Uljin County, South Korea presents a moderately favorable location for year-round solar photovoltaic energy generation. Located in the Northern Temperate Zone at coordinates 36.9913°N, 129.3995°E, this coastal region demonstrates typical seasonal variations in solar energy production that are characteristic of temperate climates.

Seasonal Solar Performance

The location shows strong seasonal contrasts in solar energy output. Summer delivers the highest production at 5.29 kWh per day per kW of installed capacity, making it the peak season for solar generation. Spring follows closely with 5.23 kWh per day per kW, indicating excellent conditions during these warmer months when the sun is higher in the sky and daylight periods are longer. Autumn production drops to 3.56 kWh per day per kW, while winter sees the lowest output at 3.12 kWh per day per kW. Despite this winter reduction, the location still maintains reasonable solar production throughout the year, with winter output representing about 59% of summer peak performance.

Optimal Panel Configuration

For fixed solar panel installations at Uljin County, the ideal tilt angle is 33 degrees facing south to maximize total year-round energy production. This angle is calculated by analyzing daily solar elevation angles throughout the year and weighting them according to solar irradiance potential, accounting for Earth's elliptical orbit around the sun.

Environmental and Weather Factors

Several local factors in Uljin County could potentially impact solar energy production:

• Monsoon Season: South Korea experiences a monsoon season typically from late June through July, bringing heavy rainfall and increased cloud cover that can significantly reduce solar output during peak summer months
• Coastal Humidity and Salt Air: Being located on the eastern coast, the area experiences high humidity and salt-laden air that can cause corrosion and reduce panel efficiency over time
• Snow and Ice: Winter weather can bring snow accumulation that blocks panels and ice formation that may damage equipment
• Typhoons: The region is occasionally affected by typhoons, which can bring damaging winds and debris

Preventative Measures for Enhanced Performance

Several installation strategies can help mitigate these environmental challenges:

• Anti-corrosion coatings: Use marine-grade aluminum frames and anti-corrosive coatings on all metal components to resist salt air damage
• Proper drainage design: Install panels with adequate spacing and drainage to prevent water accumulation during monsoon periods
• Snow load considerations: Design mounting systems to handle expected snow loads and consider steeper tilt angles in areas prone to heavy snowfall
• Wind-resistant mounting: Use reinforced mounting systems designed to withstand typhoon-force winds
• Regular maintenance scheduling: Implement frequent cleaning schedules, especially after storms or during high-humidity periods

Despite these challenges, Uljin County remains a viable location for solar energy generation, particularly given its strong spring and summer performance. Proper system design and maintenance can effectively address most environmental concerns while maximizing the substantial solar potential available during peak seasons.

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 Uljin County

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 36.9913, Longitude: 129.3995 (Uljin County, 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 Uljin County, South Korea

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Uljin County, South Korea (Lat/Long 36.9913, 129.3995) 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 Uljin County, 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 Uljin County, 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 Uljin County, 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 Uljin County, 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 Uljin County, South Korea

Topographical Features of Uljin County

Uljin County sits along South Korea's eastern coastline, where the dramatic landscape is shaped by the meeting of the Taebaek Mountains and the East Sea. The region is characterized by steep, forested mountains that rise abruptly from a narrow coastal plain, creating a striking topographical contrast within relatively short distances. The mountainous interior is dominated by peaks reaching over 1,000 meters in elevation, with dense forest coverage that includes both deciduous and coniferous species. These mountains form part of the greater Taebaek range, which runs north-south along Korea's eastern spine. The terrain becomes increasingly rugged as one moves inland from the coast, with deep valleys carved by mountain streams that flow eastward toward the sea. Between the mountains and the coastline lies a relatively narrow strip of flatter terrain, though this coastal plain varies considerably in width throughout the county. Some areas feature gentle rolling hills and agricultural valleys, while others present steep cliffs that drop directly into the ocean. The coastline itself is irregular, with numerous small bays, rocky headlands, and sandy beaches creating a complex shoreline pattern.

Optimal Areas for Large-Scale Solar Development

The most promising locations for extensive solar photovoltaic installations would be found in the transitional zone between the coastal plain and the lower mountain slopes. These areas typically feature gentler gradients and more open terrain compared to the heavily forested mountain peaks, while still maintaining sufficient elevation to avoid the most densely populated coastal settlements. Agricultural valleys within the county present excellent opportunities for solar development, particularly those with southern-facing slopes that can maximize sun exposure throughout the day. These locations often have existing road access and electrical infrastructure, which would reduce development costs significantly. The rolling hills found in several parts of the county also offer suitable terrain, as their moderate slopes can accommodate solar arrays while providing natural drainage. Areas near the county's inland boundaries, where the terrain begins to flatten before rising into the major mountain peaks, would be particularly well-suited for large installations. These locations typically have less forest coverage and more open land, making site preparation more straightforward. Additionally, the slightly elevated position of these areas often provides better wind circulation, which helps maintain optimal operating temperatures for solar panels. The coastal plain itself, while relatively flat and accessible, may face limitations due to existing urban development, agricultural use, and potential concerns about salt air exposure from the nearby ocean. However, certain sections of this coastal zone, particularly those with minimal existing development, could still accommodate smaller-scale solar projects that complement the larger inland installations.

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.