Solar PV Analysis of Geoje, South Korea
Geoje, South Korea, situated at 34.8835°N, 128.6182°E in the Northern Sub Tropics, offers a favorable location for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. The seasonal variations in electricity output provide insights into the potential for solar power production in this area.
Seasonal Solar Performance
Solar panels in Geoje demonstrate strong performance across all seasons, with particularly impressive outputs during summer and spring. In summer, each kilowatt of installed solar capacity generates an average of 5.67 kWh per day, while spring closely follows with 5.63 kWh per day. Autumn sees a moderate decrease to 3.89 kWh per day, and winter experiences the lowest output at 3.28 kWh per day.
Optimal Times for Solar Generation
The most ideal periods for solar energy production in Geoje are during the summer months (June to August) and spring (March to May). These seasons offer longer daylight hours and typically clearer skies, maximizing solar panel efficiency. While autumn and winter show reduced output, the region still maintains a respectable level of solar generation during these cooler months.
Panel Installation Considerations
For fixed panel installations in Geoje, the optimal tilt angle to maximize year-round solar production is 32 degrees facing South. This angle is calculated to capture the most sunlight throughout the year, taking into account the location's latitude and the Earth's orbit.
Environmental and Weather Factors
While Geoje generally provides good conditions for solar energy production, there are some environmental factors to consider:
- Typhoons: Geoje can be affected by typhoons during late summer and early autumn, which may temporarily reduce solar output and potentially damage panels if not properly secured.
- Humidity: The region's subtropical climate can lead to high humidity levels, potentially affecting panel efficiency and longevity.
Preventative Measures
To mitigate these factors and ensure optimal solar energy production, consider the following measures when installing solar panels in Geoje:
- Use typhoon-resistant mounting systems and high-quality, durable panels designed to withstand strong winds and heavy rainfall.
- Implement regular cleaning schedules to remove salt spray and humidity-related buildup, maintaining panel efficiency.
- Install panels with anti-corrosion coatings to protect against the effects of humidity and salt air.
- Consider a slight increase in panel tilt angle to promote natural cleaning by rainwater, reducing maintenance needs.
By addressing these factors, solar installations in Geoje can maximize their energy production potential and longevity, taking full advantage of the location's generally favorable conditions for solar PV generation.
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 124 locations across South Korea. This analysis provides insights into each city/location's potential for harnessing solar energy through PV installations.
Link: Solar PV potential in South Korea by location
Solar output per kW of installed solar PV by season in Geoje
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 34.8835, Longitude: 128.6182 (Geoje, South Korea), 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 32° South in Geoje, South Korea
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Geoje, South Korea (Lat/Long 34.8835, 128.6182) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 32° 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 Geoje, South Korea
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 Geoje, South Korea. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 32° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 19° South in Summer | 41° South in Autumn | 50° South in Winter | 28° 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 Geoje, South Korea
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 Geoje, South Korea.
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 Geoje, South Korea
Geoje, located in South Korea, is characterized by a diverse and picturesque topography that combines coastal and mountainous features. The city is situated on Geoje Island, the second-largest island off the southern coast of the Korean Peninsula. The landscape around Geoje is predominantly hilly and mountainous, with numerous peaks and ridges spreading across the island.
The coastline of Geoje is highly irregular, featuring many bays, inlets, and smaller islands. This creates a jagged shoreline with numerous beaches and coves. The terrain rises quickly from the coast, forming steep hillsides and mountains that dominate the island's interior. The highest point on Geoje Island is Gara Mountain, which stands at approximately 600 meters (1,969 feet) above sea level.
The island's interior is marked by valleys between the mountains, where small streams and rivers flow. These areas are often used for agriculture, with terraced fields visible on some of the gentler slopes. Dense forests cover much of the mountainous regions, contributing to the island's lush, green appearance.
Regarding areas suitable for large-scale solar PV (photovoltaic) installations near Geoje, there are some challenges due to the mountainous terrain. However, several potential locations could be considered:
1. Coastal flatlands: Some areas along the coast, particularly in the northern and eastern parts of the island, have relatively flat terrain that could accommodate solar installations. These areas would need to be carefully selected to avoid conflicts with existing developments or environmentally sensitive zones.
2. Reclaimed land: There are some reclaimed land areas around Geoje, particularly near industrial zones, which could potentially be repurposed for solar farms. These flat, open spaces would be ideal for large-scale installations.
3. Offshore installations: Given Geoje's coastal location, floating solar farms in sheltered bays or inlets could be a viable option. This would take advantage of the abundant water surface area without compromising limited land resources.
4. Rooftop installations: While not strictly large-scale, the cumulative effect of multiple rooftop solar installations on industrial buildings, particularly in the shipbuilding complexes, could contribute significantly to solar energy production.
5. Nearby mainland areas: If considering locations beyond Geoje Island itself, the nearby mainland regions of South Gyeongsang Province, particularly around Tongyeong and Goseong, may offer more expansive flat areas suitable for large-scale solar farms.
It's important to note that any large-scale solar PV project in this region would require careful environmental impact assessments and consideration of local regulations, given the area's natural beauty and ecological significance.
South Korea solar PV Stats as a country
South Korea ranks 8th in the world for cumulative solar PV capacity, with 18,161 total MW's of solar PV installed. This means that 3.80% of South Korea's total energy as a country comes from solar PV (that's 21st in the world). Each year South Korea is generating 350 Watts from solar PV per capita (South Korea ranks 9th in the world for solar PV Watts generated per capita). [source]
Are there incentives for businesses to install solar in South Korea?
Yes, there are incentives for businesses wanting to install solar energy in South Korea. The Korean government offers a variety of financial incentives and subsidies for businesses that install solar energy systems. These include tax credits, grants, loans, and other forms of support. Additionally, the government has implemented a feed-in tariff system which guarantees a fixed price for electricity generated from renewable sources such as solar power. This helps to make the installation of solar energy systems more attractive to businesses by providing them with a guaranteed return on their investment.
Do you have more up to date information than this on incentives towards solar PV projects in South Korea? Please reach out to us and help us keep this information current. Thanks!
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Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Monday 2nd of September 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.
