Solar PV Analysis of Icheon-si, South Korea
Icheon-si, South Korea, situated at latitude 37.2546 and longitude 127.4031, presents a moderately favorable location for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. This Northern Temperate Zone city experiences distinct seasonal variations in solar energy production, which impacts the overall efficiency of solar installations.
Seasonal Solar Performance
Solar energy production in Icheon-si peaks during the summer months, with an average daily output of 5.36 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely behind, generating 5.17 kWh/day. These seasons offer the most ideal conditions for solar energy harvesting due to longer daylight hours and more direct sunlight.
Autumn sees a noticeable decrease in solar output, producing 3.63 kWh/day. Winter presents the most challenging period for solar energy generation, with daily production dropping to 2.98 kWh/day. This significant seasonal variation highlights the importance of proper system sizing to ensure adequate energy supply throughout the year.
Optimizing Solar Panel Installation
To maximize year-round solar energy production in Icheon-si, fixed solar panels should be installed at a tilt angle of 34 degrees facing south. This optimal angle accounts for the city's latitude and seasonal sun paths, ensuring the best possible exposure to sunlight throughout the year.
Environmental and Weather Considerations
While Icheon-si's climate is generally conducive to solar energy production, there are some factors that could potentially impact solar panel efficiency:
- Seasonal monsoons and heavy rainfall, particularly during summer months, may temporarily reduce solar output.
- Air pollution and occasional yellow dust storms from China can decrease panel efficiency by blocking sunlight.
To mitigate these issues, consider implementing the following preventative measures:
- Install high-quality, weather-resistant solar panels designed to withstand heavy rainfall and humidity.
- Implement a regular cleaning schedule to remove dust and pollutants from panel surfaces.
- Use anti-soiling coatings on solar panels to reduce the impact of dust accumulation.
- Consider a slight increase in panel tilt angle to promote natural cleaning during rainfall.
By addressing these environmental factors and optimizing panel placement, solar PV systems in Icheon-si can achieve reliable energy production throughout the year, with peak performance during 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 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 Icheon-si
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 37.2546, Longitude: 127.4031 (Icheon-si, 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 34° South in Icheon-si, South Korea
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Icheon-si, South Korea (Lat/Long 37.2546, 127.4031) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 34° 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 Icheon-si, 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 Icheon-si, South Korea. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 34° 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 Icheon-si, 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 Icheon-si, 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 Icheon-si, South Korea
The topography around Icheon-si, South Korea, is characterized by a mix of gently rolling hills, small mountains, and flat valleys. The city itself is situated in a relatively flat area, surrounded by low-lying hills and agricultural land. To the east and west of Icheon-si, the terrain becomes more mountainous, with several peaks reaching heights of 500 to 800 meters above sea level.
The region experiences a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, which influences the landscape throughout the year. Numerous small rivers and streams crisscross the area, creating fertile valleys that have historically been used for agriculture, particularly rice cultivation.
When considering areas nearby that would be most suited to large-scale solar PV (photovoltaic) installations, several factors come into play. The ideal locations would be relatively flat, open areas with good sun exposure and minimal shading from surrounding terrain or vegetation. Based on these criteria, the following areas near Icheon-si could be potential candidates:
- The flat agricultural lands to the south and southwest of the city offer expansive, open spaces that could accommodate large solar arrays. These areas typically have fewer obstructions and good sun exposure throughout the day.
- Some of the gentler hillsides and plateaus in the region, particularly those facing south or southwest, could be suitable for solar installations. These elevated areas often receive more direct sunlight and have less risk of shadowing from nearby terrain.
- Former industrial or commercial sites on the outskirts of Icheon-si and neighboring towns might provide suitable locations for solar farms. These areas are often already cleared and may have existing infrastructure that could be repurposed for solar energy production.
It's important to note that while these areas may be topographically suitable, other factors such as land ownership, local regulations, grid connectivity, and environmental considerations would need to be thoroughly assessed before implementing any large-scale solar PV projects. Additionally, given South Korea's commitment to renewable energy, there may be specific zones designated for solar development in the region that would take precedence over other potential sites.
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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Article Details for Citation
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Tuesday 15th of October 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.
