Hino, Kanagawa, Japan is a reasonably good location for year-round solar energy generation, though it experiences typical seasonal variations found in the Northern Temperate Zone at coordinates 35.3895°N, 139.5814°E. The solar output data shows strong performance during warmer months, with summer producing 5.27 kWh per day per kW of installed solar capacity, while spring follows closely at 5.24 kWh per day. The cooler seasons see reduced output, with autumn generating 3.57 kWh per day and winter producing the lowest at 3.44 kWh per day per kW installed.

Optimal Installation Setup

For maximum year-round energy production at this Hino location, solar panels should be installed at a fixed tilt angle of 33 degrees facing south. This angle has been calculated to optimize total annual solar output by accounting for the sun's changing position throughout the year and weighting for daily solar potential.

Peak Solar Generation Periods

The ideal times for solar energy generation at this location are late spring through early autumn, with summer representing the peak production season. Spring and summer months offer nearly identical high-performance levels, making this six-month period from approximately March through September the most productive for solar energy systems.

Local Environmental Challenges

Several environmental and weather factors in Hino can significantly impact solar panel performance:

• Seasonal precipitation and humidity: Japan's rainy season (typically June-July) and high humidity levels can reduce solar irradiance and create moisture-related efficiency losses
• Atmospheric particulates: Urban air pollution and seasonal dust can accumulate on panel surfaces, blocking sunlight
• Typhoon exposure: The region faces potential typhoon damage during late summer and early autumn
• Snow accumulation: Winter snow can completely block panels and add structural load

Preventative Installation Measures

To maximize energy production despite these challenges, several installation strategies should be implemented. Regular cleaning systems or easy panel access for maintenance helps combat dust and pollution buildup. Installing panels with adequate drainage and ventilation reduces moisture-related efficiency losses during humid periods. Structural reinforcement and secure mounting systems protect against typhoon winds and snow loads. The 33-degree tilt angle actually helps with natural snow shedding compared to flatter installations. Anti-reflective coatings on panels can maintain performance even under less-than-ideal atmospheric conditions. Proper spacing between panel rows prevents shading issues while allowing air circulation to keep panels cool during hot, humid summer months when temperatures can reduce photovoltaic efficiency.

Note: The Northern Temperate Zone extends from 35° latitude North up to 66.5° 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 Hino

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 35.3895, Longitude: 139.5814 (Hino, 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 33° South in Hino, Japan

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Hino, Japan (Lat/Long 35.3895, 139.5814) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 33° 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 Hino, 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 Hino, Japan. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 33° South tilt angle throughout the year.

Overall Best Summer Angle	Overall Best Autumn Angle	Overall Best Winter Angle	Overall Best Spring Angle
20° South in Summer	41° South in Autumn	50° South in Winter	29° 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 Hino, 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 Hino, 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 Hino, Japan

Topographical Features Around Hino

The topography surrounding Hino in western Tokyo presents a diverse landscape characterized by rolling hills, river valleys, and relatively flat plains. The area sits within the broader Musashino Plateau, which forms part of the Kanto Plain extending across much of the Tokyo metropolitan region. This plateau creates a gently undulating terrain with elevations typically ranging from 40 to 150 meters above sea level. The Tama River flows through the southern portions of the region, creating natural floodplains and terraced landscapes that have been shaped by centuries of river activity. These river terraces provide relatively flat areas interspersed with gentle slopes leading up to higher ground. The northern areas transition into the foothills of the Sayama Hills, where the terrain becomes more pronounced with steeper gradients and deeper valleys.

Geological and Land Use Characteristics

The underlying geology consists primarily of sedimentary deposits from ancient river systems, creating stable ground conditions suitable for various types of development. Much of the immediate area around Hino has been developed for residential and light industrial purposes, though significant portions remain as agricultural land, particularly rice paddies and vegetable farms in the flatter areas. The region experiences a temperate climate with distinct seasonal variations, and the topography helps create favorable conditions for solar energy generation. The rolling nature of the landscape means that south-facing slopes are naturally oriented to capture optimal sunlight throughout the day, while the relatively open terrain minimizes shadowing from major geographical features.

Optimal Areas for Large-Scale Solar Development

The most promising locations for large-scale solar photovoltaic installations lie in the flatter agricultural areas southeast and southwest of Hino, where the terrain is relatively level and free from significant obstructions. These areas offer expansive open spaces with minimal topographical challenges that would complicate installation or reduce efficiency through shading. The river terraces along the Tama River corridor present particularly attractive opportunities, as they combine flat to gently sloping terrain with good accessibility via existing transportation infrastructure. These locations benefit from stable geological conditions and are typically positioned to avoid the steeper hillsides that characterize other parts of the region. Areas on the southern slopes of the Musashino Plateau, particularly those with gradual south-facing inclines, would also be well-suited for solar development. The natural orientation of these slopes maximizes exposure to direct sunlight while the moderate gradients allow for straightforward installation of mounting systems without extensive grading or site preparation.

Infrastructure and Accessibility Considerations

The topography around Hino supports good road access throughout most of the region, which is essential for large-scale solar installations requiring heavy equipment transport and ongoing maintenance access. The relatively gentle terrain means that most potential sites can be reached without the need for specialized transportation equipment or extensive road construction. The proximity to existing electrical transmission infrastructure, combined with the favorable topographical conditions, makes several areas within a 10-15 kilometer radius of Hino particularly attractive for utility-scale solar development. The combination of suitable terrain, good access, and established grid connections creates an environment conducive to successful large-scale renewable energy projects.

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.