Matsumoto, Nagano, Japan, located at latitude 36.2539 and longitude 137.9783, offers a varied potential for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. This location in the Northern Temperate Zone experiences distinct seasonal changes that impact solar energy production.

Seasonal Solar Performance

Summer stands out as the most productive season, with an impressive 5.29 kWh per day output for each kilowatt of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely behind, generating 4.94 kWh/day. Autumn sees a moderate decrease to 3.58 kWh/day, while winter experiences the lowest output at 2.19 kWh/day per kW installed.

The substantial difference between summer and winter production highlights the impact of seasonal variations on solar energy generation in Matsumoto. This pattern suggests that the location is particularly well-suited for solar energy during the warmer months, with potential for significant energy surpluses that could be stored or fed back into the grid.

Optimal Panel Installation

To maximize year-round solar energy production in Matsumoto, Nagano, fixed solar panels should be tilted at an angle of 32 degrees facing South. This optimal angle has been calculated to balance the varying solar elevations throughout the year, ensuring the best possible energy capture across all seasons.

Environmental Considerations

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

• Snow: Matsumoto experiences significant snowfall in winter, which can cover solar panels and reduce efficiency. Installing panels at the optimal angle helps with snow shedding, and snow removal systems may be necessary.
• Cloud cover: The region can have periods of increased cloud cover, particularly during the rainy season. Using high-efficiency panels can help mitigate the impact of reduced direct sunlight.

To address these challenges, consider using snow-shedding panel frames, implementing automated cleaning systems, and selecting panels with high low-light performance. Additionally, a robust mounting system is crucial to withstand potential heavy snow loads and ensure longevity of the installation.

Overall, while Matsumoto faces some seasonal challenges, its location still offers substantial potential for solar energy generation, particularly during the spring and summer months. With proper planning and equipment selection, a solar PV system in this area can provide significant energy output 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 Matsumoto

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 36.2539, Longitude: 137.9783 (Matsumoto, 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 Matsumoto, Japan

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Matsumoto, Japan (Lat/Long 36.2539, 137.9783) 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 Matsumoto, 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 Matsumoto, 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	51° 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 Matsumoto, 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 Matsumoto, 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 Matsumoto, Japan

Matsumoto, located in Nagano Prefecture, Japan, is nestled in a picturesque valley surrounded by impressive mountain ranges. The city itself sits on a relatively flat plain, known as the Matsumoto Basin, which is part of the larger Matsumoto Valley. This basin is flanked by the majestic Japanese Alps, creating a stunning backdrop for the city. To the west of Matsumoto, the Hida Mountains (also called the Northern Alps) rise dramatically, with peaks reaching over 3,000 meters in height. These mountains form a natural barrier and contribute to the area's distinct climate. To the east, the Utsukushigahara Highland and the Yatsugatake volcanic range provide a slightly less imposing but equally beautiful mountainous landscape. The Tagawa River flows through the heart of Matsumoto, fed by numerous smaller streams and rivers that descend from the surrounding mountains. This river system has played a crucial role in shaping the local topography, creating fertile alluvial plains that have long been used for agriculture.

Potential Areas for Large-scale Solar PV

While the mountainous terrain surrounding Matsumoto presents challenges for large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations, there are several areas in the vicinity that could potentially be suitable: The Matsumoto Basin itself offers some flat, open spaces that could be utilized for solar farms. However, competition with agricultural land use would need to be carefully considered. The foothills of the surrounding mountains, particularly on south-facing slopes, could provide ideal locations for solar panels. These areas receive ample sunlight and are less likely to be used for other purposes due to their sloping terrain. Abandoned or underutilized agricultural land in the broader Nagano Prefecture could be repurposed for solar energy production. As Japan faces an aging farming population, some of these areas might become available for alternative uses. The Utsukushigahara Highland to the east of Matsumoto, with its relatively gentle slopes and open spaces, could potentially accommodate large-scale solar installations. However, any development would need to be balanced with the area's importance for tourism and recreation. It's important to note that while these areas may have potential for solar PV development, any large-scale projects would need to undergo rigorous environmental and social impact assessments. The region's natural beauty and ecological significance would need to be carefully considered in any renewable energy planning.

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

Tell Us About Your Work

We love seeing how our research helps others! If you've cited this article in your work, we'd be delighted to hear about it. Drop us a line via our Contact Us page or on X, to share where you've used our information - we may feature a link to your work on our site. This helps create a network of valuable resources for others in the solar energy community and helps us understand how our research is contributing to the field. Plus, we occasionally highlight exceptional works that reference our research on our social media channels.

Feeling generous?

Share this with your friends!

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.