Kameido, Japan, situated in the Northern Temperate Zone, offers a relatively favorable location for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. This area experiences distinct seasonal variations in solar energy production, which can be attributed to its geographical position and climate patterns.

Seasonal Solar Performance

The solar energy output in Kameido demonstrates a clear seasonal pattern. Summer and spring are the most productive seasons, with daily outputs of 5.27 kWh and 5.22 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity, respectively. In contrast, autumn and winter show lower production levels, yielding 3.56 kWh and 3.44 kWh per day per kW installed.

This seasonal variation indicates that the location is particularly well-suited for solar energy generation during the warmer months. The long daylight hours and generally clearer skies in summer and spring contribute to the higher energy yields during these seasons.

Optimal Panel Installation

To maximize year-round solar energy production in Kameido, fixed solar panels should be installed at a tilt angle of 33 degrees facing south. This angle has been calculated to optimize the panels' exposure to sunlight throughout the year, taking into account the location's latitude and the Earth's elliptical orbit.

Environmental Considerations

While Kameido generally offers good conditions for solar energy production, there are some environmental factors to consider:

1. Rainfall: The region experiences a rainy season, typically from June to July, which may temporarily reduce solar output.
2. Urban environment: As part of the greater Tokyo area, air pollution and urban heat island effects could slightly impact panel efficiency.

To mitigate these factors, regular panel cleaning should be scheduled, especially after the rainy season. Additionally, using high-quality, pollution-resistant panels and ensuring proper ventilation during installation can help maintain optimal performance in the urban environment.

Overall, Kameido presents a good location for solar PV energy generation, with the potential for high yields during summer and spring, and satisfactory performance throughout the year when panels are optimally installed and maintained.

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 Kameido

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 35.703, Longitude: 139.8308 (Kameido, 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 Kameido, Japan

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Kameido, Japan (Lat/Long 35.703, 139.8308) 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 Kameido, 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 Kameido, 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 Kameido, 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 Kameido, 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 Kameido, Japan

Kameido, located in Tokyo's Koto ward, is situated in a predominantly flat urban area. The topography of this region is characterized by its low-lying terrain, which is part of the larger Tokyo Bay coastal plain. The area around Kameido is mostly level, with very little variation in elevation. This flatness is a result of centuries of land reclamation and urban development that have transformed what was once a marshy lowland into a densely populated cityscape. The surrounding landscape is dominated by urban structures, including residential buildings, commercial establishments, and industrial facilities. While there are some small parks and green spaces scattered throughout the area, the overall environment is highly urbanized. The nearby Arakawa River and its tributaries have played a significant role in shaping the local topography, with flood control measures and riverbank developments further contributing to the area's flat profile.

Potential 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 flat terrain of the region is generally favorable for solar installations, as it minimizes the need for extensive land preparation. However, the dense urban development in and around Kameido presents significant challenges for finding suitable large open spaces. Some potential areas for large-scale solar PV near Kameido might include: 1. Industrial zones: The eastern parts of Koto ward and neighboring Edogawa ward have some industrial areas that could potentially accommodate solar installations on rooftops or unused land parcels. 2. Reclaimed land: Areas of reclaimed land along Tokyo Bay, particularly to the south and southeast of Kameido, might offer opportunities for solar farms if not already designated for other uses. 3. Former brownfield sites: Any large, decommissioned industrial sites in the vicinity could be repurposed for solar energy production, provided they meet environmental and regulatory requirements. 4. Riverbank areas: While flood control is a priority, there may be some potential for solar installations along wider sections of riverbanks or flood control basins, if properly designed to coexist with water management infrastructure. It's important to note that due to the urban nature of the area, any large-scale solar PV project would likely face significant challenges related to land availability, zoning regulations, and potential conflicts with existing urban infrastructure. Smaller-scale distributed solar installations on rooftops and other urban structures might be more feasible in this densely populated 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

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.