Asahigaoka, Osaka, Japan, situated in the Northern Sub Tropics at latitude 34.8283 and longitude 135.4486, presents a favorable location for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. The seasonal variations in electricity output demonstrate the potential for consistent solar power production, with some fluctuations between peak and off-peak periods.

Seasonal Solar Performance

Summer and spring offer the highest solar energy yields, with daily outputs of 5.30 kWh and 5.20 kWh per kW of installed capacity, respectively. These seasons provide optimal conditions for solar PV systems, with longer daylight hours and generally clearer skies. Autumn sees a moderate decrease in production, yielding 3.83 kWh per day, while winter experiences the lowest output at 3.05 kWh per day due to shorter daylight hours and potentially increased cloud cover.

Ideal Generation Periods

The most productive months for solar energy generation in Asahigaoka are typically from April to September, encompassing the spring and summer seasons. During this period, the region experiences longer days and more direct sunlight, maximizing the potential for solar PV systems. However, it's worth noting that even during the less productive autumn and winter months, the location still maintains a reasonable level of solar energy generation.

Optimal Panel Tilt Angle

For fixed panel installations in Asahigaoka, Osaka, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round solar production is 32 degrees facing South. This angle optimizes the panels' exposure to sunlight throughout the year, accounting for seasonal variations in the sun's position and the Earth's elliptical orbit.

Environmental and Weather Considerations

While Asahigaoka generally offers favorable conditions for solar energy production, there are a few factors that could potentially impact system performance:

• Typhoon season: The region may experience typhoons, typically between July and October, which could bring heavy rainfall and strong winds.
• Rainy season: June and early July often see increased precipitation, which may temporarily reduce solar output.

To mitigate these environmental factors, solar installations should incorporate robust mounting systems capable of withstanding high winds. Additionally, implementing a regular cleaning schedule for panels can help maintain efficiency by removing dust and debris that may accumulate during dry periods or after storms.

Overall, Asahigaoka's location proves to be quite suitable for solar PV energy generation, with strong potential throughout the year and particularly favorable conditions during the spring and summer months.

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 Asahigaoka

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 34.8283, Longitude: 135.4486 (Asahigaoka, 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 Asahigaoka, Japan

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Asahigaoka, Japan (Lat/Long 34.8283, 135.4486) 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 Asahigaoka, 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 Asahigaoka, 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 Asahigaoka, 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 Asahigaoka, 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 Asahigaoka, Japan

The area surrounding Asahigaoka, Japan, located at 34.8283°N latitude and 135.4486°E longitude, is characterized by a diverse and picturesque topography. This region, situated in the Kansai area of Honshu island, features a mix of gently rolling hills, small valleys, and flat areas interspersed with more rugged terrain. To the west of Asahigaoka, the landscape gradually slopes towards the coastal plains of Osaka Bay. This area is predominantly flat, with some low-lying hills dotting the landscape. As one moves eastward from Asahigaoka, the terrain becomes more varied, with the foothills of the Ikoma mountain range rising in the distance. These mountains, while not extremely tall, provide a striking backdrop to the area and contribute to its scenic beauty. The immediate vicinity of Asahigaoka is a blend of residential areas, small agricultural plots, and pockets of forested land. Small streams and rivers crisscross the region, carving shallow valleys and creating natural boundaries between different neighborhoods and districts.

Potential 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 locations for solar farms are typically flat or gently sloping areas with minimal shading from surrounding terrain or vegetation. The coastal plains to the west of Asahigaoka present the most promising opportunities for large-scale solar PV development. These areas offer expansive, open spaces with little topographical variation, which is ideal for the installation of solar panels. The flat terrain allows for easy construction and maintenance of solar arrays, and the lack of significant natural obstacles means less shading throughout the day. Some of the gently rolling hills to the south and southeast of Asahigaoka could also be suitable for solar PV installations, particularly if they have a southern exposure. These areas might require some minor terrain modifications but could still be viable options for solar farms. It's important to note that while the topography in these areas may be suitable for solar PV, other factors such as land availability, proximity to power infrastructure, and local regulations would also need to be considered when planning any large-scale solar projects. Additionally, care should be taken to balance renewable energy development with the preservation of agricultural land and natural habitats, which are also important features of this region.

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.