Solar Energy Potential in Yamagata, Japan

Yamagata, Japan, located at 38.2333° N, 140.3667° E in the Northern Temperate Zone, shows notable seasonal variation in solar energy production potential. This location experiences distinct seasons that significantly impact the efficiency of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems throughout the year. The solar output at this location follows a predictable seasonal pattern. Summer proves to be the most productive season, generating approximately 5.26 kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely behind with 4.97 kWh/day per kW installed. These two seasons represent the peak production periods for solar energy in Yamagata. Production decreases substantially during autumn, with output dropping to 3.14 kWh/day per kW installed. Winter shows the lowest production levels, with just 1.99 kWh/day per kW installed, less than half of what can be generated during the summer months.

Optimal Panel Installation

For fixed solar panel installations in Yamagata, the ideal tilt angle is 33 degrees facing South. This specific angle maximizes year-round solar energy production by optimizing the capture of available sunlight across all seasons. This calculation takes into account the Earth's elliptical orbit and the specific latitude of Yamagata.

Environmental and Weather Challenges

Several significant environmental factors can affect solar production in Yamagata:

• Heavy snowfall in winter months can cover panels and drastically reduce output
• Frequent cloudy and overcast conditions, particularly during the rainy season
• Occasional typhoons that bring extended periods of rainfall

To mitigate these challenges, several preventative measures are recommended. Installing panels at the calculated 33-degree angle not only optimizes sunlight capture but also helps snow to slide off more easily. Snow-shedding systems or manual cleaning protocols should be established for winter months. Additionally, high-quality, weather-resistant panels with anti-soiling coatings can help maintain efficiency during adverse weather conditions. Regular maintenance is particularly important in this region to remove any accumulated snow, debris, or dirt that might impede production. Some installations in this region may benefit from automated cleaning systems, though these add to initial costs.

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 Yamagata

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 38.2333, Longitude: 140.3667 (Yamagata, 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 Yamagata, Japan

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Yamagata, Japan (Lat/Long 38.2333, 140.3667) 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 Yamagata, 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 Yamagata, 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
22° South in Summer	43° South in Autumn	53° South in Winter	31° 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 Yamagata, 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 Yamagata, 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 Yamagata, Japan

Yamagata, situated in the Tohoku region of Japan, possesses a diverse and dramatic topography shaped by geological forces over millennia. The city lies within a basin surrounded by mountains, creating a distinctive landscape that influences both climate and land use patterns.

Mountain Ranges

The most prominent topographical feature around Yamagata is the Ou Mountain Range (奥羽山脈) to the east, which forms the backbone of northern Honshu. These mountains create a natural boundary between Yamagata and Miyagi Prefectures. To the west lies the Dewa Mountains, part of the larger Echigo Mountain Range. This mountainous encirclement means Yamagata sits in what is essentially a large valley basin, with elevations in the surrounding peaks reaching over 1,500 meters above sea level.

Yamagata Basin

The Yamagata Basin itself is relatively flat, with gentle slopes rising toward the foothills of the surrounding mountains. This basin was formed through tectonic activity and has been further shaped by the Mogami River system, which has deposited fertile alluvial soil throughout the area. The basin floor averages about 250 meters above sea level, creating a distinct microclimate within the broader regional context.

River Systems

The Mogami River (最上川) and its tributaries form the primary drainage system for the region, flowing northward through Yamagata Prefecture before emptying into the Sea of Japan. These waterways have carved valleys through the mountainous terrain and contributed to the formation of floodplains within the basin. The river system has historically been vital for transportation, agriculture, and settlement patterns in the region.

Solar PV Potential Areas

For large-scale solar photovoltaic development, several areas around Yamagata present favorable conditions: The southwestern portions of the Yamagata Basin offer relatively flat terrain with minimal shading from mountains, particularly in areas between Yamagata City and Tendo City. These locations combine accessible terrain with good exposure to sunlight throughout much of the day. Former agricultural lands on the basin periphery that have been abandoned due to demographic shifts present opportunities for solar development. These areas typically have existing road access and are already cleared of forest cover, reducing environmental impact and development costs. The gentle south-facing slopes of the basin's northern edge receive consistent sun exposure throughout the year. While requiring some terracing for larger installations, these areas avoid the deep winter shadows cast by the taller mountains to the east and west.

Topographical Challenges

Despite these opportunities, the topography around Yamagata does present certain challenges for solar development. The mountainous surroundings can create localized shading effects, particularly during winter months when the sun angle is lower. The basin location also experiences temperature inversions that can lead to fog and low cloud cover during certain seasons. Additionally, the region experiences significant snowfall, with accumulations affecting ground-mounted solar arrays. This necessitates designs that can withstand snow loading and systems that facilitate snow shedding or removal to maintain generation capacity during winter months. The most promising areas balance elevation (to avoid the worst of winter fog conditions) with protection from the region's occasional strong winds, while maintaining good solar exposure. Careful site selection within the broader Yamagata Basin can mitigate many of these topographical challenges while capitalizing on the available land resources.

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.

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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.