Shinozuka, Gunma, Japan, located in the Northern Temperate Zone at coordinates 36.2597, 139.4426, offers a reasonably good location for solar PV energy generation throughout the year, with some seasonal variations in output.

The solar energy production at this location shows distinct patterns across seasons. Spring yields the highest output at 5.17 kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed capacity, closely followed by summer with 5.09 kWh/day. Production decreases significantly during autumn to 3.46 kWh/day and reaches its lowest in winter at 3.08 kWh/day per kilowatt installed.

Seasonal Performance

The data indicates that Shinozuka experiences its peak solar generation potential during spring and summer months. This makes March through August particularly favorable for solar energy production. The substantial drop in autumn and winter (roughly 40% less than peak seasons) suggests that supplementary energy sources might be beneficial during these periods for consistent year-round power needs.

For fixed solar panel installations at this location, the ideal angle to maximize year-round production is 33 degrees facing South. This specific tilt optimizes the annual energy harvest by balancing seasonal variations in sun position and intensity.

Environmental Considerations

Several environmental factors could potentially impact solar production in Shinozuka. Japan experiences a monsoon season with heavy rainfall, particularly in June and early July, which could temporarily reduce solar output. The region also faces occasional typhoons that bring extended periods of cloud cover and precipitation.

Snowfall during winter months may cover panels and reduce efficiency, while the area's humid climate can contribute to dust and pollen accumulation on panel surfaces. Additionally, Shinozuka's location puts it at risk for volcanic ash from Japan's active volcanoes, which can significantly diminish panel performance when deposited.

Preventative Measures

• Install panels at the optimal 33-degree tilt to facilitate natural cleaning by rainfall and prevent snow accumulation
• Implement automated cleaning systems or regular maintenance schedules to address dust and pollen buildup
• Consider snow-shedding panel frames and surfaces for winter performance
• Install monitoring systems that can detect performance drops due to environmental factors
• Use micro-inverters or power optimizers to minimize the impact of partial shading or soiling on overall system performance

With these considerations addressed, Shinozuka represents a viable location for solar PV deployment, with particularly strong performance during spring and summer months that can help offset the reduced production during autumn and winter.

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 Shinozuka

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 36.2597, Longitude: 139.4426 (Shinozuka, 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 Shinozuka, Japan

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Shinozuka, Japan (Lat/Long 36.2597, 139.4426) 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 Shinozuka, 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 Shinozuka, 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	30° 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 Shinozuka, 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 Shinozuka, 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 Shinozuka, Japan

The topography around Shinozuka, Japan is characterized by a blend of gently rolling hills, valleys, and flatlands situated within the broader Kanto Plain region. Located in Gunma Prefecture, this area lies in the northern part of the Kanto region, with the impressive mountains of the Kanto Range visible in the distance to the north and northwest. The terrain gradually transitions from relatively flat agricultural lands in the southern portions to more undulating hills as one moves northward toward the Japanese Alps.

Landscape Features

The immediate vicinity of Shinozuka features modest elevation changes with several small rivers and streams that have carved shallow valleys through the landscape over time. The area sits at an elevation of approximately 100-200 meters above sea level, placing it in a transitional zone between the more mountainous regions to the north and the extensive Kanto Plain that extends southeastward toward Tokyo. Agricultural fields dominate much of the flatter portions of the landscape, particularly in the river valleys and lowland areas. These open spaces are interspersed with patches of forest, particularly on hillsides and along waterways. The region experiences four distinct seasons, with vegetation patterns changing dramatically throughout the year.

Solar PV Potential Areas

For large-scale solar photovoltaic development, several nearby areas present favorable conditions based on topographical considerations: The gently sloping south-facing hillsides to the north of Shinozuka offer promising potential for solar installations. These areas benefit from optimal sun exposure throughout the day while avoiding the agricultural prime lands of the valley floors. The moderate slopes provide natural drainage while still being gentle enough for construction without excessive grading requirements. The relatively flat agricultural plateaus to the southeast of Shinozuka also present opportunities for solar development. These areas feature expansive open terrain with minimal shading from geographical features. While some of these lands are currently used for agriculture, less productive parcels could be considered for solar conversion. Former industrial or quarry sites in the broader region may offer already-disturbed lands suitable for solar development. These brownfield locations typically have minimal ecological value and often feature existing access roads and proximity to electrical infrastructure.

Topographical Challenges

Despite these opportunities, certain topographical features present challenges for solar development in the region. The more densely forested and steeper hillsides to the northwest would require significant clearing and grading, potentially creating erosion concerns and higher development costs. Low-lying areas near rivers and streams present flood risks that would complicate solar installations. These riparian zones also typically have higher ecological value and may be subject to additional environmental protections. The region's susceptibility to seismic activity must also be considered in site selection and engineering design, as the underlying geological conditions vary across the landscape. Areas with more stable substrates would be preferred for large infrastructure projects like utility-scale solar farms. In conclusion, the varied topography around Shinozuka offers several promising areas for solar PV development, particularly on south-facing gentle slopes and underutilized agricultural plateaus, though careful site selection would be necessary to balance development potential with environmental and land-use considerations.

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.