Takamatsu, Kagawa, Japan, located at 34.3316°N, 134.0452°E, offers a favorable environment for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. This northern subtropical location experiences distinct seasonal variations in solar energy production, providing opportunities for consistent electricity generation with some fluctuations.

Seasonal Solar Performance

Solar PV systems in Takamatsu demonstrate strong performance during summer and spring, with slightly reduced output in autumn and winter. The average daily electricity output per kW of installed solar capacity varies as follows:

• Summer: 5.46 kWh/day
• Spring: 5.35 kWh/day
• Autumn: 3.98 kWh/day
• Winter: 3.21 kWh/day

The most productive periods for solar energy generation in Takamatsu are during the summer months, closely followed by spring. These seasons offer longer daylight hours and more direct sunlight, resulting in higher energy yields. While autumn and winter show a decrease in output, the region still maintains a respectable level of solar production during these cooler months.

Optimal Panel Installation

To maximize year-round solar energy production in Takamatsu, Kagawa, fixed solar panels should be installed at a tilt angle of 31 degrees facing south. This optimal angle ensures that the panels can capture the most sunlight throughout the year, accounting for the region's latitude and seasonal sun positions.

Environmental and Weather Considerations

While Takamatsu generally provides favorable conditions for solar energy production, there are some environmental factors to consider. The region experiences a rainy season, typically from June to July, which may temporarily reduce solar output. Additionally, occasional typhoons during late summer and early autumn can pose a risk to solar installations.

To mitigate these challenges, solar installations in Takamatsu should incorporate robust mounting systems capable of withstanding strong winds. Implementing a regular cleaning schedule, especially after the rainy season, can help maintain optimal panel efficiency. Furthermore, using high-quality, water-resistant solar panels and components can enhance system durability and performance in the face of occasional harsh weather conditions.

Overall, Takamatsu's climate and geographical location make it a suitable candidate for solar PV energy generation, with proper planning and installation techniques addressing any potential environmental challenges.

Note: The Northern Sub Tropics extend from 23.5° latitude North up to 35° 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 Takamatsu

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 34.3316, Longitude: 134.0452 (Takamatsu, 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 31° South in Takamatsu, Japan

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Takamatsu, Japan (Lat/Long 34.3316, 134.0452) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 31° 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 Takamatsu, 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 Takamatsu, Japan. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 31° South tilt angle throughout the year.

Overall Best Summer Angle	Overall Best Autumn Angle	Overall Best Winter Angle	Overall Best Spring Angle
18° South in Summer	40° South in Autumn	49° South in Winter	28° 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 Takamatsu, 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 Takamatsu, 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 Takamatsu, Japan

Takamatsu, located on the northern coast of Shikoku Island in Japan, is surrounded by diverse topography that includes both coastal plains and mountainous regions. The city itself sits on a relatively flat coastal plain, with the Seto Inland Sea to its north. This area is characterized by a gentle slope that gradually rises from the shoreline towards the south. As one moves inland from Takamatsu, the landscape becomes more varied and elevated. To the south and southeast of the city, the terrain transitions into rolling hills and eventually into the more rugged Sanuki Mountains. These mountains, while not extremely tall, provide a striking backdrop to the urban area and create a natural boundary between the coastal region and the island's interior.

Suitable Areas for Large-Scale Solar PV

When considering areas near Takamatsu for large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations, several factors come into play. The most suitable locations would typically be found in the flatter, open areas that receive ample sunlight throughout the year. The coastal plain surrounding Takamatsu offers potential for solar PV development. This area benefits from relatively flat terrain, which simplifies construction and maintenance of solar arrays. Additionally, the proximity to urban centers could reduce transmission costs and losses. Some of the gently sloping hillsides to the south of the city might also be suitable for solar installations. These areas often have good sun exposure and are less likely to be used for intensive agriculture or urban development. However, care must be taken to avoid areas with significant forest cover or important ecological value. The mountains themselves are generally less suitable for large-scale solar projects due to their steeper slopes, potential shading issues, and the challenges of access and construction in more rugged terrain. However, some south-facing slopes or plateaus within the mountain range could potentially be utilized if other factors are favorable. It's important to note that any large-scale solar development would need to carefully consider local land use regulations, environmental impacts, and the needs of local communities. The ideal locations would balance good solar resources with minimal disruption to existing land uses and ecosystems.

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.