Solar PV Analysis of Okurayama, Japan
The location at Okurayama, Kanagawa, Japan is relatively good for generating energy using solar panels all year round. The amount of energy you can get from the sun varies throughout the year, with summer and spring providing the most energy (5.28kWh/day and 5.26kWh/day respectively), while autumn and winter produce a bit less (3.62kWh/day and 3.50 kWh/day respectively). However, even during these seasons, there's still enough sunlight to generate a decent amount of power.
To get the most out of your solar panels in Okurayama, Kanagawa, you'll want to tilt them at an angle of 33 degrees facing south. This will maximize their exposure to sunlight throughout the year.
As for local factors that could affect solar production in Okurayama - it's located in a mountainous area which could potentially cast shadows on your panels depending on their specific location. Additionally, Japan can experience heavy snowfall during winter months which could cover up your panels if not properly maintained.
To counteract these potential issues:
1) Make sure your panels are installed in an area where they won't be shadowed by nearby mountains or buildings.
2) Regularly clean and maintain your solar panels - especially during snowy periods - to ensure they're able to absorb as much sunlight as possible.
3) Consider installing adjustable mounts that allow you to change the angle of your panels throughout the year so that they're always receiving maximum sunlight no matter what season it is.
Overall though, while there might be some challenges due to weather or topography conditions in Okurayama, Kanagawa, with proper planning and maintenance these can be managed effectively so that you can enjoy reliable solar power all 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 Okurayama
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 35.5339, Longitude: 139.6285 (Okurayama, 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 Okurayama, Japan
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Okurayama, Japan (Lat/Long 35.5339, 139.6285) 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 Okurayama, 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 Okurayama, 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 | 41° South in Autumn | 50° 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 Okurayama, 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 Okurayama, 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 Okurayama, Japan
Okurayama, Japan is located in the Kanagawa Prefecture and is largely urbanized. It's characterized by relatively flat terrain with some gently rolling hills. The area is part of the Greater Tokyo Area, which is one of the most densely populated urban areas in the world.
The topography itself would be suitable for solar PV installations; however, given its dense population and urban development, available land for large-scale solar PV farms might be limited.
Potential locations for large-scale solar PV farms could include:
1. Unused industrial lands: These can often be found on the outskirts of cities or in industrial zones.
2. Rooftops: In highly urbanized areas like Okurayama, rooftop solar panels are a common way to utilize available space.
3. Floating Solar Farms: Given Japan's extensive coastline and numerous reservoirs, floating solar farms could also be an option.
4. Mountainous regions: Although more challenging due to topographic constraints, mountainous regions surrounding Okurayama may offer potential sites if they have good sun exposure and access to infrastructure.
5. Rural or agricultural lands: If there are any rural or less densely populated areas within a reasonable distance from Okurayama (which might not be likely given its location), they could potentially host large-scale solar projects too.
However, it should be noted that all these options would need careful assessment considering various factors such as sunlight availability (solar irradiance), connection to power grid infrastructure, environmental impact assessments among others before proceeding with any development plans.
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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Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Sunday 11th of February 2024
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.
