Okazaki, Aichi, Japan, located in the Northern Sub Tropics at latitude 34.9555 and longitude 137.1653, offers a relatively favorable environment for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. The location experiences distinct seasonal variations in solar energy production, with summer and spring being the most productive periods.

Seasonal Solar Production

Summer stands out as the peak season for solar energy generation in Okazaki, Aichi, with an average daily output of 5.71 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely behind, producing 5.32 kWh/day. These seasons benefit from longer daylight hours and generally clearer skies, maximizing solar panel efficiency.

Autumn and winter see a decrease in solar energy production. Autumn yields an average of 3.92 kWh/day, while winter produces the least at 3.30 kWh/day. The reduced output during these seasons is primarily due to shorter daylight hours and potentially more overcast conditions.

Optimal Panel Installation

For fixed panel installations in Okazaki, Aichi, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round solar production is 32 degrees facing South. This angle is calculated based on the location's latitude and seasonal solar elevation, taking into account the Earth's elliptical orbit and local solar irradiance data.

Environmental Factors and Mitigation

While Okazaki generally provides good conditions for solar energy production, there are some environmental factors to consider:

• Typhoons: Okazaki can experience typhoons, typically between July and October. These storms can potentially damage solar panels or reduce efficiency due to heavy cloud cover. To mitigate this risk, use sturdy mounting systems and consider typhoon-resistant panel designs.
• High humidity: The region's subtropical climate means high humidity levels, which can lead to condensation on panels. Regular cleaning and the use of anti-reflective coatings can help maintain optimal performance.

Despite these challenges, with proper installation and maintenance, Okazaki remains a suitable location for solar PV energy generation. The consistent solar output throughout the year, particularly strong in summer and spring, makes it a viable option for renewable energy production.

Note: The Northern Sub Tropics extend from 23.5° latitude North up to 35° 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 Okazaki

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 34.9555, Longitude: 137.1653 (Okazaki, 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 Okazaki, Japan

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Okazaki, Japan (Lat/Long 34.9555, 137.1653) 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 Okazaki, 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 Okazaki, 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
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 Okazaki, 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 Okazaki, 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 Okazaki, Japan

Okazaki, Japan, situated at approximately 34.9555°N latitude and 137.1653°E longitude, is characterized by a diverse topography that reflects the varied landscape of central Japan. The city is nestled in a region where flat plains meet gently rolling hills and more mountainous terrain. The eastern part of Okazaki is predominantly flat, forming part of the Mikawa Plain. This area is marked by low-lying land with rich alluvial soil, created over time by the deposits from the Yahagi River and its tributaries. The flat terrain gradually gives way to more undulating landscape as one moves westward and northward. To the west and northwest of Okazaki, the topography becomes increasingly hilly. These hills are part of the foothills of the Akaishi Mountains, also known as the Southern Japanese Alps. While not as dramatic as the main mountain range, these hills provide a picturesque backdrop to the city and create a natural boundary between the urban areas and the more rural outskirts. The southern part of Okazaki extends towards Mikawa Bay, where the land gently slopes towards the coast. This area is characterized by a mix of flat coastal plains and low hills, with some areas prone to flooding during heavy rains or typhoons.

Potential for Large-Scale Solar PV

When considering areas nearby Okazaki that would be most suited to large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations, several factors come into play. The ideal locations would have ample sunlight exposure, relatively flat terrain, and minimal environmental or agricultural impact. The eastern part of Okazaki, with its flat topography on the Mikawa Plain, presents the most promising area for large-scale solar PV installations. This region offers expansive open spaces that could accommodate sizeable solar farms without significant land modification. The flat terrain also simplifies construction and maintenance processes, potentially reducing overall project costs. Areas to the south of Okazaki, approaching Mikawa Bay, could also be suitable for solar PV development. These coastal plains receive good sunlight exposure and have relatively level ground. However, care must be taken to avoid areas prone to flooding or those that serve important ecological functions. While the hilly regions to the west and northwest of Okazaki may seem less ideal due to their uneven terrain, they shouldn't be entirely discounted. South-facing slopes in these areas could potentially be utilized for solar installations, although the construction and maintenance costs might be higher compared to flatter locations. It's important to note that any large-scale solar PV project would need to carefully consider local land use regulations, environmental impact assessments, and the balance between energy production and preserving agricultural land. Additionally, proximity to existing power infrastructure and the electrical grid would play a crucial role in determining the most suitable locations for such installations.

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.

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.