Solar PV Analysis of Wada, Japan
The location at Wada, Tokyo, Japan, which is in the Northern Temperate Zone, can produce a moderate amount of energy from solar photovoltaic (PV) panels throughout the year. Solar PV panels convert sunlight into electricity.
During summer and spring, each kilowatt (kW) of installed solar can generate around 5.28 and 5.26 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per day respectively. This means that these times are ideal for generating solar power because the days are longer and sunnier.
In autumn and winter, each kW of installed solar can produce about 3.62 kWh/day and 3.50 kWh/day respectively; less than summer or spring due to shorter daylight hours and potentially more cloud cover.
To maximize total yearly production from solar PV at this location, fixed panel installations should ideally be tilted at an angle of 33 degrees facing southwards.This will help capture as much sunlight as possible over the course of a year.
However, there could be local environmental or weather factors affecting solar production here in Wada, Tokyo, Japan:
1) Shadowing: Buildings or trees may cast shadows on your panels reducing their efficiency.
Prevention: Plan your installation site carefully to avoid shadowing issues - this might mean placing them on a roof or high structure if necessary.
2) Dust & Dirt: These can accumulate on panels over time blocking some sunlight.
Prevention: Regular cleaning will keep your panels operating efficiently.
3) Snowfall: Being located in the Northern Temperate Zone it's likely that snow could cover the panels during winter months decreasing their output significantly.
Prevention: If snow accumulation is common you might consider installing automated panel-cleaning systems to brush off snow regularly
4) Typhoons/Heavy Rainfall: These could lead to temporary shutdowns due to safety concerns
Prevention : Install robust mounting systems designed for such conditions so they remain stable even during extreme weather.
All these factors should be considered while installing solar panels in Wada, Tokyo, Japan to ensure maximum energy production 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 Wada
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 35.5621, Longitude: 139.8972 (Wada, 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 Wada, Japan
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Wada, Japan (Lat/Long 35.5621, 139.8972) 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 Wada, 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 Wada, 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 | 41° 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 Wada, 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 Wada, 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 Wada, Japan
Wada, Japan is located in the Kanagawa Prefecture on Honshu Island. The area is characterized by a mix of flat plains and hilly terrain. It's relatively close to the coastline, which means it can benefit from consistent sunlight exposure due to lack of tall mountain shadows.
When considering areas for large-scale solar PV installations, factors like sunlight exposure, land availability and slope of the land are important. Flat or gently sloping lands are more suitable for solar panel installation as they allow maximum exposure to sunlight and easy installation.
Given these considerations, the flatter plains around Wada would be most suited for large-scale solar PV installations. This could potentially include agricultural lands that aren't currently in use or other open spaces.
However, it's also important to consider other factors such as local regulations regarding land use and potential environmental impacts before deciding on a location for such an installation.
As well as this physical analysis it would be necessary to conduct a detailed feasibility study taking into account grid access points and capacity along with potential distribution requirements given demand profiles in order to fully assess suitability.
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: Friday 14th of June 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.
