Solar PV Analysis of Nishikanda, Japan
Nishikanda, Tokyo, Japan, situated at latitude 35.6969 and longitude 139.7798, offers a reasonably favorable location for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. This Northern Temperate Zone location experiences distinct seasonal variations in solar energy production, with notable peaks during summer and spring.
Seasonal Solar Performance
Solar energy output at Nishikanda varies significantly across the seasons. Summer proves to be the most productive period, with an average daily output of 5.28 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely behind, yielding 5.26 kWh/day. Autumn and winter see a considerable drop in production, with 3.62 kWh/day and 3.50 kWh/day, respectively.
The substantial difference between summer/spring and autumn/winter production highlights the importance of considering seasonal variations when planning solar installations in this area. While the location is generally suitable for year-round solar energy generation, the most ideal times are clearly during the warmer months.
Optimal Panel Orientation
To maximize year-round solar energy production in Nishikanda, Tokyo, fixed solar panels should be tilted at a 33-degree angle facing south. This orientation ensures optimal exposure to sunlight throughout the year, taking into account the Earth's elliptical orbit and the location's specific latitude.
Environmental Considerations
While Nishikanda's location is generally favorable for solar energy production, there are some environmental factors to consider:
- Seasonal rainfall: Japan experiences a rainy season, typically from June to July, which could temporarily reduce solar output.
- Typhoon risk: The region is susceptible to typhoons, primarily between August and October, which could potentially damage solar installations.
To mitigate these risks, it's crucial to use high-quality, weather-resistant solar panels and mounting systems. Regular maintenance and inspections, especially before and after the typhoon season, can help ensure the longevity and efficiency of the solar installation. Additionally, implementing a robust cleaning schedule to remove any debris or dust accumulation will help maintain optimal energy production throughout the year.
In conclusion, while Nishikanda faces some seasonal challenges, its overall solar energy potential remains promising. With proper planning and preventative measures, solar PV systems in this location can provide a reliable source of renewable energy year-round.
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 Nishikanda
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 35.6969, Longitude: 139.7798 (Nishikanda, 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 Nishikanda, Japan
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Nishikanda, Japan (Lat/Long 35.6969, 139.7798) 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 Nishikanda, 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 Nishikanda, 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 Nishikanda, 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 Nishikanda, 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 Nishikanda, Japan
The area around Nishikanda, Japan, which is located in Tokyo, is characterized by a mix of urban and suburban landscapes. The topography is generally flat to gently rolling, typical of the Kanto Plain on which Tokyo is built. This region is part of the larger Tokyo-Yokohama metropolitan area, one of the most densely populated urban areas in the world.
The immediate vicinity of Nishikanda is heavily urbanized, with numerous buildings, roads, and other infrastructure. As you move further from the city center, you may encounter more open spaces and slightly more varied terrain, including small hills and valleys. However, significant natural elevation changes are not common in this part of Tokyo.
When considering areas nearby that might be suitable for large-scale solar PV (photovoltaic) installations, it's important to note that the dense urban environment of Tokyo presents challenges for such projects. Ideal locations for solar farms typically require large, open spaces with minimal shading and good sun exposure throughout the day.
Given these constraints, the most suitable areas for large-scale solar PV near Nishikanda would likely be found in the less densely populated regions to the west and northwest of Tokyo. The prefectures of Saitama, Yamanashi, and parts of Kanagawa might offer more promising locations. These areas have more open land, including some agricultural areas and former industrial sites that could potentially be repurposed for solar energy production.
However, it's worth noting that Japan's limited land availability and high population density make large-scale ground-mounted solar farms challenging to implement. As a result, many solar PV projects in Japan focus on rooftop installations or smaller-scale ground-mounted systems. The country has also been exploring innovative solutions such as floating solar farms on reservoirs and lakes to maximize available space for renewable energy production.
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
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Thursday 25th of July 2024
Last Updated: Monday 21st of July 2025
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.
