Solar PV Analysis of Kitaku, Japan
Kitaku, Fukuoka, Japan, located at 33.7937° N, 130.687° E in the Northern Sub Tropics, offers a promising environment for solar energy generation throughout the year. The location's seasonal solar output varies, providing opportunities for consistent energy production with some fluctuations.
Seasonal Performance
Summer stands out as the most productive season, with an impressive 5.37 kWh/day per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely behind at 5.17 kWh/day, making these two seasons ideal for maximizing solar energy generation. Autumn sees a moderate decrease in output to 4.03 kWh/day, while winter experiences the lowest production at 3.01 kWh/day per kW installed.
Optimal Panel Installation
For those considering a fixed panel installation in Kitaku, Fukuoka, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round production is 30 degrees facing South. This angle has been calculated to optimize solar capture across all seasons, taking into account the Earth's elliptical orbit and the location's specific latitude.
Environmental Considerations
While Kitaku generally offers favorable conditions for solar energy production, there are some environmental factors to consider. The region experiences a subtropical climate with hot, humid summers and mild winters. Heavy rainfall, particularly during the summer monsoon season, could potentially impact solar panel efficiency.
To mitigate these effects, installers should consider the following measures:
- Use high-quality, water-resistant solar panels designed to withstand humid conditions
- Implement a robust cleaning schedule to remove dust and debris, especially after rainy periods
- Install panels at the recommended 30-degree tilt to facilitate natural cleaning by rainwater
By taking these precautions, solar energy systems in Kitaku can maintain optimal performance throughout the year, capitalizing on the location's generally favorable conditions for solar power generation.
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 Kitaku
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 33.7937, Longitude: 130.687 (Kitaku, 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 30° South in Kitaku, Japan
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Kitaku, Japan (Lat/Long 33.7937, 130.687) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 30° 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 Kitaku, 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 Kitaku, Japan. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 30° 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 | 39° 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 Kitaku, 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 Kitaku, Japan.
Our calculation method
- Solar Position:
We determine the Sun's position on the Winter solstice using the location's latitude and solar declination. - Shadow Projection:
We calculate the shadow length cast by panels using trigonometry, considering panel tilt and the Sun's elevation angle. - 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 Kitaku, Japan
The area around Kitaku, Japan, which is located in the northern part of Fukuoka City, is characterized by a mix of urban landscapes and natural features. The topography of this region is generally described as hilly with some flat areas, especially closer to the coast.
Kitaku itself is situated on relatively flat land near the coast of Hakata Bay. As you move inland and towards the north, the terrain becomes more varied, with gentle hills and small mountains. The area is part of the larger Fukuoka Plain, which is surrounded by mountains on three sides.
To the east of Kitaku, you'll find the Sangun Mountains, which provide a natural boundary between Fukuoka Prefecture and neighboring Oita Prefecture. These mountains, while not extremely high, contribute to the overall hilly nature of the region.
The western part of the area, extending towards Itoshima Peninsula, features a combination of coastal plains and rolling hills. This diverse landscape is dotted with agricultural fields, forests, and small rivers that flow towards the sea.
For large-scale solar PV (photovoltaic) installations, the most suitable areas nearby would likely be found in the flatter regions, particularly those with good sun exposure and minimal shading from mountains or tall buildings. Some potential locations could include:
- The relatively flat coastal areas to the west of Kitaku, where there might be available land that isn't densely populated or used for agriculture.
- Cleared areas in the hills to the north and northeast of Kitaku, where south-facing slopes could provide optimal sun exposure for solar panels.
- Former industrial or agricultural lands in the broader Fukuoka Plain that are no longer in use and have good access to existing power infrastructure.
It's important to note that while these areas might be topographically suitable, other factors such as land availability, local regulations, and environmental considerations would also play crucial roles in determining the feasibility of large-scale solar PV projects. Additionally, given the urban nature of much of the surrounding area, finding large contiguous plots of land for solar farms might be challenging, potentially making rooftop solar installations on large buildings a more practical option in this 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!
Citation Guide
Article Details for Citation
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Monday 16th of September 2024
Last Updated: Monday 21st of July 2025
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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.
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