Solar Energy Production in Sacheon-si, South Korea

Sacheon-si, South Korea, located at coordinates 35.0017, 128.0664 in the Northern Temperate Zone, offers generally favorable conditions for solar PV energy generation throughout the year, though with seasonal variations. The location experiences its highest solar energy production during Spring, generating about 5.50 kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed solar capacity. Summer follows closely behind with 5.42 kWh/day. These seasons represent peak production periods when the sun's position is most favorable and days are longer. Energy production decreases significantly during Autumn (3.73 kWh/day) and reaches its lowest point in Winter (3.30 kWh/day). This seasonal pattern is typical for locations in the Northern Temperate Zone, where winter months bring shorter days and lower sun angles. For fixed solar panel installations in Sacheon-si, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round energy production is 32 degrees facing South. This specific angle has been calculated to optimize solar capture across all seasons based on the location's latitude and seasonal sun positions.

Environmental and Weather Considerations

Several environmental factors could potentially impact solar energy production in Sacheon-si:

• Monsoon season: South Korea experiences a summer monsoon season (typically June to September) with heavy rainfall that can temporarily reduce solar output.
• Typhoons: The coastal location makes Sacheon-si occasionally vulnerable to typhoons, which bring cloud cover and potential physical risks to installations.
• Air pollution and yellow dust: Seasonal air pollution, including yellow dust from continental Asia, can reduce solar irradiance reaching panels.
• Snow accumulation: Winter snowfall can cover panels and reduce production during already low-yield months.

Preventative Measures

To mitigate these challenges and optimize solar production in Sacheon-si, consider these installation strategies: Sturdy mounting systems rated for typhoon-force winds will protect the physical installation. Self-cleaning panel technologies or regular maintenance schedules can address dust and pollution buildup. For snow concerns, installing panels at the recommended 32-degree tilt helps facilitate natural snow shedding. Microinverters or power optimizers can help manage partial shading issues during cloudy monsoon periods, ensuring the entire system doesn't underperform when only sections are shaded. Despite these seasonal challenges, Sacheon-si's annual solar production profile remains quite favorable, with strong performance in spring and summer that helps offset the reduced winter production.

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 Sacheon-si

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 35.0017, Longitude: 128.0664 (Sacheon-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 32° South in Sacheon-si, South Korea

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Sacheon-si, South Korea (Lat/Long 35.0017, 128.0664) 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 Sacheon-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 Sacheon-si, 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 Sacheon-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 Sacheon-si, South Korea.

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 Sacheon-si, South Korea

Sacheon-si, located in South Gyeongsang Province of South Korea, features diverse topographical characteristics that significantly influence its landscape and potential for renewable energy development. The city sits where the Sacheon River meets the Korea Strait, creating a distinctive coastal environment with varied terrain.

Coastal and Inland Features

The topography of Sacheon is characterized by a blend of coastal plains, rolling hills, and more mountainous terrain as one moves inland. Along the southern edge, the city borders the Korea Strait, featuring several bays and inlets that create a jagged coastline. This coastal area gradually transitions to flat, alluvial plains formed by the Sacheon River, which flows through the center of the region. Moving inland and to the north, the landscape becomes increasingly undulating with hills ranging from gentle slopes to more pronounced elevations. The northern parts of Sacheon-si connect with the foothills of the Sobaek Mountain range, which runs through much of South Korea's interior. These elevated areas typically reach heights of several hundred meters above sea level, creating distinct microclimates throughout the region.

Valleys and Watersheds

The Sacheon River and its tributaries have carved numerous valleys throughout the area, creating natural divisions in the landscape. These valleys often contain fertile soil and have historically been used for agriculture. The watershed system in Sacheon creates a network of smaller streams and drainage patterns that have influenced settlement patterns and land use across the region. Between these valleys, ridge lines and hills create natural boundaries. This undulating terrain means that flat, continuous expanses of land are somewhat limited, particularly in the northern sections of the region.

Optimal Areas for Solar PV Development

For large-scale solar photovoltaic installations, several areas around Sacheon-si present favorable conditions: The coastal plains south of the city center offer relatively flat terrain with minimal shading from mountains. These areas receive consistent solar exposure throughout the day, though consideration must be given to occasional coastal weather patterns that might bring fog or sea mist. Several of the broader valleys and plateaus in the central part of the region provide suitable locations where solar arrays could be deployed with minimal land modification. These areas benefit from protection against strong winds while maintaining good solar exposure. The gently sloping hillsides facing south and southwest throughout the region present particularly attractive options for solar development. These locations benefit from optimal sun angles and reduced shading effects, potentially increasing energy capture efficiency. Some agricultural areas on these slopes that may be less productive could be considered for dual-use solar installations.

Challenging Terrain

Not all areas around Sacheon are equally suitable for solar development. The steeper northern mountains present installation challenges due to difficult access, potential shading from adjacent peaks, and more complex construction requirements. Additionally, the densely forested sections would require clearing, raising environmental concerns. The immediate coastal areas, while flat, may be subject to land use restrictions or face challenges related to salt spray affecting equipment durability. Flood-prone areas near the Sacheon River and its tributaries would also present risks to infrastructure.

Land Use Considerations

When identifying optimal solar PV locations, it's important to note that much of the flatter terrain around Sacheon is currently dedicated to agriculture or urban development. This reality means that solar developers might need to focus on hillside installations, former industrial sites, or dual-use approaches that combine solar with compatible agricultural activities. The moderate elevations in the central region often represent the best compromise between favorable topography, existing infrastructure access, and minimized land use conflicts. These areas typically feature sufficient slope for good drainage while remaining accessible for construction and maintenance activities.

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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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.