late summer and early autumn. These storms can potentially damage solar installations if not properly secured. 2. Heavy rainfall: The region experiences a rainy season, typically from June to July, which could temporarily reduce solar energy output. To mitigate these risks, solar installations in Akashi should incorporate robust mounting systems designed to withstand high winds. Additionally, using high-quality, water-resistant solar panels and ensuring proper drainage around the installation can help maintain efficiency during periods of heavy rainfall. Overall, Akashi presents a favorable location for solar energy production, with strong potential throughout the year and particularly high output during spring and summer months. By taking appropriate precautions against environmental factors, solar installations in this area can provide a reliable and sustainable source of energy.

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 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 Akashi

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 34.6534, Longitude: 134.9923 (Akashi, 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 Akashi, Japan

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Akashi, Japan (Lat/Long 34.6534, 134.9923) 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 Akashi, 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 Akashi, 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
19° South in Summer	40° South in Autumn	50° South in Winter	28° 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 Akashi, 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 Akashi, Japan.

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 Akashi, Japan

The topography around Akashi, Japan, is characterized by a diverse landscape that combines coastal features with inland hills and mountains. Situated on the southern coast of Honshu, Japan's largest island, Akashi is nestled along the Seto Inland Sea. The city itself is relatively flat, with low-lying areas near the coast gradually rising into gentle hills as you move inland. To the north of Akashi, the terrain becomes more rugged and mountainous. The Rokko mountain range, which runs parallel to the coast, dominates the landscape in this direction. These mountains, while not particularly tall by global standards, provide a striking backdrop to the city and influence local weather patterns. The coastline near Akashi is notable for its mix of sandy beaches and rocky shores. The famous Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, which connects Honshu to Awaji Island, spans the Akashi Strait, a narrow body of water that separates the mainland from the island. This strait is known for its strong currents and is an important shipping channel.

Potential Areas for Large-Scale Solar PV

When considering areas nearby that would be most suited to large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations, several factors come into play. The ideal location would have ample sunlight exposure, relatively flat terrain, and minimal shading from surrounding landscape features. The coastal plains and low-lying areas to the east and west of Akashi could potentially be suitable for solar PV installations. These areas typically have fewer obstructions to sunlight and may offer larger, contiguous plots of land. However, proximity to the coast means careful consideration must be given to potential impacts from sea spray and coastal weather patterns. Inland areas with gently rolling hills might also be appropriate for solar farms. These locations, while potentially requiring some terrain modification, could offer good sun exposure and may be less prone to coastal weather influences. It's important to note that Japan's dense population and limited available land make large-scale solar installations challenging. As such, innovative approaches like floating solar farms on nearby bodies of water or the use of abandoned industrial sites might be considered as alternatives to traditional ground-mounted solar arrays. Any large-scale solar project in this region would need to carefully balance energy production potential with environmental considerations, local land use regulations, and the preservation of agricultural and natural areas that are vital to the region's ecology and economy.

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!

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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.