Solar PV Analysis of Shiohama, Japan
The location at Shiohama, Tokyo, Japan is fairly good for generating energy through solar photovoltaic (PV) panels year-round. During the summer and spring seasons, each kilowatt of installed solar can generate over 5 kilowatt-hours per day. In autumn and winter, this drops to around 3.5-3.6 kilowatt-hours per day.
This means that the best times to generate solar energy in Shiohama are during the sunny months of spring and summer when daylight hours are longer and sunlight is more intense.
For a fixed panel installation at this location, tilting the panels at an angle of 33 degrees facing south would maximize total year-round production from solar PV. This is because it's the optimal angle for catching sunlight throughout most parts of the year.
However, there could be certain local factors that might hinder solar production in Shiohama. These could include environmental factors such as air pollution or dust which can reduce sunlight intensity; weather conditions like heavy snowfall or rainfall which can cover panels; topographical issues like tall buildings or trees casting shadows on panels; and other local factors such as regulations or restrictions on installing solar panels.
To ensure greater energy production despite these potential challenges:
1) Regular maintenance should be done to keep panels clean from dust or snow.
2) If possible, choose a site with minimal obstructions to avoid shading.
3) Ensure compliance with all local regulations during installation.
4) Use high-quality equipment designed to withstand harsh weather conditions.
5) Consider using tracking systems that follow the sun's path across the sky for maximum exposure if it’s financially feasible.
In conclusion, while there may be some obstacles to harnessing solar power in Shiohama due to varying seasonal outputs and potential local hindrances, these can be mitigated through careful planning and maintenance strategies making it a generally suitable location for generating renewable energy via Solar PV systems.
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 Shiohama
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 35.6738, Longitude: 139.8032 (Shiohama, 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 Shiohama, Japan
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Shiohama, Japan (Lat/Long 35.6738, 139.8032) 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 Shiohama, 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 Shiohama, 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 | 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 Shiohama, 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 Shiohama, Japan.
Our calculation method
- Solar Position:
We determine the Sun's position on the Winter solstice using the location's latitude and solar declination. - Shadow Projection:
We calculate the shadow length cast by panels using trigonometry, considering panel tilt and the Sun's elevation angle. - 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 Shiohama, Japan
Shiohama, Japan is located in the Kanagawa Prefecture and is largely urbanized. It lies in close proximity to Tokyo Bay, which means that it has a relatively flat topography with low elevation. There are also several industrial areas around Shiohama.
When considering large-scale solar PV installations, factors such as land availability, sun exposure and local climate must be taken into account. Given that Shiohama is heavily urbanized, it might not have sufficient open land for large scale solar PV. However, rooftops of buildings can be utilized for smaller scale solar panel installations.
In terms of nearby areas suitable for large-scale solar PV installation - open fields or unused industrial lands in the outskirts of the city could potentially be used. Another potential area could be offshore or floating solar farms on Tokyo Bay itself given its proximity to Shiohama.
However, detailed feasibility studies would need to be conducted taking into account all environmental and socio-economic factors before any concrete decisions can be made regarding the most suitable locations for large-scale Solar PV installations near Shiohama.
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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Article Details for Citation
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Sunday 18th of February 2024
Last Updated: Monday 21st of July 2025
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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.
