Solar PV Analysis of Tarumachi, Japan
Tarumachi, Kanagawa, Japan, located at latitude 35.5341 and longitude 139.6399, offers a promising environment for solar energy generation throughout the year. This location in the Northern Temperate Zone experiences distinct seasonal variations in solar output, providing opportunities for efficient solar PV production.
Seasonal Solar Performance
The solar energy potential in Tarumachi varies across seasons. Summer and spring are the most productive periods, with daily outputs of 5.28 kWh and 5.26 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity, respectively. Autumn and winter see a decrease in production, with 3.62 kWh and 3.50 kWh per day, respectively. This seasonal pattern indicates that the location is particularly well-suited for solar energy generation during the warmer months.
Optimal Panel Positioning
To maximize year-round solar energy production in Tarumachi, Kanagawa, fixed solar panels should be tilted at a 33-degree angle facing south. This optimal angle has been calculated considering the location's latitude, daily solar elevation angles, and NASA's solar irradiance data, ensuring the best possible exposure to sunlight throughout the year.
Environmental and Weather Considerations
While Tarumachi generally offers favorable conditions for solar energy production, there are some environmental factors to consider:
- Typhoon season: Japan experiences typhoons, typically from August to October, which can potentially damage solar installations.
- Heavy snowfall: Winter months may bring snow, which can temporarily reduce solar panel efficiency.
To mitigate these risks, solar installations in Tarumachi should incorporate sturdy mounting systems capable of withstanding high winds. Additionally, panels should be installed at an angle that facilitates snow sliding off, and regular maintenance should be scheduled to clear any accumulated snow or debris.
Conclusion
Overall, Tarumachi presents a favorable location for year-round solar energy generation, with particularly high potential during summer and spring. By optimizing panel angles and implementing appropriate protective measures, solar PV systems in this area can effectively harness the available solar resources throughout the year.
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 Tarumachi
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 35.5341, Longitude: 139.6399 (Tarumachi, 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 Tarumachi, Japan
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Tarumachi, Japan (Lat/Long 35.5341, 139.6399) 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 Tarumachi, 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 Tarumachi, 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 Tarumachi, 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 Tarumachi, 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 Tarumachi, Japan
The area around Tarumachi, Japan, which is located in Kanagawa Prefecture, is characterized by a mix of urban development and hilly terrain. Tarumachi itself is situated in a relatively flat area, but the surrounding landscape becomes more varied as you move away from the city center.
To the west and northwest of Tarumachi, the land gradually rises into a series of low hills and ridges. These hills are part of the Tama Hills region, which extends across parts of Tokyo and Kanagawa prefectures. The hills are generally gentle in slope and covered with a mix of forests, parks, and residential areas.
To the east and southeast, the terrain becomes flatter as it approaches Tokyo Bay. This coastal plain is heavily urbanized, with a dense network of roads, buildings, and industrial areas. The coastline itself has been extensively modified by land reclamation projects over the years.
Regarding areas suitable for large-scale solar PV (photovoltaic) installations, the options in the immediate vicinity of Tarumachi are somewhat limited due to the urban nature of the region. However, there are a few potential areas that could be considered:
- The flatter areas to the east and southeast, particularly if there are any large industrial zones or unused lots, might offer space for solar installations. These areas would need to be carefully evaluated for their proximity to power infrastructure and potential shading from nearby buildings.
- Some of the gentler slopes of the Tama Hills to the west could potentially accommodate solar farms, especially if there are any cleared areas or less densely forested regions. However, care would need to be taken to minimize environmental impact and consider local zoning regulations.
- Rooftops of large commercial or industrial buildings in the area could be suitable for solar panel installations. While not technically "large-scale," a network of rooftop solar systems could collectively generate a significant amount of power.
- If expanding the search radius further out, the more rural areas to the west and southwest of Kanagawa Prefecture might offer larger tracts of land suitable for solar farms, though these would be some distance from Tarumachi itself.
It's important to note that any large-scale solar PV project in this region would face significant challenges due to the high population density, limited available land, and strict land-use regulations in Japan. Any potential sites would require careful evaluation for their technical feasibility, environmental impact, and compliance with local and national regulations.
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!
Citation Guide
Article Details for Citation
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Saturday 24th of August 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.
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Calculate Your Optimal Solar Panel Tilt Angle: A Comprehensive Guide
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