Solar PV Analysis of Buk-gu, Ulsan, South Korea
Buk-gu, South Korea, located at latitude 35.6018 and longitude 129.3491, presents a moderately favorable environment for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. This location in the Northern Temperate Zone experiences distinct seasonal variations in solar energy production.
Seasonal Solar Performance
The solar energy output at this location varies significantly across seasons. Spring and summer are the most productive periods, with daily outputs of 5.33 kWh and 5.29 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity, respectively. Autumn sees a decrease to 3.67 kWh/day, while winter experiences the lowest output at 3.25 kWh/day.
These figures indicate that Buk-gu has good potential for solar energy generation, particularly from late spring through early autumn. The substantial difference between summer and winter outputs suggests that supplementary energy sources might be beneficial during the colder months.
Optimal Panel Installation
For fixed panel installations in Buk-gu, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round solar production is 32 degrees facing south. This angle optimizes the panels' exposure to sunlight throughout the year, accounting for the location's latitude and seasonal sun paths.
Environmental Considerations
While Buk-gu generally offers favorable conditions for solar energy production, there are some environmental factors to consider:
- Seasonal weather patterns: The region experiences a monsoon season, typically from June to September, which can lead to increased cloud cover and potentially reduce solar output.
- Air pollution: As an industrial area, Buk-gu may experience periods of heightened air pollution, which could slightly diminish solar panel efficiency.
Preventative Measures
To mitigate these factors and ensure optimal energy production, consider the following measures when installing solar panels:
- Use high-quality, weather-resistant panels designed to perform well in varied conditions.
- Implement a regular cleaning schedule to remove dust and pollutants from panel surfaces.
- Consider a tracking system to maximize sun exposure throughout the day, especially during periods of reduced sunlight.
- Install a monitoring system to quickly identify and address any performance issues.
By implementing these strategies, solar installations in Buk-gu can capitalize on the location's generally favorable conditions while minimizing the impact of potential environmental challenges.
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 Buk-gu, Ulsan
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 35.6018, Longitude: 129.3491 (Buk-gu, Ulsan, 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 Buk-gu, Ulsan, South Korea
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Buk-gu, Ulsan, South Korea (Lat/Long 35.6018, 129.3491) 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 Buk-gu, Ulsan, 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 Buk-gu, Ulsan, 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 | 51° 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 Buk-gu, Ulsan, 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 Buk-gu, Ulsan, 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 Buk-gu, Ulsan, South Korea
The topography around Buk-gu, South Korea, is characterized by a mix of urban landscapes and natural features. Buk-gu is a district located in the northern part of Ulsan Metropolitan City, situated along the southeastern coast of South Korea. The area is generally hilly, with some flat areas near the coast and along river valleys.
To the west of Buk-gu, the terrain becomes more mountainous as it transitions into the foothills of the Yeongnam Alps. These mountains, while not extremely high, provide a scenic backdrop to the region and influence local weather patterns. The eastern side of Buk-gu is flatter, gradually sloping towards the East Sea (also known as the Sea of Japan).
Several rivers and streams flow through the area, including the Taehwa River, which runs through Ulsan City. These waterways have created some broader, flatter valleys amidst the surrounding hills. The combination of hills, valleys, and coastal areas creates a diverse topographical landscape in and around Buk-gu.
Areas Suitable for Large-Scale Solar PV
When considering areas nearby that would be most suited to large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations, several factors come into play. Ideal locations for solar farms typically include flat or gently sloping terrain with good sun exposure and minimal shading.
The coastal plains to the east and southeast of Buk-gu could potentially offer suitable areas for solar PV development. These areas tend to be flatter and may have fewer obstructions to sunlight. However, it's important to consider that these coastal zones may also be valuable for other uses, such as agriculture or urban development.
Some of the broader river valleys in the region might also provide appropriate sites for solar installations. These areas often feature relatively flat terrain and could have the necessary infrastructure nearby to support large-scale energy projects.
While the hilly and mountainous areas to the west may seem less suitable due to their uneven terrain, some south-facing slopes could potentially be utilized for solar farms. These slopes might receive good sun exposure throughout the day, although installation and maintenance could be more challenging in such terrain.
It's crucial to note that the feasibility of large-scale solar PV in any specific location would require detailed on-site assessments. Factors such as local land use regulations, proximity to power grids, and environmental considerations would all play significant roles in determining the most suitable areas for solar energy development near Buk-gu.
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!
Citation Guide
Article Details for Citation
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Saturday 31st of August 2024
Last Updated: Monday 21st of July 2025
Tell Us About Your Work
We love seeing how our research helps others! If you've cited this article in your work, we'd be delighted to hear about it. Drop us a line via our Contact Us page or on X, to share where you've used our information - we may feature a link to your work on our site. This helps create a network of valuable resources for others in the solar energy community and helps us understand how our research is contributing to the field. Plus, we occasionally highlight exceptional works that reference our research on our social media channels.
Feeling generous?
Share this with your friends!
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.
