Shibasaki, Tokyo, Japan, located at 35.6499° N, 139.5511° E, offers a reasonably good location for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. This Northern Temperate Zone site experiences distinct seasonal variations in solar output, which can impact overall energy production.

Seasonal Solar Performance

Solar energy generation in Shibasaki peaks during the summer months, with an average daily output of 5.27 kWh per kW of installed capacity. Spring follows closely behind, producing 5.22 kWh/day. Autumn and winter see a significant drop in production, with 3.56 kWh/day and 3.44 kWh/day, respectively.

The most ideal times for solar generation at this location are from late spring through early autumn, typically spanning from May to September. During these months, longer daylight hours and higher sun angles contribute to increased energy production.

Optimal Panel Installation

To maximize year-round solar energy production in Shibasaki, Tokyo, fixed solar panels should be installed at a tilt angle of 33 degrees facing south. This angle has been calculated to optimize the panels' exposure to sunlight throughout the year, taking into account the Earth's elliptical orbit and the site's specific latitude.

Environmental Considerations

While Shibasaki generally offers favorable conditions for solar energy production, there are some environmental factors to consider:

• 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 from August to October, which may bring heavy cloud cover and potential damage to solar installations.

To mitigate these factors, solar installations should include robust mounting systems designed to withstand high winds. Additionally, implementing a regular cleaning schedule can help maintain panel efficiency by removing dust and debris that may accumulate during dry periods between rainfalls.

Overall, while Shibasaki experiences some seasonal variations and weather-related challenges, it remains a viable location for solar PV energy generation with proper planning and maintenance.

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 Shibasaki

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 35.6499, Longitude: 139.5511 (Shibasaki, 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 Shibasaki, Japan

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Shibasaki, Japan (Lat/Long 35.6499, 139.5511) 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 Shibasaki, 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 Shibasaki, 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 Shibasaki, 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 Shibasaki, 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 Shibasaki, Japan

The topography around Shibasaki, Japan, located at coordinates 35.6499°N, 139.5511°E, is characterized by a mix of urban and suburban landscapes with some hilly areas. Shibasaki is situated in the western part of Tokyo Metropolis, in the Tama region. The area is primarily a residential suburb with a blend of low-rise buildings and small green spaces. To the west of Shibasaki, the terrain becomes more elevated, with gentle hills and small valleys forming part of the Tama Hills. These hills are generally covered with a mix of deciduous and evergreen forests, interspersed with residential areas and parks. The elevation gradually increases as you move further west, providing some scenic views of the surrounding area. To the east, the landscape becomes more urbanized and flatter as it transitions towards central Tokyo. This area is densely populated with a mix of residential and commercial buildings, as well as transportation infrastructure such as roads and railway lines.

Potential Areas for Large-Scale Solar PV

When considering areas nearby that would be most suited for large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations, there are a few factors to consider. Ideal locations would have ample open space, minimal shading, and relatively flat terrain. Given the urban nature of the region, finding suitable areas for large-scale solar PV can be challenging. However, some potential options include: 1. Repurposed industrial areas: To the south and southeast of Shibasaki, there are some industrial zones that could potentially be repurposed for solar energy production. These areas often have large, flat rooftops that could accommodate solar panels. 2. Tama Hills: While the hilly terrain of the Tama Hills to the west may not be ideal for large-scale ground-mounted solar arrays, there could be opportunities for smaller, distributed solar installations on south-facing slopes or in cleared areas. 3. Agricultural land: Some of the remaining agricultural areas in the broader Tama region could potentially be used for solar farming, although this would need to be balanced with food production needs. 4. Large parking lots: Shopping centers, schools, and other facilities with expansive parking areas could be potential sites for solar canopies, which would serve the dual purpose of generating electricity and providing shade for vehicles. It's important to note that due to the densely populated nature of the region and the scarcity of large open spaces, any large-scale solar PV projects would likely need to be carefully planned and integrated with existing land uses. Additionally, local regulations and community considerations would play a significant role in determining the feasibility of such projects.

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.