Solar PV Analysis of Akita, Japan
Akita, Japan, located at latitude 39.7185 and longitude 140.1211, presents a mixed picture for solar energy generation throughout the year. This northern temperate zone location experiences significant seasonal variations in solar output, which impacts the overall efficiency of photovoltaic (PV) systems.
Seasonal Solar Performance
Summer stands out as the most productive season for solar energy in Akita, with an impressive daily output of 5.59 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely behind, generating 4.63 kWh/day. However, the performance drops considerably during autumn, with 3.27 kWh/day, and reaches its lowest point in winter, producing only 1.84 kWh/day.
These figures highlight the stark contrast between the peak and trough seasons, with summer generating more than three times the energy of winter. This variability suggests that while solar energy can be a valuable resource in Akita, it may require supplementary power sources or energy storage solutions to maintain consistent year-round energy supply.
Optimal Panel Installation
To maximize year-round solar energy production in Akita, fixed solar panels should be installed at a tilt angle of 34 degrees facing south. This angle has been calculated to optimize the capture of sunlight throughout the year, taking into account the Earth's elliptical orbit and the location's specific latitude.
Environmental and Weather Considerations
Akita's climate presents some challenges for solar energy production. The region experiences heavy snowfall during winter, which can significantly reduce solar panel efficiency if not managed properly. To mitigate this issue, solar installations should incorporate steep tilt angles or snow-shedding systems to prevent snow accumulation on panels.
Additionally, Akita is prone to cloudy and overcast conditions, particularly during the winter months. This can further diminish solar energy production. To address this, using high-efficiency solar panels and incorporating micro-inverters or power optimizers can help maximize energy capture even in low-light conditions.
Lastly, Akita's coastal location means salt air exposure could potentially accelerate corrosion of solar equipment. Installing corrosion-resistant components and implementing regular maintenance routines can help prolong the life and efficiency of solar systems in this environment.
In conclusion, while Akita's location presents some challenges for year-round solar energy production, proper system design and preventative measures can help maximize the potential of solar PV installations in this region.
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 Akita
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 39.7185, Longitude: 140.1211 (Akita, 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 34° South in Akita, Japan
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Akita, Japan (Lat/Long 39.7185, 140.1211) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 34° 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 Akita, 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 Akita, Japan. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 34° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 23° South in Summer | 44° South in Autumn | 54° South in Winter | 33° 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 Akita, 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 Akita, 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 Akita, Japan
The topography around Akita, Japan is quite diverse and interesting. Akita is located in the northern part of Honshu, Japan's main island, and sits along the coast of the Sea of Japan. The city itself is situated on a relatively flat coastal plain, but the surrounding landscape quickly becomes more varied and dramatic.
To the east of Akita, the terrain rises into the Ou Mountains, a major mountain range that runs north-south through the Tohoku region. These mountains are characterized by steep slopes, deep valleys, and dense forests. Some peaks in this range reach heights of over 1,500 meters (about 5,000 feet). This mountainous area is part of the "backbone" of northern Japan and creates a natural barrier between the western and eastern parts of the region.
To the south and southeast of Akita, you'll find the Dewa Hills, which are lower and more gently rolling than the Ou Mountains. This area features a mix of forested hills, agricultural land, and small river valleys. The terrain here is more accessible and has been shaped by centuries of human habitation and farming.
The western side of Akita faces the Sea of Japan, with a coastline that alternates between sandy beaches and rocky cliffs. The coastal plain where Akita city is located gradually narrows as you move north or south, with the mountains coming closer to the sea in these directions.
Areas Suitable for Large-Scale Solar PV
When considering areas near Akita for large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations, several factors come into play. The ideal locations would have ample sunlight, relatively flat terrain, and be close to existing infrastructure. Based on these criteria, the following areas around Akita might be most suitable:
1. The coastal plain: The flat areas around Akita city and extending along the coast could be good candidates for solar farms. These areas receive decent sunlight and have the advantage of being close to population centers and existing power infrastructure.
2. Reclaimed land or former industrial sites: Any large, flat areas that were previously used for industry or have been reclaimed from the sea could be repurposed for solar installations.
3. Gently sloping hillsides in the Dewa Hills: While not as ideal as flat land, some of the more gradual slopes in the hills to the south and southeast of Akita could potentially be used for solar farms, especially if they have a southern exposure.
4. Agricultural land: Some less productive agricultural areas in the region could potentially be converted to solar use, although this would need to be balanced against the need for food production.
It's important to note that the mountainous areas to the east, while receiving good sunlight at higher elevations, would generally be too steep and inaccessible for large-scale solar installations. Additionally, much of this area is likely protected forest land.
Any large-scale solar project would need to consider local regulations, environmental impact, and the region's weather patterns, including the significant snowfall Akita receives in winter, which could affect solar panel efficiency and maintenance.
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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Article Details for Citation
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Monday 12th of August 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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