Ina, Nagano, Japan, located at 35.823° N, 137.9532° E in the Northern Temperate Zone, presents a moderately favorable environment for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. The location experiences distinct seasonal variations in solar output, with peak production occurring during the summer months.

Seasonal Solar Performance

Summer stands out as the most productive season, with an average daily output of 5.23 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely behind, generating 5.11 kWh/day. Autumn sees a noticeable decrease in production, averaging 3.76 kWh/day, while winter experiences the lowest output at 2.93 kWh/day.

The substantial difference between summer and winter production highlights the impact of seasonal changes on solar energy generation in Ina. This variation is primarily due to changes in day length, sun angle, and weather patterns throughout the year.

Optimal Panel Positioning

To maximize year-round solar energy production in Ina, Nagano, fixed solar panels should be tilted at an angle of 32 degrees facing south. This orientation ensures optimal exposure to sunlight throughout the year, balancing the seasonal variations in sun position and intensity.

Environmental Considerations

While Ina's location is generally suitable for solar energy production, there are some environmental factors to consider:

• Snowfall: Ina experiences moderate snowfall in winter, which can potentially cover solar panels and reduce efficiency.
• Cloud cover: The region may encounter periods of increased cloud cover, particularly during the rainy season, which can impact solar output.

To mitigate these challenges, several preventative measures can be implemented during solar installation:

• Use snow-shedding panel frames and consider installing panel heaters for snow removal.
• Implement a regular cleaning schedule to remove dirt and debris that may accumulate on panels.
• Consider using microinverters or power optimizers to minimize the impact of partial shading on overall system performance.

In conclusion, while Ina, Nagano, Japan, experiences seasonal variations in solar energy production, it remains a viable location for solar PV installations. With proper planning and preventative measures, solar energy systems in this area can provide significant and reliable power generation throughout the year.

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 Ina

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 35.823, Longitude: 137.9532 (Ina, 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 Ina, Japan

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Ina, Japan (Lat/Long 35.823, 137.9532) 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 Ina, 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 Ina, 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
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 Ina, 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 Ina, 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 Ina, Japan

The topography around Ina, Japan, located at latitude 35.823 and longitude 137.9532, is characterized by a diverse landscape typical of central Japan's mountainous interior. Ina is situated in a valley surrounded by the rugged peaks of the Japanese Alps, creating a picturesque setting with significant variations in elevation. The city itself lies in the Ina Valley, which is formed by the Tenryu River as it flows through the region. This valley provides a relatively flat area amidst the surrounding mountains, with gentle slopes rising from the river banks. The valley floor is where most of the urban development and agricultural activities are concentrated. As one moves away from the city center, the terrain becomes increasingly mountainous. The eastern side of Ina is bordered by the Central Alps (Chuo Alps), while the western side is flanked by the Northern Alps (Hida Mountains). These mountain ranges feature steep slopes, deep valleys, and forested areas, creating a dramatic backdrop to the city.

Potential Areas for Large-Scale Solar PV

When considering areas nearby that would be most suited to large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations, several factors come into play. The ideal locations would offer ample sunlight exposure, relatively flat terrain, and minimal shading from surrounding mountains. The valley floor areas around Ina present the most promising locations for solar PV development. These areas benefit from wider open spaces and fewer obstructions that could cast shadows on solar panels. The gently sloping agricultural lands that are not prime for cultivation could be repurposed for solar farms, providing a balance between land use and renewable energy generation. Some of the lower hillsides surrounding the valley might also be suitable, particularly those facing south, which would receive more direct sunlight throughout the day. However, care must be taken to avoid areas with steep gradients or dense forestation, as these would increase installation costs and reduce efficiency. It's important to note that while the mountainous regions offer vast open spaces, they are generally less suitable for large-scale solar PV due to their uneven terrain, potential shading issues, and the challenges associated with construction and maintenance in such areas. Any solar PV development in the region would need to carefully consider the local ecosystem, agricultural needs, and the aesthetic impact on the scenic landscape that is characteristic of this part of Japan. Proper planning and community engagement would be essential to ensure that renewable energy projects complement the natural beauty and cultural significance of the 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.