Solar PV Analysis of Gwacheon, South Korea
Gwacheon, South Korea, has the potential to generate solar energy all year round, but not equally in all seasons. The amount of energy that can be produced from solar panels varies throughout the year. In simple terms, a solar panel works best when it gets lots of sunlight.
During summer and spring, Gwacheon gets more sunlight which means more energy can be generated - about 5.53 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per day in summer and 5.35 kWh/day in spring for each kilowatt (kW) of installed solar panels.
In contrast, during autumn and winter when days are shorter and there's less sunlight, the amount of energy that can be produced decreases - about 3.73 kWh/day in autumn and even lower at 2.95 kWh/day in winter for each kW of installed solar panels.
If you're planning to install fixed solar panels here, they should ideally be tilted at an angle facing 33 degrees south to get the maximum amount of sunlight over the course of a year.
However, there may be some local factors that could affect how much energy you can generate from your solar panels:
1) Weather: Gwacheon has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons including a rainy monsoon season and cold winters which might reduce the efficiency of your panels due to less sunlight or snow coverage.
2) Topography: The city is located within mountainous terrain which could potentially block some sun rays depending on where exactly your property is situated.
To overcome these challenges:
- You might want to consider installing adjustable tilt mounts for your PV system so you can change their angle based on seasonal changes.
- Regular cleaning especially after snowfall or heavy rains would also help maintain optimal performance.
- If possible locate your installation where it will receive unobstructed sun exposure throughout most part of day.
Remember though every location is unique so it's always best to consult with a local solar installation professional who can assess your specific situation and provide personalized advice.
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 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 Gwacheon
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 37.4366, Longitude: 126.9963 (Gwacheon, 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 33° South in Gwacheon, South Korea
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Gwacheon, South Korea (Lat/Long 37.4366, 126.9963) 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 Gwacheon, 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 Gwacheon, South Korea. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 21° South in Summer | 42° South in Autumn | 52° South in Winter | 30° 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 Gwacheon, 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 Gwacheon, 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 Gwacheon, South Korea
Gwacheon is located in the northwest part of South Korea. The city is characterized by a mix of flatlands and mountainous regions, with Gwanaksan Mountain being a prominent feature. The area also has numerous parks and green spaces, including the Seoul Grand Park.
For large-scale solar PV installations, flat open areas are typically most suitable due to ease of installation and maintenance, as well as optimal sun exposure. In Gwacheon's case, these could be the relatively flatter regions or repurposed land such as old industrial sites if available.
However, it's also possible to install solar panels on hillsides or mountains with good sun exposure. This would require more careful planning and construction but could be an option given the mountainous topography around Gwacheon.
Another potential site for solar PV systems could be rooftops within urban areas of the city itself – this would help reduce transmission losses associated with transporting electricity over long distances.
Lastly, floating solar farms on bodies of water (if any significant ones are present) can also be considered since they have been successful in other parts of South Korea like Hapcheon Dam in Gyeongnam province.
Before any decisions are made though, detailed studies would need to be conducted to assess factors such as local climate conditions (including yearly sunlight hours), land ownership issues and potential environmental impacts among others.
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: Thursday 11th of January 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.
