The location of Befu, Fukuoka, Japan, situated in the Northern Sub Tropics at coordinates 33.5713, 130.3662, presents a generally favorable environment for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. This coastal city experiences distinct seasonal variations in solar output, which can be advantageous for planning and optimizing solar energy production.

Seasonal Solar Performance

Befu's solar energy potential fluctuates across the four meteorological seasons. Summer stands out as the most productive period, with an impressive daily output of 5.36 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely behind, generating 5.14 kWh/day. Autumn sees a moderate decrease to 3.98 kWh/day, while winter experiences the lowest output at 2.94 kWh/day.

These figures indicate that Befu is particularly well-suited for solar energy production during the warmer months, from spring through summer. This period, spanning roughly half the year, offers optimal conditions for maximizing solar PV efficiency and energy generation.

Optimal Panel Installation

For those considering a fixed panel installation in Befu, Fukuoka, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round solar production is 30 degrees facing South. This angle has been calculated to optimize energy capture across all seasons, taking into account the Earth's elliptical orbit and the location's specific latitude.

Environmental Considerations

While Befu generally offers favorable conditions for solar energy production, there are some environmental factors to consider:

1. Typhoons: Being in a coastal region, Befu may experience typhoons, which could potentially damage solar installations.
2. High humidity: The subtropical climate can lead to increased humidity, which may affect panel efficiency over time.

To mitigate these risks, it's advisable to use sturdy mounting systems designed to withstand high winds and to choose panels with good corrosion resistance. Regular maintenance and cleaning can also help combat the effects of humidity and ensure optimal performance.

In conclusion, Befu's location offers promising potential for solar PV energy generation, particularly during the spring and summer months. With proper installation and maintenance, solar panels can provide a reliable source of renewable energy throughout the year, contributing significantly to the region's sustainable energy goals.

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 Befu

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 33.5713, Longitude: 130.3662 (Befu, 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 30° South in Befu, Japan

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Befu, Japan (Lat/Long 33.5713, 130.3662) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 30° 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 Befu, 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 Befu, Japan. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 30° 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	48° South in Winter	27° 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 Befu, 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 Befu, 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 Befu, Japan

The topography around Befu, Japan, located at coordinates 33.5713°N, 130.3662°E, is characterized by a mix of urban landscapes and surrounding natural features. Befu is situated in the northern part of Fukuoka City, on the island of Kyushu. The area is generally low-lying, with gentle slopes and small hills interspersed throughout the region. To the west of Befu, the terrain gradually descends towards the coast of the Genkai Sea, where the shoreline is dotted with small bays and inlets. The eastern side of Befu features slightly more elevated terrain, with rolling hills and forested areas becoming more prominent as one moves away from the city center. The urban landscape of Befu and its surrounding neighborhoods consists of a dense network of buildings, roads, and infrastructure typical of a Japanese city. However, pockets of green spaces, parks, and small agricultural plots can be found scattered throughout the area, providing a balance between developed and natural environments.

Potential Areas for Large-scale Solar PV

When considering locations for large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations near Befu, several factors must be taken into account, including available land, sunlight exposure, and proximity to existing infrastructure. Based on the topography of the region, a few areas stand out as potentially suitable for solar PV development: 1. Coastal plains: The relatively flat areas to the west of Befu, stretching towards the Genkai Sea, could offer ample space for solar installations. These locations benefit from unobstructed sunlight and minimal shadowing from nearby terrain. 2. Elevated plateaus: Some of the gently sloping hillsides and plateaus to the east of Befu may provide ideal conditions for solar farms. These areas often receive consistent sunlight throughout the day and can be oriented to maximize solar exposure. 3. Former agricultural land: As urbanization continues, some agricultural areas on the outskirts of Fukuoka City may become available for repurposing. These flat, open spaces could be well-suited for solar PV installations. 4. Reclaimed land: Any reclaimed land along the coast, if available, could offer large, flat areas ideal for solar farms. These locations would need to be assessed for potential environmental impacts and sea-level rise considerations. It's important to note that while these areas may be topographically suitable for solar PV development, other factors such as land ownership, zoning regulations, and environmental considerations would need to be carefully evaluated before any large-scale solar projects could be implemented.

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.