Solar PV Analysis of Tateyama, Japan
Tateyama, Chiba, Japan, located at latitude 34.9829 and longitude 139.8635, offers a reasonably good location for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. Situated in the Northern Sub Tropics, this area experiences distinct seasonal variations in solar energy production.
Seasonal Solar Performance
The solar energy output at Tateyama varies significantly across the seasons. Summer proves to be the most productive period, with an average daily output of 5.55 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely behind, generating 5.25 kWh/day. Autumn and winter see a noticeable decrease in production, with 3.57 kWh/day and 3.30 kWh/day respectively.
The substantial difference between summer/spring and autumn/winter production suggests that Tateyama experiences clear seasonal weather patterns. The higher output during summer and spring indicates longer daylight hours and potentially clearer skies during these seasons.
Optimal Panel Positioning
For fixed panel installations in Tateyama, Chiba, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round solar production is 32 degrees facing South. This angle is calculated based on the location's latitude and accounts for the Earth's elliptical orbit, ensuring optimal exposure to sunlight throughout the year.
Environmental Considerations
While Tateyama generally offers favorable conditions for solar energy production, there are some environmental factors to consider:
- Typhoons: Tateyama's coastal location makes it susceptible to typhoons, which could potentially damage solar installations.
- Salt corrosion: The proximity to the ocean increases the risk of salt spray, which can corrode solar equipment over time.
To mitigate these risks, solar installations in Tateyama should use corrosion-resistant materials and be securely mounted to withstand high winds. Regular maintenance and cleaning to remove salt deposits are also crucial for maintaining optimal performance.
Despite these challenges, with proper planning and preventative measures, Tateyama remains a viable location for solar PV energy generation, particularly during the spring and summer months.
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 Tateyama
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 34.9829, Longitude: 139.8635 (Tateyama, 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 32° South in Tateyama, Japan
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Tateyama, Japan (Lat/Long 34.9829, 139.8635) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 32° 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 Tateyama, 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 Tateyama, Japan. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 32° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 19° South in Summer | 40° South in Autumn | 50° 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 Tateyama, 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 Tateyama, 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 Tateyama, Japan
The area around Tateyama, Japan, located at the southern tip of the Boso Peninsula in Chiba Prefecture, is characterized by a diverse and picturesque topography. The landscape is a blend of coastal plains, rolling hills, and low mountains, creating a scenic environment that transitions from sea level to modest elevations.
Along the coast, you'll find beautiful sandy beaches and rocky shorelines, with the Pacific Ocean stretching out to the east and south. As you move inland, the terrain gradually rises, forming gentle slopes and undulating hills. These hills are often covered in lush vegetation, including forests and agricultural lands.
The most prominent topographical feature in the region is Mount Nokogiri, which stands at about 329 meters (1,080 feet) tall. This mountain, with its distinctive sawtooth-like ridge, is visible from many parts of Tateyama and offers panoramic views of Tokyo Bay and the surrounding area.
Regarding areas suitable for large-scale solar PV (photovoltaic) installations, the region presents some challenges due to its varied topography and land use. However, there are potential locations that could be considered:
1. Coastal plains: The relatively flat areas near the coast, particularly those not used for agriculture or urban development, could be suitable for solar farms. These locations often have good sun exposure and fewer obstacles to block sunlight.
2. Hillsides facing south: Some of the gentler slopes on south-facing hillsides could be ideal for solar panel installation. These areas typically receive more direct sunlight throughout the day, increasing energy production efficiency.
3. Former agricultural lands: Any abandoned or underutilized agricultural fields in the region could be repurposed for solar energy production, provided they have suitable sun exposure and are not in flood-prone areas.
4. Industrial zones: If there are any industrial or commercial areas with large, flat rooftops, these could be excellent locations for rooftop solar installations, maximizing otherwise unused space.
It's important to note that any large-scale solar PV project would need to carefully consider environmental impacts, local regulations, and the region's natural beauty. The area's proximity to the ocean also means that salt spray and potential typhoons could affect solar panel durability and maintenance requirements. Careful planning and site selection would be crucial to balance energy production goals with preserving the local ecosystem and scenic landscapes.
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: Sunday 15th of September 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.
