Solar PV Analysis of Kobe, Japan
The location in Kobe, Hyōgo, Japan, situated at 34.6922°N, 135.1816°E, offers a promising environment for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. This northern subtropical region experiences distinct seasonal variations in solar output, providing opportunities and challenges for solar energy production.
Seasonal Solar Performance
Solar energy generation in Kobe peaks during the summer months, with an impressive daily output of 5.31 kWh per kW of installed capacity. Spring follows closely behind, yielding 5.23 kWh/day. These seasons present ideal conditions for maximizing solar energy production.
Autumn sees a moderate decrease in output, producing 3.89 kWh/day. Winter experiences the lowest generation at 3.11 kWh/day, which is still a respectable amount considering the shorter days and lower sun angle during this season.
Optimal Panel Positioning
To maximize year-round solar energy production in Kobe, Hyōgo, fixed solar panels should be tilted at a 32-degree angle facing south. This optimal angle ensures the panels capture the most sunlight throughout the year, balancing the varying sun positions across seasons.
Environmental Considerations
While Kobe's location is generally favorable for solar energy production, there are some environmental factors to consider:
- Typhoons: Kobe can experience typhoons, which may bring strong winds and heavy rainfall. To mitigate risks, solar installations should use robust mounting systems and high-quality, weather-resistant panels.
- Urban air pollution: As an industrial city, Kobe may face periods of increased air pollution, which can slightly reduce solar panel efficiency. Regular cleaning and maintenance can help counteract this issue.
Despite these challenges, preventative measures such as proper installation techniques, regular maintenance, and the use of durable equipment can ensure optimal solar energy production in Kobe 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 Kobe
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 34.6922, Longitude: 135.1816 (Kobe, 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 Kobe, Japan
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Kobe, Japan (Lat/Long 34.6922, 135.1816) 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 Kobe, 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 Kobe, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 Kobe, 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 Kobe, 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 Kobe, Japan
Kobe, Japan is situated in a unique geographical setting that combines coastal areas, urban landscapes, and mountainous terrain. The city itself is nestled between the Rokko mountain range to the north and Osaka Bay to the south. This creates a relatively narrow strip of flat land along the coast where most of the urban development has occurred.
The Rokko mountains rise steeply from the coastal plain, reaching heights of over 900 meters (3,000 feet) within a short distance from the shore. These mountains are characterized by steep slopes, forested areas, and some rocky outcrops. The southern face of the mountains, which overlooks the city, receives ample sunlight throughout the year.
To the east and west of Kobe, the coastal plain widens somewhat, allowing for more extensive urban and industrial development. These areas are generally flat or gently sloping, with some low hills interspersed throughout the landscape.
When considering areas nearby that would be most suited to large-scale solar PV (photovoltaic) installations, there are a few options to consider:
The foothills and lower slopes of the Rokko mountains could potentially be suitable for solar farms. These areas receive good sunlight exposure and are less likely to be used for urban development due to their steeper terrain. However, careful consideration would need to be given to environmental impacts and potential landslide risks.
The wider coastal plains to the east and west of Kobe might offer opportunities for large-scale solar installations. These areas are flatter and may have more available land, particularly in less densely populated zones or on former industrial sites. However, competition for land use with agriculture and urban expansion could be a limiting factor.
Offshore solar installations in Osaka Bay could be another possibility, although this would involve more complex engineering challenges and higher costs. Floating solar panels on reservoirs or other bodies of water in the region might also be worth exploring.
It's important to note that while the topography around Kobe offers some potential for solar PV development, the dense urban nature of the region and the scarcity of large, open spaces may pose challenges for truly large-scale installations. Any solar projects would need to be carefully planned to balance energy production goals with land use considerations and environmental impacts.
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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Article Details for Citation
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Wednesday 28th of August 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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