Niikura, Saitama, Japan, located at latitude 35.7907 and longitude 139.6203, presents a relatively favorable environment for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. This location in the Northern Temperate Zone experiences distinct seasonal variations in solar output, which impact the overall efficiency of solar installations.

Seasonal Solar Performance

Solar energy production in Niikura peaks during the summer months, with an average daily output of 5.27 kWh per kW of installed capacity. Spring follows closely behind, generating 5.22 kWh/day. Autumn and winter see a significant decrease in production, with 3.56 kWh/day and 3.44 kWh/day, respectively.

The most ideal times for solar generation in Niikura are from late spring through early autumn. During these months, longer daylight hours and higher sun angles contribute to increased energy production. However, the relatively consistent output across seasons suggests that solar PV systems can provide meaningful energy contributions year-round.

Optimal Panel Tilt

For fixed panel installations in Niikura, Saitama, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round solar production is 33 degrees facing South. This angle optimizes the panels' exposure to sunlight throughout the year, accounting for seasonal variations in the sun's position and the Earth's elliptical orbit.

Environmental Considerations

While Niikura generally offers favorable conditions for solar energy production, there are some environmental factors to consider:

1. Rainfall: The region experiences significant precipitation, particularly during the rainy season (typically June to July). This can temporarily reduce solar output.
2. Cloud cover: Occasional overcast days, especially during the winter months, may impact solar generation.
3. Snow: Although not frequent, snowfall in winter can temporarily cover panels, reducing efficiency.

To mitigate these factors, consider implementing the following measures:

• Use self-cleaning panels or regular maintenance to address rainfall and dust accumulation.
• Install panels at the optimal tilt angle to encourage snow sliding off.
• Employ high-efficiency panels to maximize output during periods of reduced sunlight.
• Consider a ground-mounted system for easier access and maintenance.

By addressing these environmental factors and optimizing panel placement, solar PV systems in Niikura can achieve consistent and efficient energy production 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 Niikura

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 35.7907, Longitude: 139.6203 (Niikura, 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 Niikura, Japan

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Niikura, Japan (Lat/Long 35.7907, 139.6203) 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 Niikura, 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 Niikura, 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 Niikura, 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 Niikura, 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 Niikura, Japan

The topography around Niikura, Japan, located at latitude 35.7907 and longitude 139.6203, is characterized by a mix of urban and suburban landscapes with some gently rolling terrain. This area is situated in the western part of Tokyo, within the Kanto Plain, which is a large flat expanse surrounded by mountains. The immediate vicinity of Niikura is primarily developed, with residential neighborhoods, commercial areas, and some small parks interspersed throughout. As you move further from the center, the landscape becomes slightly more varied, with low hills and shallow valleys creating a subtle undulating pattern. These gentle slopes are often covered with a mix of urban development and pockets of greenery. To the west of Niikura, the terrain gradually becomes more elevated as it approaches the Tama Hills, a series of low-lying hills that separate Tokyo from Kanagawa Prefecture. These hills, while not particularly high, provide a noticeable change in elevation compared to the flatter areas closer to central Tokyo.

Potential Areas for Large-Scale Solar PV

When considering areas nearby that would be most suited to large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations, several factors come into play. The ideal location would have ample open space, minimal shading from buildings or natural features, and relatively flat terrain to simplify installation and maintenance. Given these criteria, the most suitable areas for large-scale solar PV near Niikura would likely be found in the less densely populated regions to the west and southwest. The Tama Hills area, while not entirely flat, could offer some potential sites on its gentler slopes and plateaus. These areas may have larger plots of undeveloped land or agricultural fields that could be repurposed for solar energy production. Another possibility might be the repurposing of large industrial or commercial rooftops in the surrounding suburban areas. While not as expansive as ground-mounted installations, these could provide significant surface area for solar panels without requiring additional land use. It's important to note that any large-scale solar PV project in this region would need to carefully consider local zoning laws, environmental regulations, and the impact on nearby communities. The dense population and limited open space in the greater Tokyo area mean that finding suitable locations for expansive solar farms would be challenging, and creative solutions might be necessary to maximize solar energy production in this urban environment.

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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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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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.