Solar PV Analysis of Uehara, Japan
Uehara, Tokyo, Japan, located at 35.6723° N, 139.6939° E, offers a relatively favorable environment for solar energy generation throughout the year. This location in the Northern Temperate Zone experiences distinct seasonal variations in solar output, presenting both opportunities and challenges for photovoltaic (PV) installations.
Seasonal Solar Performance
Solar energy production in Uehara peaks during the summer months, with an average daily output of 5.28 kWh per kW of installed capacity. Spring closely follows with 5.26 kWh/day, making these seasons ideal for maximum energy generation. Autumn and winter see a significant drop in production, with 3.62 kWh/day and 3.50 kWh/day, respectively. Despite the reduced output, these figures indicate that solar PV systems can still contribute meaningfully to energy needs year-round.
Optimal Panel Installation
To maximize year-round solar energy production in Uehara, Tokyo, fixed solar panels should be installed at a tilt angle of 33 degrees facing south. This angle is calculated to optimize the capture of sunlight throughout the year, accounting for the Earth's elliptical orbit and the location's specific latitude.
Environmental Considerations
While Uehara's climate is generally conducive to solar energy production, there are some environmental factors to consider:
- Rainy season: Japan experiences a rainy season (typically June to July) which can reduce solar output.
- Typhoons: The region is prone to typhoons, which can potentially damage solar installations if not properly secured.
Preventative Measures
To mitigate these environmental challenges and ensure optimal energy production, several preventative measures can be implemented:
1. Use high-quality, weather-resistant solar panels and mounting systems designed to withstand heavy rain and strong winds.
2. Implement a robust cleaning schedule to remove dust and debris, especially after storms or during periods of high pollen.
3. Consider incorporating micro-inverters or power optimizers to minimize the impact of partial shading on overall system performance.
4. Install a monitoring system to track performance and quickly identify any issues that may arise due to weather conditions or equipment malfunctions.
By taking these factors into account and implementing appropriate measures, solar PV installations in Uehara can effectively harness the available solar resources and provide a reliable source of renewable energy 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 Uehara
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 35.6723, Longitude: 139.6939 (Uehara, 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 Uehara, Japan
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Uehara, Japan (Lat/Long 35.6723, 139.6939) 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 Uehara, 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 Uehara, 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 Uehara, 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 Uehara, 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 Uehara, Japan
The area around Uehara, Japan, which is located in Tokyo's Shibuya ward, is characterized by a predominantly urban topography. This region is part of the larger Tokyo metropolitan area, situated on the Kanto Plain. The terrain in and around Uehara is generally flat to gently rolling, with some slight variations in elevation.
The immediate vicinity of Uehara is densely populated and built-up, featuring a mix of residential, commercial, and institutional structures. While there are some small parks and green spaces scattered throughout the area, the landscape is primarily dominated by urban development. The streets are typically arranged in a grid-like pattern, with buildings of varying heights creating an urban skyline.
As you move further away from the central urban core, the topography becomes slightly more varied. To the west, the land gradually rises towards the Tama Hills, while to the east, it slopes gently towards Tokyo Bay. However, these changes in elevation are relatively subtle within the city limits.
Regarding areas nearby that would be most suited for large-scale solar PV (photovoltaic) installations, the urban nature of Uehara and its surroundings presents some challenges. The dense development and lack of open spaces within the city make it difficult to find suitable locations for expansive solar farms. However, there are some potential options to consider:
Rooftop Solar:
While not technically "large-scale," the vast number of building rooftops in the Tokyo metropolitan area could collectively provide significant space for solar PV installations. Many commercial, industrial, and institutional buildings have flat or gently sloped roofs that could accommodate solar panels.
Suburban and Rural Outskirts:
Moving further away from Uehara and the central Tokyo area, more open spaces become available in the suburban and rural outskirts. Areas to the west, such as parts of Tama or Hachioji, might offer more suitable locations for larger solar installations, especially on less productive agricultural land or former industrial sites.
Reclaimed Land:
To the east, towards Tokyo Bay, there are areas of reclaimed land that could potentially be utilized for solar farms. While much of this land is already developed or designated for other uses, some portions might be available for renewable energy projects.
Nearby Prefectures:
For truly large-scale solar PV projects, it may be necessary to look to neighboring prefectures such as Chiba, Saitama, or Kanagawa. These areas, while still part of the greater Tokyo metropolitan region, generally have more available open space that could be suitable for solar farm development.
It's important to note that any large-scale solar PV project in this region would need to carefully consider land-use regulations, environmental impact, and the high population density characteristic of the Tokyo area. Innovative approaches, such as dual-use solar (e.g., solar panels over parking lots or agricultural land) might be particularly relevant in this context.
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 21st 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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