Shakujiimachi, Tokyo, Japan, located at 35.74°N, 139.6038°E, offers a moderate potential for solar energy generation throughout the year. This location in the Northern Temperate Zone experiences distinct seasonal variations in solar output, which impact the efficiency of photovoltaic (PV) systems.

Seasonal Solar Performance

The solar energy production in Shakujiimachi varies significantly across seasons. Summer and spring are the most productive periods, with daily outputs of 5.28 kWh and 5.26 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity, respectively. In contrast, autumn and winter see reduced production, with 3.62 kWh and 3.50 kWh per day, respectively.

This seasonal pattern indicates that the location is particularly favorable for solar energy generation during the warmer months. The long daylight hours and higher sun angles in summer and spring contribute to the increased output during these seasons.

Optimal Panel Installation

To maximize year-round solar production in Shakujiimachi, Tokyo, fixed solar panels should be installed at a tilt angle of 33 degrees facing south. This optimal angle has been calculated considering the location's latitude and seasonal solar elevation angles, ensuring the best possible exposure to sunlight throughout the year.

Environmental and Weather Considerations

While Shakujiimachi's location is generally suitable for solar energy production, there are some factors that could potentially impact system performance:

• Seasonal rainfall: Japan experiences a rainy season, typically from June to July, which could temporarily reduce solar output.
• Typhoons: The region is susceptible to typhoons, usually between August and October, which may bring heavy cloud cover and strong winds.

To mitigate these challenges, solar installations should incorporate robust mounting systems to withstand strong winds. Additionally, using high-quality, water-resistant panels and ensuring proper drainage can help maintain efficiency during periods of heavy rainfall.

In conclusion, while Shakujiimachi experiences seasonal variations in solar output, its overall potential for solar energy generation is promising. With proper installation techniques and consideration of local weather patterns, solar PV systems can be an effective source of renewable energy in this location.

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 Shakujiimachi

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 35.74, Longitude: 139.6038 (Shakujiimachi, 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 Shakujiimachi, Japan

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Shakujiimachi, Japan (Lat/Long 35.74, 139.6038) 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 Shakujiimachi, 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 Shakujiimachi, 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 Shakujiimachi, 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 Shakujiimachi, 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 Shakujiimachi, Japan

Shakujiimachi, located in Tokyo, Japan, is situated in an area characterized by a mix of urban and suburban landscapes. The topography of this region is generally flat to gently rolling, with some low hills scattered throughout the area. The terrain is part of the Musashino Plateau, a large, relatively level area that covers much of western Tokyo and extends into neighboring prefectures. The immediate surroundings of Shakujiimachi feature a combination of residential neighborhoods, small parks, and commercial districts. The area is densely populated, with numerous buildings and paved surfaces typical of urban environments. However, there are also pockets of green spaces, including local parks and tree-lined streets, which provide some relief from the urban landscape. To the west of Shakujiimachi, the terrain becomes slightly more elevated, with some modest hills and valleys. This area includes the Shakujii Park, a large green space that contains a small lake and wooded areas, offering a glimpse of the natural topography that once dominated the region before extensive urbanization.

Potential Areas for Large-scale Solar PV

When considering areas nearby that would be most suited to large-scale solar PV installations, it's important to note that the dense urban nature of the region presents some challenges. However, there are a few potential options worth exploring: 1. Industrial zones: To the east and southeast of Shakujiimachi, there are some industrial areas with large, flat rooftops that could potentially accommodate solar panels. These locations often have fewer height restrictions and less shading from surrounding buildings. 2. Reclaimed land: Further east, towards Tokyo Bay, there are areas of reclaimed land that might be suitable for ground-mounted solar arrays. These flat, open spaces could provide the necessary area for large-scale installations. 3. Former agricultural land: In the outskirts of Tokyo, to the west and northwest of Shakujiimachi, there may be some areas of former agricultural land that have been abandoned or are underutilized. These spaces could potentially be repurposed for solar energy production. 4. Parking lots and transportation hubs: Large parking areas associated with shopping centers, train stations, or other transportation hubs in the wider Tokyo area could be fitted with solar canopies, effectively utilizing existing infrastructure. It's worth noting that due to the urban nature of the region, any large-scale solar PV project would likely face significant challenges in terms of land availability, zoning regulations, and potential impacts on local communities. Careful planning and community engagement would be crucial for the success of such initiatives in this densely populated area.

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.