Solar PV Analysis of Hamamatsu, Japan
Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, Japan, located at latitude 34.6988 and longitude 137.7338, offers a generally favorable environment for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. This northern subtropical location experiences distinct seasonal variations in solar energy production, with peak performance during the summer months.
Seasonal Solar Performance
Summer stands out as the most productive season, with an impressive average daily output of 5.71 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely behind, generating 5.32 kWh/day. Autumn sees a moderate decrease to 3.92 kWh/day, while winter experiences the lowest output at 3.30 kWh/day.
The substantial difference between summer and winter production highlights the impact of seasonal variations on solar energy generation in Hamamatsu. However, the region's overall solar potential remains promising, with even the least productive season still offering a reasonable energy output.
Optimal Panel Installation
To maximize year-round solar energy production in Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, fixed solar panels should be installed at a tilt angle of 32 degrees facing south. This optimal angle takes into account the region's latitude and seasonal sun positions, ensuring the best possible energy capture throughout the year.
Environmental Considerations
While Hamamatsu's climate is generally conducive to solar energy production, there are a few environmental factors to consider:
- Typhoons: The region can experience typhoons, which may pose a risk to solar installations. Robust mounting systems and high-quality, weather-resistant panels are essential to mitigate potential damage.
- Humidity: High humidity levels, particularly during summer, can slightly reduce panel efficiency. Regular cleaning and maintenance can help minimize this impact.
To address these factors, it's crucial to use corrosion-resistant materials, ensure proper drainage systems, and implement regular maintenance schedules. Additionally, investing in a monitoring system can help quickly identify and address any performance issues caused by environmental factors.
Overall, Hamamatsu's location provides a favorable setting for solar PV energy generation, with strong potential throughout the year and particularly high output during 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 Hamamatsu
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 34.6988, Longitude: 137.7338 (Hamamatsu, 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 Hamamatsu, Japan
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Hamamatsu, Japan (Lat/Long 34.6988, 137.7338) 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 Hamamatsu, 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 Hamamatsu, 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 Hamamatsu, 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 Hamamatsu, 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 Hamamatsu, Japan
Hamamatsu, located in Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan, sits on the southern coast of Honshu, the country's main island. The city's topography is characterized by a diverse landscape that includes coastal plains, rolling hills, and mountainous regions.
The coastal area of Hamamatsu features a relatively flat plain that extends inland for several kilometers. This area is densely populated and urbanized, with much of the land used for residential, commercial, and industrial purposes. As you move further inland, the terrain gradually becomes more undulating, with gentle hills and small valleys dotting the landscape.
To the north and northeast of Hamamatsu, the topography becomes more rugged as it transitions into the foothills of the Akaishi Mountains, also known as the Southern Alps of Japan. These mountains form a natural boundary between Shizuoka Prefecture and neighboring Nagano Prefecture. The elevation increases significantly in this area, with some peaks reaching heights of over 3,000 meters (9,800 feet).
For large-scale solar PV installations, the most suitable areas near Hamamatsu would likely be found in the following regions:
- The inland plains and gently sloping areas to the north and northwest of the city center. These areas receive good sunlight exposure and have relatively flat terrain, making them ideal for solar panel installation.
- Former agricultural lands that are no longer in use, particularly in the western and southwestern parts of the city. These areas often provide large, open spaces that can accommodate extensive solar arrays.
- The lower slopes of the hills surrounding Hamamatsu, especially those facing south or southwest. While these areas may require some terrain modification, they can offer excellent sun exposure throughout the day.
It's important to note that any large-scale solar PV project would need to carefully consider local zoning regulations, environmental impact assessments, and the preservation of agricultural land. Additionally, areas close to the coast may be less suitable due to the risk of salt spray damage to solar panels and potential exposure to typhoons.
The mountainous regions to the north, while receiving ample sunlight, may be less practical for large-scale installations due to the challenging terrain and potential environmental concerns. However, smaller, distributed solar projects might be feasible in some of these areas.
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: Saturday 5th of October 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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