Solar PV Analysis of Matsue, Japan
Matsue, Shimane, Japan is in a location where it can generate solar energy all year round, but the amount of energy generated varies with each season. The highest electricity output from solar panels will be during summer and spring with an average of 5.25kWh/day and 5.12kWh/day respectively per kilowatt (kW) of installed solar power. This means that these two seasons are the most ideal times to generate solar energy due to longer daylight hours.
During autumn, the output decreases slightly to an average of 3.56kWh/day per kW because there are fewer daylight hours as compared to summer and spring. Winter has the lowest output at around 2.40kWh/day per kW due to shorter daylight hours and possibly more cloud cover or snowfall.
When installing solar panels at this location, they should ideally be tilted at an angle of 31 degrees facing south for maximum yearly production from your solar PV system.
There could be some local factors that might affect the efficiency of generating solar power in Matsue such as weather conditions including excessive cloudiness or heavy snowfall which could block sunlight reaching your panels especially during winter months.
To mitigate these issues, regular maintenance like cleaning off any accumulated dust or snow on your panels will ensure they function optimally throughout all seasons by absorbing as much sunlight as possible for conversion into electricity.
Furthermore, using advanced technologies such as tracking systems that allow your panels to follow the sun's path across the sky can also increase their efficiency even during less ideal periods like winter or cloudy days by making sure they're always positioned towards maximum sunlight exposure.
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 Matsue
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 35.4818, Longitude: 133.0704 (Matsue, 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 Matsue, Japan
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Matsue, Japan (Lat/Long 35.4818, 133.0704) 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 Matsue, 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 Matsue, 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 | 50° 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 Matsue, 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 Matsue, 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 Matsue, Japan
Matsue, Japan is located in the Shimane Prefecture on the northern coast of western Honshu, the main island of Japan. The topography around Matsue is diverse with coastal plains gradually transitioning into hilly and mountainous terrain as you move inland. Lake Shinji, a large freshwater lake, lies to the east of Matsue.
The city itself features urban development with residential areas, commercial buildings and infrastructure which might not be suitable for large-scale solar PV installations due to space constraints. However, there could be potential for rooftop solar panels or small-scale community projects.
For large scale solar PV installations, relatively flat and open areas are required. Therefore, rural farmlands or coastal plains around Matsue may be more suitable given they receive plenty of sunlight throughout the year (although this would need to consider agricultural needs). In addition to flatness and sun exposure other factors such as proximity to power grids for transmission and local regulations also need consideration.
However it's worth noting that Shimane prefecture has several national parks including Daisen-Oki National Park which have environmental protections likely restricting such developments.
A detailed feasibility study considering all these factors would provide a more definitive answer on specific locations suited for largescale solar PV near Matsue.
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: Monday 1st of July 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.
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.
