Solar Energy Production in Toyama, Japan

Toyama, Japan, located at latitude 36.7069° N and longitude 137.2129° E, presents a moderately favorable location for solar photovoltaic (PV) energy generation, though with significant seasonal variations. This northern temperate zone location experiences distinct seasons that directly impact solar energy production throughout the year. The seasonal solar energy production in Toyama shows a clear pattern. Summer stands out as the most productive season, generating approximately 5.29 kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely behind with 4.94 kWh/day. Autumn production drops to 3.58 kWh/day, while winter shows the lowest output at just 2.19 kWh/day per kilowatt installed. For maximizing year-round solar energy production in Toyama, fixed solar panels should be installed at a 32-degree tilt angle facing south. This specific angle has been calculated to optimize annual energy harvest based on Toyama's geographical position and seasonal solar patterns.

Environmental and Weather Considerations

Several significant local factors can impact solar production in Toyama:

• Heavy snowfall: Toyama is one of Japan's snowiest regions, receiving substantial winter accumulation that can completely cover solar panels, reducing or eliminating production during winter months.
• Monsoon season: The summer rainy season (typically June-July) brings extended periods of cloud cover and precipitation, temporarily reducing solar output during what would otherwise be peak production months.
• Mountain shadows: Toyama's location near the Japanese Alps can create shadow effects in certain areas, particularly during winter when the sun's path is lower in the sky.

To mitigate these challenges, several preventative measures should be considered during solar installation: Installing panels at steeper angles (beyond the optimal 32 degrees) can help shed snow more effectively, though this comes with some reduction in annual production. Snow-clearing systems or manual removal protocols should be established for winter maintenance. Elevating panels higher off rooftops or ground level can prevent snow buildup from blocking production. For areas affected by mountain shadows, careful site assessment before installation can identify optimal positioning to minimize shadow impacts. Additionally, using microinverters or power optimizers can help minimize production losses when partial shading occurs. Despite these challenges, Toyama's strong summer and spring production can still make solar PV systems economically viable, especially when properly designed to account for local conditions.

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 Toyama

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 36.7069, Longitude: 137.2129 (Toyama, 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 Toyama, Japan

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Toyama, Japan (Lat/Long 36.7069, 137.2129) 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 Toyama, 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 Toyama, 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
20° South in Summer	42° South in Autumn	51° South in Winter	30° 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 Toyama, 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 Toyama, 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 Toyama, Japan

The city of Toyama is nestled in Toyama Prefecture on the northwestern coast of Honshu, Japan's main island. The topography surrounding Toyama is dramatically varied, creating a distinct geographical identity that influences both its climate and potential for renewable energy development.

Coastal Plain and Urban Center

Toyama city itself sits on a relatively flat coastal plain facing Toyama Bay, part of the Sea of Japan. This alluvial plain, formed by rivers flowing down from the surrounding mountains, provides the most accessible and developed area in the region. The urban and suburban areas extend across this plain, which gradually rises as one moves inland from the coast.

Mountain Backdrop

The defining topographical feature of the region is the dramatic mountain ranges that surround Toyama on three sides, creating an amphitheater-like setting. To the east and southeast rise the Northern Japan Alps (also called the Hida Mountains), with several peaks exceeding 3,000 meters in height. The Tateyama Mountain Range, part of the Northern Alps, includes iconic peaks such as Mount Tate, one of Japan's three sacred mountains. To the south and southwest, the Toyama landscape transitions into the Hida Highland and eventually the Ryohaku Mountains. The western border is defined by the Noto Peninsula and its associated highlands. This mountainous enclosure creates a basin-like geography that influences local weather patterns and land use.

River Valleys

Several significant rivers cut through the mountains and flow across the Toyama Plain before emptying into Toyama Bay. The Jinzu River, Joganji River, and Sho River are among the most prominent, creating fertile valleys that have historically been important for agriculture. These river valleys also serve as natural corridors connecting the coastal plain with the interior mountain regions.

Potential Areas for Solar PV Development

When considering areas suited for large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) development near Toyama, several factors must be considered including available space, topography, and existing land use patterns.

Coastal Plain Advantages

The coastal plain areas offer relatively flat terrain that would minimize construction and installation complexities for solar arrays. However, much of this land is already dedicated to urban development, industrial use, or agriculture. Any solar development here would need to be integrated carefully with existing land uses, perhaps utilizing brownfield sites or incorporating agrivoltaics (combining agriculture with solar power generation).

Foothills and Lower Elevation Areas

The transitional zones between the plain and the mountains—the foothills and lower elevation areas—present interesting possibilities for solar development. These areas typically have less intensive agricultural use and may offer south-facing slopes that could optimize solar exposure. Particularly promising are the lower hillsides to the southeast of Toyama city, where the topography begins to rise but before it becomes too steep or inaccessible.

Challenges in Mountain Regions

While the mountainous regions surrounding Toyama receive substantial sunlight, their steep terrain presents significant challenges for large-scale solar installation. Construction costs would be higher, and environmental impacts could be more severe. Additionally, many of these areas are protected as part of national parks or forest preserves, limiting development possibilities.

Reclaimed or Industrial Land

Perhaps the most practical locations for large-scale solar PV would be reclaimed land along the coast or former industrial sites. These areas typically have minimal competing uses, good infrastructure access, and relatively flat terrain. Several such locations exist in the broader Toyama Bay area, particularly in zones designated for industrial development.

Floating Solar Potential

Given Toyama's proximity to the sea and its numerous rivers and reservoirs in the surrounding mountains, floating solar installations could represent an innovative approach to renewable energy development in the region. Reservoirs created for hydroelectric power or irrigation purposes in the mountain valleys could potentially accommodate floating solar arrays, maximizing land use efficiency while minimizing environmental impacts.

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.