Solar PV Analysis of Beppu, Japan
Beppu, Oita, Japan, located at 33.2751°N, 131.4773°E, offers a promising environment for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. This coastal city in the northern subtropics experiences varying levels of solar output across the seasons, providing a consistent source of renewable energy.
Seasonal Solar Performance
Solar PV systems in Beppu demonstrate strong performance during summer and spring, with daily outputs of 5.21 kWh and 5.16 kWh per kW installed, respectively. Autumn sees a moderate decrease to 4.01 kWh/day, while winter experiences the lowest output at 3.16 kWh/day. Despite the winter dip, the overall year-round performance remains favorable for solar energy production.
Optimal Panel Installation
For fixed panel installations in Beppu, Oita, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round solar production is 30 degrees facing south. This angle optimizes the panels' exposure to sunlight throughout the year, accounting for seasonal variations in the sun's position.
Peak Generation Periods
The most productive times for solar generation in Beppu are during the summer months (June to August) and spring (March to May). These seasons offer longer daylight hours and more direct sunlight, resulting in higher energy outputs. However, the relatively strong performance in autumn also contributes significantly to the overall annual energy production.
Environmental Considerations
While Beppu's climate is generally favorable for solar energy, there are some environmental factors to consider:
- Typhoons: Beppu can experience typhoons, particularly from August to October. Strong winds and heavy rainfall associated with these storms can potentially damage solar installations.
- High humidity: The coastal location contributes to high humidity levels, which may lead to accelerated wear on solar equipment over time.
Preventative Measures
To mitigate these environmental challenges and ensure optimal solar production, consider the following measures when installing solar PV systems in Beppu:
- Use typhoon-resistant mounting systems and high-quality, durable panels designed to withstand strong winds and heavy rain.
- Implement regular maintenance schedules, including cleaning and inspections, to combat the effects of humidity and ensure peak performance.
- Install lightning protection systems to safeguard the equipment during storms.
- Consider using micro-inverters or power optimizers to minimize the impact of partial shading or panel damage on overall system performance.
By implementing these preventative measures, solar PV installations in Beppu can maximize their energy production potential and withstand local environmental challenges, making the most of the city's favorable solar conditions throughout the year.
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 Beppu
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 33.2751, Longitude: 131.4773 (Beppu, 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 Beppu, Japan
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Beppu, Japan (Lat/Long 33.2751, 131.4773) 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 Beppu, 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 Beppu, 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 | 26° 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 Beppu, 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 Beppu, 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 Beppu, Japan
Beppu, located in Oita Prefecture on the eastern coast of Kyushu Island in Japan, is nestled in a unique topographical setting. The city is situated on a narrow coastal plain, with the Beppu Bay to the east and steep mountains rising dramatically to the west. This creates a natural amphitheater-like landscape, with the urban area sprawling across the flat coastal strip and gradually climbing up the lower slopes of the surrounding hills.
The mountains surrounding Beppu are part of the Tsurumi mountain range, which forms a horseshoe shape around the city. These mountains are characterized by their relatively steep slopes and deep valleys, with some peaks reaching heights of over 1,000 meters. The terrain becomes increasingly rugged as you move inland from the coast, with numerous hot springs and geothermal features dotting the landscape, a testament to the area's volcanic origins.
In terms of large-scale solar PV (photovoltaic) installations, the immediate vicinity of Beppu presents some challenges due to its topography. The steep mountain slopes and limited flat land in the urban area are not ideal for extensive solar farms. However, there are potential areas nearby that could be more suitable for such projects:
- Coastal plains: To the north and south of Beppu, where the coastal plain widens, there may be suitable flat areas for solar installations. These areas would need to be carefully selected to avoid conflicts with agricultural or urban land use.
- Plateau regions: Inland from Beppu, there are some plateau areas that could potentially accommodate large-scale solar projects. These elevated flat lands receive good sunlight exposure and may have fewer competing land uses.
- Reclaimed land: Some parts of Beppu Bay have been reclaimed for industrial use. If available, these flat, open areas could be repurposed for solar farms, provided they meet environmental and regulatory requirements.
- Abandoned agricultural land: In the broader Oita Prefecture, there may be abandoned or underutilized agricultural lands on gentler slopes or in wider valleys that could be repurposed for solar PV installations.
It's important to note that any large-scale solar PV project would need to carefully consider factors beyond just topography, such as local climate conditions, grid connectivity, land ownership, and environmental impact. The volcanic nature of the region and the presence of hot springs and geothermal activity could also pose unique challenges that would need to be addressed in the planning and implementation of solar projects in this area.
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: Saturday 27th 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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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.
