Solar Energy Potential in Ikoma, Nara, Japan

Ikoma, Nara, Japan, located at 34.7037°N, 135.713°E in the Northern Sub Tropics, presents a promising location for solar energy generation throughout the year. The city experiences varying levels of solar potential across different seasons, offering opportunities for consistent energy production.

Seasonal Solar Output

Solar energy production in Ikoma fluctuates with the seasons. Summer and spring are the most productive periods, with daily outputs of 5.30 kWh and 5.20 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity, respectively. Autumn sees a moderate decrease to 3.83 kWh/day, while winter experiences the lowest output at 3.05 kWh/day. This seasonal variation indicates that Ikoma is particularly well-suited for solar energy generation during the warmer months. However, the relatively consistent output across seasons suggests that solar PV systems can provide a reliable energy source throughout the year.

Optimal Panel Tilt

For fixed solar panel installations in Ikoma, Nara, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round energy production is 31 degrees facing south. This angle has been calculated to optimize solar capture across all seasons, taking into account the city's latitude and the Earth's elliptical orbit.

Environmental Considerations

While Ikoma generally offers favorable conditions for solar energy production, there are some environmental factors to consider: 1. Typhoons: Japan is prone to typhoons, which can potentially damage solar installations. To mitigate this risk, robust mounting systems and high-quality, weather-resistant panels should be used. 2. Snow: Although infrequent, Ikoma may experience occasional snowfall in winter. Installing panels at the optimal tilt angle helps shed snow more easily, minimizing production losses. 3. Air pollution: Urban air pollution can slightly reduce solar panel efficiency. Regular cleaning and maintenance can help counteract this effect. By addressing these factors during installation and maintenance, solar energy systems in Ikoma can achieve optimal performance and longevity, making the most of the city's solar potential 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 Ikoma

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 34.7037, Longitude: 135.713 (Ikoma, 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 Ikoma, Japan

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Ikoma, Japan (Lat/Long 34.7037, 135.713) 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 Ikoma, 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 Ikoma, 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
19° South in Summer	40° South in Autumn	49° 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 Ikoma, 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 Ikoma, 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 Ikoma, Japan

Ikoma, Japan, situated at 34.7037°N latitude and 135.713°E longitude, is characterized by a diverse topography that includes both mountainous terrain and flatter areas. The city is nestled in the eastern part of Nara Prefecture, bordering Osaka Prefecture to the west. The landscape is dominated by the Ikoma mountain range, which runs north to south along the western edge of the city. The Ikoma mountains, with their highest peak reaching approximately 642 meters (2,106 feet) above sea level, create a natural boundary between Ikoma and the neighboring cities of Osaka. These mountains are predominantly covered in lush forests, with steep slopes and numerous hiking trails. The eastern side of Ikoma, in contrast, gradually descends into a more gently rolling landscape, eventually transitioning into the Nara Basin.

Suitable Areas for Large-Scale Solar PV

While the mountainous terrain of Ikoma may present challenges for large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations, there are nearby areas that could be more suitable for such projects. The flatter regions to the east and southeast of Ikoma, extending into the Nara Basin, offer more promising locations for solar energy development. The Nara Basin, with its expansive agricultural lands and open spaces, provides a relatively flat topography that is ideal for large solar arrays. These areas receive ample sunlight throughout the year and have fewer obstructions that could cast shadows on solar panels. Additionally, the agricultural nature of the land means that there may be fewer conflicts with urban development or protected natural areas. Another potential area for solar PV development could be the gentle slopes on the eastern side of Ikoma. While not as flat as the basin, these areas still receive good sun exposure and could accommodate solar installations with some terrain modifications. It's important to note that any large-scale solar PV project would need to consider factors beyond just topography, such as proximity to power grid infrastructure, local zoning regulations, and environmental impact assessments. The areas surrounding Ikoma, particularly those extending into the Nara Basin, offer a good balance of suitable terrain and potential for solar energy development, making them attractive options for future renewable energy projects in the region.

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

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