Sagamihara, Kanagawa, Japan, located at latitude 35.5602 and longitude 139.2397, offers 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 can impact the efficiency of solar installations.

Seasonal Solar Performance

The solar energy production at this location shows significant fluctuations across the four meteorological seasons. Summer stands out as the most productive period, with an average daily output of 5.27 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely behind, generating 5.22 kWh/day. In contrast, autumn and winter see a noticeable decrease in production, with 3.56 kWh/day and 3.44 kWh/day, respectively.

These figures indicate that the location is particularly well-suited for solar energy generation during the warmer months, from late spring through early autumn. During this period, longer daylight hours and more direct sunlight contribute to higher energy yields.

Optimal Panel Positioning

To maximize year-round solar production at this location, fixed solar panels should be tilted at an angle of 33 degrees facing South. This optimal angle takes into account the site's latitude and the sun's changing position throughout the year, ensuring the panels capture the most sunlight possible across all seasons.

Environmental Considerations

While Sagamihara's climate is generally conducive to solar energy production, there are some environmental factors that could potentially impact solar panel efficiency:

1. Seasonal rainfall: The region experiences a rainy season, typically from June to July, which could temporarily reduce solar output.
2. Occasional snowfall: Winter months may see some snowfall, which could cover panels and decrease production if not promptly removed.

To mitigate these issues, installers can implement preventative measures such as using self-cleaning panel coatings, installing panels at steeper angles to encourage snow sliding, and incorporating regular maintenance schedules to ensure optimal performance.

Overall, despite some seasonal variations and minor environmental challenges, Sagamihara presents a favorable location for year-round solar PV energy generation, with particularly strong potential during the spring and summer months.

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 Sagamihara

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 35.5602, Longitude: 139.2397 (Sagamihara, 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 Sagamihara, Japan

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Sagamihara, Japan (Lat/Long 35.5602, 139.2397) 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 Sagamihara, 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 Sagamihara, 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 Sagamihara, 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 Sagamihara, 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 Sagamihara, Japan

Sagamihara, located in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan, is situated in a region characterized by diverse topography. The city itself lies on the Sagami Plain, a relatively flat area that extends from the foothills of the surrounding mountains. To the west of Sagamihara, the terrain becomes more mountainous as it transitions into the Tanzawa mountain range. These mountains, part of the larger Kanto mountain system, feature steep slopes and forested areas. To the east of Sagamihara, the land gradually slopes downward towards the coastal areas of Tokyo Bay. This eastern region is more densely populated and urbanized compared to the western parts of the city. The Sagami River, a major waterway in the area, flows through the eastern part of Sagamihara, contributing to the local geography and providing a natural boundary. The northern part of Sagamihara is characterized by rolling hills and smaller mountains, creating a transitional zone between the flat plain and the more rugged western mountains. This varied landscape offers a mix of urban, suburban, and rural environments within the city limits and surrounding areas. When considering areas nearby that would be most suited for large-scale solar PV installations, several factors come into play. The ideal locations would have ample open space, minimal shading from surrounding terrain or structures, and good solar exposure throughout the year.

Potential Areas for Solar PV Development

The eastern parts of Sagamihara and the surrounding areas on the Sagami Plain offer promising potential for solar PV development. These relatively flat areas receive good sunlight exposure and have fewer natural obstacles that could cast shadows on solar panels. Some agricultural lands in this region, if available for conversion, could be suitable for large-scale solar farms. The gently sloping areas to the north of Sagamihara might also present opportunities for solar installations. These locations could benefit from slightly elevated positions that receive consistent sunlight throughout the day. However, care would need to be taken to avoid areas with significant tree cover or steep inclines. It's important to note that while the mountainous regions to the west receive ample sunlight, their steep terrain and forested nature make them less practical for large-scale solar developments. The costs and environmental impact of clearing such areas would likely outweigh the benefits. Any large-scale solar PV project in the region would need to carefully consider local land use regulations, environmental impact, and the balance between energy production and preserving the natural landscape that characterizes the area around Sagamihara.

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.