Zama, Kanagawa, Japan, located at latitude 35.4965° North and longitude 139.4092° East, demonstrates a reasonably good profile for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. This location in the Northern Temperate Zone experiences seasonal variations in solar energy production, with daily electricity output per kilowatt of installed capacity ranging from 3.44kWh in winter to 5.27kWh in summer.

Seasonal Solar Performance

Solar energy production in Zama follows a predictable seasonal pattern. Summer months yield the highest energy output at 5.27kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed capacity. Spring follows closely behind with 5.22kWh/day, making spring and summer the prime seasons for solar generation in this region. Production decreases noticeably in autumn (3.56kWh/day) and winter (3.44kWh/day), though these values still represent usable energy generation potential.

The relatively small difference between winter and summer production (approximately 1.83kWh/day) indicates that Zama has a fairly balanced solar profile compared to locations at higher latitudes, where winter production can drop dramatically. This means solar installations in Zama can provide meaningful energy contributions year-round, though supplementary power sources may be beneficial during the less productive autumn and winter months.

Optimal Installation Angle

For fixed solar panel installations in Zama, Kanagawa, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round energy production is 33 degrees facing South. This angle has been calculated by analyzing daily solar elevation patterns at this specific latitude, weighted by the solar irradiance potential throughout the year. This carefully determined angle balances the seasonal variations to optimize total annual energy harvest.

Environmental and Weather Considerations

Several environmental factors could potentially impact solar production in Zama. Japan's climate includes a rainy season (typically June to July), which can temporarily reduce solar output due to cloud cover. The region also experiences typhoons, primarily in late summer and early autumn, which can bring extended periods of overcast conditions.

Additionally, Zama may experience occasional snowfall in winter, which can cover panels and reduce efficiency. Air pollution and particulate matter from nearby urban areas might also accumulate on panel surfaces over time, gradually decreasing performance.

To mitigate these challenges, solar installations in Zama should incorporate:

• Robust mounting systems designed to withstand typhoon-strength winds
• Self-cleaning panel technologies or regular maintenance schedules to remove dust, pollen, and other particulates
• Slight increases in panel tilt angle (beyond the optimal 33 degrees) if winter snow accumulation is a significant concern, as this helps snow slide off more easily
• High-quality inverters that perform efficiently even in lower-light conditions during the rainy season

With these considerations addressed, Zama represents a viable location for solar PV installations with the potential for consistent energy production throughout the year, particularly during the highly productive spring and summer months.

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 Zama

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 35.4965, Longitude: 139.4092 (Zama, 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 Zama, Japan

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Zama, Japan (Lat/Long 35.4965, 139.4092) 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 Zama, 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 Zama, 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 Zama, 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 Zama, 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 Zama, Japan

The topography surrounding Zama, Japan is characterized by a diverse landscape situated within the Kanagawa Prefecture, approximately 30 kilometers southwest of central Tokyo. This region forms part of the Kantō Plain but features notable variations in elevation and terrain. Zama itself sits in a valley area at around 80-100 meters above sea level, nestled between several modest hills and ridges. To the west, the terrain gradually rises toward the foothills of the Tanzawa Mountains, which eventually reach elevations exceeding 1,500 meters. These mountains form a significant topographical barrier and watershed for the region. The eastern portions of Zama transition into the flatter Sagamihara plateau, which extends toward the Tokyo metropolitan area. This plateau represents one of the more level sections of terrain in the vicinity. Numerous small rivers and streams cut through the landscape, including tributaries of the Sagami River system, creating natural drainage channels that have shaped the local topography over millennia.

Vegetation and Land Use Patterns

The natural vegetation around Zama consists primarily of temperate broadleaf forests, though much of the original forest cover has been replaced by urban development, agricultural land, and managed woodland. The remaining forested areas tend to be concentrated on steeper slopes and designated conservation zones. Urban development has significantly altered the natural topography, particularly in flatter areas where residential neighborhoods, commercial districts, and industrial facilities predominate. The Japan Ground Self-Defense Force maintains a significant presence in Zama, occupying substantial land area with relatively low-density development.

Solar PV Potential Areas

For large-scale solar photovoltaic development, the most suitable areas near Zama would be found on the Sagamihara plateau to the east and northeast. These areas offer relatively flat terrain that minimizes the costs associated with land preparation and maximizes solar exposure throughout the day. The plateau's elevation also reduces potential shading from surrounding terrain features. Secondary potential exists in some of the cleared agricultural lands to the south of Zama, where moderately flat terrain provides adequate conditions for solar array installation. These agricultural zones typically have existing access to transportation infrastructure, which is beneficial for construction and maintenance of solar facilities. The western areas approaching the Tanzawa Mountains present significant challenges for large-scale solar development due to steeper slopes, greater forest cover, and increased cloud formation along the mountain front. These factors would reduce overall generation efficiency and increase installation costs. Former industrial sites and brownfields within the greater Zama-Sagamihara area might also offer potential for solar development, particularly where large, flat rooftops or cleared ground areas already exist. These locations have the advantage of proximity to existing electrical infrastructure and reduced impact on undeveloped lands. When considering solar development in this region, it's important to note that the overall topographical context creates some constraints. The surrounding hills and mountains can potentially cause shading during early morning and late afternoon, particularly in winter months when the sun angle is lower. The optimal solar installations would therefore be positioned to maximize exposure during mid-day periods and on south-facing gentle slopes where available.

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.

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.