Solar PV Analysis of Wakayama, Japan
Wakayama, Japan, located at latitude 34.2281 and longitude 135.1748, offers a promising environment for solar energy generation throughout the year. This location in the Northern Sub Tropics experiences varying levels of solar potential across different seasons, providing opportunities for consistent electricity production via photovoltaic (PV) systems.
Seasonal Solar Performance
The solar energy output at this location demonstrates notable fluctuations across the four meteorological seasons. Summer stands out as the most productive period, with an average daily output of 5.31 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely behind, yielding 5.23 kWh/day. Autumn sees a moderate decrease in production at 3.89 kWh/day, while winter experiences the lowest output at 3.11 kWh/day.
These figures indicate that the location is particularly well-suited for solar energy generation during the warmer months, with summer and spring offering peak performance. However, the relatively consistent output throughout the year suggests that solar PV systems can provide a reliable source of renewable energy even during the less productive seasons.
Optimal Panel Orientation
To maximize year-round solar energy production at this location, fixed solar panels should be tilted at an angle of 31 degrees facing South. This optimal angle has been calculated taking into account the Earth's elliptical orbit and the site's specific latitude, ensuring the panels capture the maximum amount of sunlight throughout the year.
Environmental Considerations
While Wakayama's climate is generally favorable for solar energy production, there are some environmental factors to consider. The region experiences a rainy season, typically from June to July, which could temporarily reduce solar output. Additionally, occasional typhoons may pose a risk to solar installations.
To mitigate these challenges, several preventative measures can be implemented:
- Use high-quality, weather-resistant solar panels and mounting systems designed to withstand strong winds and heavy rainfall.
- Install adequate drainage systems to prevent water accumulation on or around the solar panels.
- Implement a regular cleaning and maintenance schedule to remove any debris or salt deposits that may accumulate due to the coastal location.
By taking these precautions, solar energy systems in Wakayama can maintain high levels of efficiency and durability, capitalizing on the location's overall favorable conditions for solar power generation throughout the year.
Note: The Northern Sub Tropics extend from 23.5° latitude North up to 35° 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 Wakayama
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 34.2281, Longitude: 135.1748 (Wakayama, 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 Wakayama, Japan
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Wakayama, Japan (Lat/Long 34.2281, 135.1748) 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 Wakayama, 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 Wakayama, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18° South in Summer | 40° South in Autumn | 49° South in Winter | 27° 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 Wakayama, 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 Wakayama, 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 Wakayama, Japan
The topography around Wakayama, Japan, is quite diverse and interesting. The city of Wakayama itself is situated on a coastal plain, with relatively flat terrain near the shoreline. This area gradually transitions into gently rolling hills as you move inland.
To the north and east of Wakayama, the landscape becomes more mountainous, with the Kii Mountains dominating the scenery. These mountains are part of a larger range that extends across much of the Kii Peninsula. The mountains are characterized by steep slopes, deep valleys, and dense forests. Some peaks in this region reach heights of over 1,000 meters (3,280 feet) above sea level.
To the west and southwest of Wakayama, you'll find the Osaka Bay and the Pacific Ocean. The coastline in this area features a mix of sandy beaches, rocky shores, and small bays. There are also several small islands scattered off the coast.
When considering areas nearby that would be most suited to large-scale solar PV (photovoltaic) installations, a few regions stand out:
1. The coastal plain areas to the south and southeast of Wakayama city would be potential candidates. These areas offer relatively flat terrain, which is ideal for solar panel installation. The proximity to the ocean might provide consistent sunlight exposure, although care would need to be taken to protect the panels from salt spray and potential typhoons.
2. Some of the less steep hillsides in the transitional zone between the coastal plain and the mountains could also be suitable. These areas might benefit from good sun exposure and less competition for land use compared to the more densely populated coastal regions.
3. Abandoned or underutilized agricultural land in the surrounding rural areas could be repurposed for solar farms. Japan has been increasingly looking at such options to expand its renewable energy capacity.
However, it's important to note that large-scale solar installations in this region would face some challenges. The mountainous terrain limits the available flat land, and the area's susceptibility to natural disasters like earthquakes and typhoons would require robust engineering solutions. Additionally, Japan's land scarcity and high population density mean that any large-scale solar projects would need to carefully consider their impact on local communities and ecosystems.
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 2nd 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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