Solar PV Analysis of Nakamuramachi, Japan
Nakamuramachi, Saitama, Japan (latitude: 36.0035, longitude: 139.0743) is a suitable location for generating solar power throughout the year with varying levels of energy production depending on the season. In summer and spring, the average electricity generated per kW of installed solar reaches its peak at 5.11 kWh/day and 5.21 kWh/day respectively, thanks to longer hours of sunlight during these months.
However, energy production decreases in autumn and winter to an average of 3.52 kWh/day and 3.15 kWh/day respectively due to shorter daylight hours in these seasons. Despite this variation in energy output across different times of the year, Nakamuramachi remains an advantageous location for harnessing solar power.
To optimize energy generation from solar panels installed in this area, it is recommended that they be tilted at an angle of 33 degrees facing south for fixed panel installations.
It is important to note that local factors such as heavy rain or snowfall, strong winds or cloudy days can influence solar power generation by reducing direct sunlight exposure on the panels. To minimize potential disruptions caused by these weather conditions and ensure greater efficiency in energy production throughout the year:
1) Regularly clean and maintain your solar panels to remove any debris or accumulated snow.
2) Consider installing windbreaks or other protective barriers around your system if strong winds are common in your area.
3) Monitor local weather patterns so you can anticipate potential issues affecting your system's performance.
By taking these preventative measures into account when installing a solar PV system in Nakamuramachi, Saitama, you can help maximize its efficiency and overall energy production despite seasonal variations and challenging weather conditions that may arise occasionally at this location.
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 Nakamuramachi
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 36.0035, Longitude: 139.0743 (Nakamuramachi, 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 Nakamuramachi, Japan
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Nakamuramachi, Japan (Lat/Long 36.0035, 139.0743) 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 Nakamuramachi, 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 Nakamuramachi, 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 | 42° 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 Nakamuramachi, 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 Nakamuramachi, 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 Nakamuramachi, Japan
The topography around Nakamuramachi, Japan (Lat,Long: 36.0035, 139.0743) is mostly flat with some rolling hills and valleys in the surrounding area. The most suitable areas for large-scale solar PV installations would be the flat plains or open fields that are not shaded by trees or other obstructions.
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: Friday 28th of April 2023
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.
