Solar Energy Potential in Shihoro, Japan

Shihoro, Japan, located in the Northern Temperate Zone, presents a moderate opportunity for solar energy generation with distinct seasonal variations. The location experiences significant fluctuations in solar energy production throughout the year, making it important to understand its specific characteristics. In summer, solar panels in Shihoro can generate a respectable 5.76 kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed capacity. This represents the peak production period when the sun is highest in the sky and days are longer. Spring follows as the second most productive season, yielding 4.83 kWh per day per kilowatt installed. Production drops considerably during autumn, with only 3.00 kWh per day per kilowatt of capacity. Winter presents the greatest challenge, with production falling to just 2.16 kWh per day per kilowatt installed - less than half of summer's output.

Optimal Panel Installation

For fixed solar panel installations in Shihoro, the ideal angle to maximize year-round energy production is 38 degrees tilted toward the South. This specific angle has been calculated to capture the most solar energy across all seasons, considering the location's latitude and the sun's varying positions throughout the year.

Environmental Challenges

Several environmental factors could impact solar production in Shihoro:

• Heavy snowfall in winter can cover panels and drastically reduce output during the already low-production winter months
• Hokkaido's cloudy climate, especially during winter and transitional seasons
• Potential dust and pollen accumulation in spring and summer

Preventative Measures

To maximize solar energy production in Shihoro despite these challenges, consider implementing these preventative measures:

• Install panels at steeper angles (beyond the optimal 38 degrees) if winter production is particularly important, as this helps snow slide off more easily
• Implement automated snow removal systems or regular manual clearing procedures
• Use bifacial panels that can capture reflected light from snow, potentially increasing winter production
• Schedule regular cleaning maintenance, especially after pollen seasons
• Consider tracking systems rather than fixed installations for significantly higher year-round production

Overall, Shihoro presents a moderate opportunity for solar energy generation with clear seasonal patterns. The site is most productive from late spring through summer, with significantly reduced output during winter months. Proper installation techniques and maintenance can help mitigate the environmental challenges specific to this northern Japanese 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 Shihoro

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 43.1707, Longitude: 143.2502 (Shihoro, 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 38° South in Shihoro, Japan

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Shihoro, Japan (Lat/Long 43.1707, 143.2502) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 38° 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 Shihoro, 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 Shihoro, Japan. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 38° South tilt angle throughout the year.

Overall Best Summer Angle	Overall Best Autumn Angle	Overall Best Winter Angle	Overall Best Spring Angle
27° South in Summer	47° South in Autumn	58° South in Winter	36° 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 Shihoro, 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 Shihoro, 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 Shihoro, Japan

The topography around Shihoro, Japan is characterized by a diverse landscape situated within the broader Tokachi Plain of eastern Hokkaido. Nestled in a valley surrounded by mountains, Shihoro benefits from being in a relatively flat agricultural basin while having elevated terrain nearby. The town sits approximately 150 meters above sea level, with the surrounding Tokachi Plain offering extensive flat to gently rolling landscapes ideal for agriculture and other development. To the east and northeast of Shihoro rise the Hidaka Mountains, which form a significant mountain range running north-south through eastern Hokkaido. These mountains create a natural boundary and influence the local climate patterns. To the north and northwest, the terrain gradually rises toward the Daisetsuzan mountain range, which contains some of Hokkaido's highest peaks.

Surrounding Terrain Features

The immediate vicinity of Shihoro features a mix of agricultural flatlands interspersed with low hills and river valleys. The Tokachi River and its tributaries have carved gentle valleys through the region, creating natural drainage systems throughout the plain. This river system has also deposited fertile soil across the valley floor, making the Tokachi Plain one of Japan's most productive agricultural regions. The transition from valley floor to mountain foothills creates varied elevation zones around Shihoro. These foothills generally have southern or southeastern exposures in many locations, which can be advantageous for certain types of development projects.

Areas Suited for Solar PV Development

Several areas near Shihoro present favorable conditions for large-scale solar photovoltaic installations. The most suitable locations would be: The southern and southwestern portions of the Tokachi Plain near Shihoro offer extensive flat terrain with minimal shading concerns. These areas benefit from good solar exposure and have the advantage of being relatively level, reducing construction costs and complexity for large installations. Gently sloping hillsides with southern exposure, particularly in the transitional zones between the valley floor and mountain foothills, could provide excellent positioning for solar arrays. These slightly elevated positions can sometimes experience less fog and ground-level mist than the valley floor. Some of the agricultural plateaus to the southeast of Shihoro present opportunities where the land is sufficiently level but slightly elevated above the main valley floor. These areas typically have good drainage and stable ground conditions suitable for supporting the infrastructure required for solar installations.

Topographical Considerations

While evaluating sites for solar development around Shihoro, several topographical factors require consideration. The northern portions of the region experience more shading from the Daisetsuzan mountains, particularly during winter months when the sun angle is lower. Areas with southern exposure maintain better solar access throughout the year. Drainage patterns must be carefully assessed, as some portions of the Tokachi Plain can experience seasonal flooding or high water tables. The ideal sites would be those with sufficient elevation to avoid these hydrological challenges while maintaining the construction advantages of relatively flat terrain. Wind exposure varies throughout the region, with the valley floor experiencing less severe wind conditions than more exposed hillsides or mountain passes. This factor affects both the structural requirements and potential maintenance concerns for solar installations. In conclusion, the topography around Shihoro provides several promising options for large-scale solar development, with the southern portions of the Tokachi Plain and gently sloping south-facing hillsides offering the most favorable combination of solar exposure, accessible terrain, and development practicality.

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

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