Solar PV Analysis of Tokyo, Japan
The location in Tokyo, Japan is pretty good for generating energy through solar panels all year round. The amount of electricity that can be produced from each kilowatt of solar panel installation varies with the seasons, but it remains relatively high throughout the year. In summer and spring, you can expect to generate around 5.27 kilowatt-hours per day for each kilowatt installed. This decreases slightly in autumn and winter to about 3.56 kilowatt-hours per day.
To maximise the total amount of energy produced throughout the year, it's best to tilt your solar panels at an angle of 33 degrees facing south. This will ensure they get as much sunlight as possible across all seasons.
However, there are some local factors that might affect how much energy you can generate from your solar panels in Tokyo. For instance, due to its geographical location and climate conditions, Tokyo experiences considerable rainfall especially during June and July which could reduce sunlight exposure on the panels thereby reducing their output during these months.
In addition to this, Tokyo is also susceptible to typhoons particularly between August and October which could potentially damage solar installations if not properly secured or protected.
Therefore when installing a solar system here it would be beneficial to take preventive measures such as using robust mounting systems that can withstand strong winds often associated with typhoons; ensuring adequate drainage around the installation site so rainwater does not pool around or under the panels causing potential damage; considering additional protective measures like storm shutters or covers for use during extreme weather events; regular maintenance checks should also be carried out on your system particularly after severe weather events just in case any repairs need doing - this will help ensure maximum efficiency and longevity from your system despite these environmental challenges.
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 Tokyo
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 35.6289, Longitude: 139.7915 (Tokyo, 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 Tokyo, Japan
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Tokyo, Japan (Lat/Long 35.6289, 139.7915) 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 Tokyo, 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 Tokyo, 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 Tokyo, 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 Tokyo, 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 Tokyo, Japan
The topography around Tokyo, Japan (Lat,Long: 35.6289,139.7915) is mostly flat with some rolling hills and low mountains in the surrounding areas. Areas nearby that would be most suited to large-scale solar PV are those with open land and minimal shading from trees or buildings such as Chiba Prefecture to the east of Tokyo, Kanagawa Prefecture to the south of Tokyo, Saitama Prefecture to the north of Tokyo and Ibaraki Prefecture to the northeast of Tokyo.
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: Wednesday 3rd of August 2022
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.
