Solar PV Analysis of Tsuyama, Japan
Tsuyama, Okayama, Japan, located at latitude 35.0562 and longitude 133.999, offers a moderately favorable environment for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. Situated in the Northern Temperate Zone, this location experiences distinct seasonal variations in solar energy production.
Seasonal Solar Performance
Solar energy output in Tsuyama peaks during the summer months, with an average daily production of 5.25 kWh per kW of installed capacity. Spring closely follows with 5.12 kWh/day, making these seasons ideal for solar energy generation. Autumn sees a decrease to 3.56 kWh/day, while winter experiences the lowest output at 2.40 kWh/day.
The substantial difference between summer and winter production highlights the impact of seasonal variations on solar energy generation in this region. However, the relatively high output during spring and summer months can help offset the reduced winter performance.
Optimal Panel Installation
To maximize year-round solar energy production in Tsuyama, Okayama, fixed solar panels should be installed at a tilt angle of 31 degrees facing South. This angle is calculated to optimize the panels' exposure to sunlight throughout the year, taking into account the Earth's elliptical orbit and the location's specific latitude.
Environmental Factors and Mitigation
While Tsuyama generally provides favorable conditions for solar energy production, there are some environmental factors to consider:
- Snowfall: Tsuyama experiences moderate snowfall in winter, which can potentially cover solar panels and reduce efficiency. To mitigate this, panels can be installed at a steeper angle or with snow guards to promote snow sliding off.
- Cloudy days: The region has a fair number of overcast days, particularly during the rainy season. Using high-efficiency panels and microinverters can help maximize energy production even in less-than-ideal light conditions.
Despite these challenges, proper installation techniques and equipment selection can significantly enhance solar energy production in Tsuyama. Regular maintenance, including cleaning panels and ensuring they remain unobstructed, will also contribute to optimal performance year-round.
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 Tsuyama
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 35.0562, Longitude: 133.999 (Tsuyama, 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 Tsuyama, Japan
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Tsuyama, Japan (Lat/Long 35.0562, 133.999) 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 Tsuyama, 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 Tsuyama, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 19° 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 Tsuyama, 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 Tsuyama, 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 Tsuyama, Japan
The topography around Tsuyama, Japan, is characterized by a mix of gentle hills, river valleys, and some flatter areas. Tsuyama is located in the northern part of Okayama Prefecture, nestled in a basin surrounded by low mountains. The Yoshii River flows through the city, creating a fertile valley that has historically been important for agriculture.
The landscape in this region is generally described as hilly, with elevations ranging from about 100 to 500 meters above sea level. The hills are often covered in forests, particularly with Japanese cedar and cypress trees. Between these hills, you'll find pockets of relatively flat land where most of the urban development and farming activities take place.
For large-scale solar PV (photovoltaic) installations, the most suitable areas nearby would likely be found in the following locations:
- Flatter agricultural lands: Some of the less productive or abandoned farmlands in the river valleys could potentially be repurposed for solar farms. These areas tend to have good sun exposure and are generally easier to develop.
- South-facing hillsides: While more challenging to develop, some of the gentler south-facing slopes in the area could be suitable for solar installations. These locations often receive more direct sunlight throughout the day.
- Industrial or commercial zones: On the outskirts of Tsuyama or in nearby towns, there may be industrial areas or large commercial properties with expansive rooftops that could accommodate solar panels.
- Reclaimed land: Any nearby areas that have been previously developed and then abandoned, such as old industrial sites or quarries, could potentially be repurposed for solar energy production.
It's important to note that while the topography around Tsuyama does offer some potential for solar PV development, the region's climate, with its relatively high rainfall and occasional heavy snow in winter, may present challenges. Additionally, the hilly terrain and forested areas may limit the availability of large, contiguous spaces ideal for utility-scale solar farms. Any development would need to carefully balance energy production goals with environmental conservation and land-use considerations.
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: Friday 23rd 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
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.
