Hiroshima, Japan, located at latitude 34.3927 and longitude 132.4501 in the Northern Sub Tropics, offers a moderately favorable environment for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. The location experiences significant seasonal variations in solar energy production, with peak performance during summer and spring months.

Seasonal Solar Energy Production

Solar energy output in Hiroshima varies considerably across the four meteorological seasons. Summer stands out as the most productive period, generating an average of 5.22 kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely behind with 5.18 kWh/day. Autumn sees a noticeable decrease in production at 3.81 kWh/day, while winter experiences the lowest output at 2.86 kWh/day.

The substantial difference between summer and winter production (nearly double) highlights the importance of considering seasonal variations when planning a solar installation in Hiroshima. Despite the lower winter output, the overall year-round production remains relatively good for the region.

Optimal Panel Tilt Angle

For fixed panel installations in Hiroshima, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round solar energy production is 31 degrees facing South. This angle has been calculated to optimize the capture of solar radiation throughout the year, taking into account the city's latitude and seasonal sun positions.

Environmental and Weather Considerations

While Hiroshima's climate is generally conducive to solar energy production, there are some factors that could potentially impact solar panel efficiency:

1. Typhoons: Hiroshima is occasionally affected by typhoons, which can bring strong winds and heavy rainfall. Robust mounting systems and high-quality, weather-resistant panels are crucial to withstand these conditions.
2. Humidity: The region's humid subtropical climate may lead to increased dust and dirt accumulation on panels, potentially reducing efficiency. Regular cleaning and maintenance can mitigate this issue.

To maximize solar energy production in Hiroshima, it's recommended to install panels with anti-reflective coatings to improve performance in diffuse light conditions common during the region's rainy season. Additionally, implementing a tracking system could further enhance energy capture, especially during the less productive winter months.

Overall, while Hiroshima faces some challenges, particularly during winter and extreme weather events, it remains a viable location for solar PV installations with proper planning and preventative measures.

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 Hiroshima

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 34.3927, Longitude: 132.4501 (Hiroshima, 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 31° South in Hiroshima, Japan

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Hiroshima, Japan (Lat/Long 34.3927, 132.4501) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 31° 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 Hiroshima, 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 Hiroshima, Japan. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 31° 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	40° South in Autumn	49° 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 Hiroshima, 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 Hiroshima, 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 Hiroshima, Japan

The topography around Hiroshima, Japan, is characterized by a diverse landscape that includes both urban areas and natural features. The city of Hiroshima itself is situated on a flat coastal plain, nestled between the Seto Inland Sea to the south and a series of mountains to the north and west. This unique geography has played a significant role in shaping the city's development and history. To the north and west of Hiroshima, the terrain becomes increasingly hilly and mountainous. These mountains, part of the Chugoku mountain range, create a natural barrier that has influenced the city's growth patterns. The hills are generally covered in lush forests, providing a stark contrast to the urban sprawl below. Several rivers flow through the Hiroshima area, with the most prominent being the Ota River. This river system has formed a delta as it empties into Hiroshima Bay, creating a series of islands and waterways that have been integral to the city's layout and development.

Potential Areas for Large-Scale Solar PV

When considering areas suitable for large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations near Hiroshima, there are a few factors to consider. The ideal locations would have ample sunlight exposure, relatively flat terrain, and be away from densely populated areas. One potential area for solar PV development could be the coastal plains to the east and west of Hiroshima city. These areas often have more open space and fewer tall buildings that could obstruct sunlight. The flatness of the terrain would also make installation and maintenance easier. Another possibility could be utilizing some of the less steep hillsides in the surrounding mountains. While more challenging to develop, these areas could potentially receive good sunlight exposure and be less likely to interfere with urban expansion or agricultural activities. It's important to note that any large-scale solar PV project would need to carefully consider environmental impacts, local regulations, and the region's frequent cloudy weather. Additionally, given Japan's limited land availability, innovative approaches such as floating solar farms on reservoirs or integrating solar panels into existing infrastructure might be worth exploring in the Hiroshima 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!

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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.