Solar PV Analysis of Fukutsu Shi, Japan
Fukutsu Shi, Fukuoka, Japan is a decent location for generating solar energy throughout the year, though it's not perfect. The amount of electricity produced from solar panels varies depending on the season: in summer and spring, each kilowatt of installed solar can produce over 5 kilowatts hours per day; in autumn, this drops to around 4 kilowatt hours; and in winter it decreases further to just over 3 kilowatt hours. This means that the best times for generating solar power at this location are during spring and summer.
In order to maximize total yearly production from a fixed panel installation at this site, the panels should be tilted towards the south at an angle of 30 degrees. This will allow them to capture as much sunlight as possible throughout all seasons.
However, there may be factors specific to Fukutsu Shi that could potentially hinder solar production. For instance, if there are frequent periods of heavy cloud cover or rainfall (common during Japan's rainy season), these could reduce how much sunlight reaches the panels and thus lower their output. Similarly, any surrounding buildings or trees that cast shadows onto the panels would also limit their effectiveness.
To help ensure greater energy production despite these potential issues:
1) Installers might consider using tracking systems which can adjust panel angles throughout the day based on sun position - although more expensive than fixed tilt installations.
2) Regular maintenance including cleaning off dust or snow accumulation will maintain optimal efficiency.
3) If possible locate your installation away from obstructions like tall buildings or trees.
4) Lastly considering high-efficiency PV modules which perform better under less ideal conditions might offset some weather related reductions in output.
Keep in mind while Fukutsu Shi isn't a bad place for producing solar energy - you'll get more out of your system during some parts of the year than others due to seasonal variation in sunlight levels.
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 Fukutsu Shi
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 33.7734, Longitude: 130.5356 (Fukutsu Shi, 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 Fukutsu Shi, Japan
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Fukutsu Shi, Japan (Lat/Long 33.7734, 130.5356) 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 Fukutsu Shi, 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 Fukutsu Shi, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18° 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 Fukutsu Shi, 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 Fukutsu Shi, 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 Fukutsu Shi, Japan
Fukutsu Shi is located in Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan. The topography of the region is quite diverse, including coastal plains and some hilly areas. The city itself is relatively flat with an average elevation of around 5 meters above sea level.
The area near the coast would be ideal for large-scale solar PV installations due to its flat terrain and high levels of sunlight. Additionally, there are also several agricultural fields in this region that could potentially be used for solar farms without disrupting natural habitats or residential areas.
However, it's important to note that any plans for large-scale solar PV would need to take into consideration local regulations and potential impacts on the environment and local communities. Also, Japan experiences frequent earthquakes which may impact the stability and safety of such installations.
In terms of specific locations within Fukutsu Shi suited for largescale solar PV installations:
1) Areas along Route 495 highway: These are largely rural or semi-rural lands that could be suitable given their relative isolation from dense residential zones.
2) Near Ashiya River: Open spaces near this river (but not directly adjacent to avoid flood risk) might also provide ample space for a largescale installation.
3) Coastal regions towards Shingu Beach: There seem to be open terrains here which could serve well as they receive unobstructed sunlight most parts of the year.
Please note these suggestions should undergo thorough feasibility studies considering all social-ecological factors before proceeding with any sort of development project.
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 3rd of June 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.
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.
