Yangyang-gun, South Korea, situated at coordinates 38.0643, 128.613 in the Northern Temperate Zone, offers varying potential for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. The location experiences seasonal fluctuations in solar energy production that are important to consider when planning a solar installation.

Seasonal Solar Production

Solar energy generation at this location follows clear seasonal patterns. Summer is the most productive period, yielding approximately 5.50 kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely behind with 5.24 kWh/day. Production decreases considerably in autumn to 3.51 kWh/day, with winter being the least productive season at 2.92 kWh/day per installed kilowatt.

The significant difference between summer/spring and winter production indicates that this location experiences substantial seasonal variation. While not ideal for consistent year-round production, the site still offers viable solar potential, particularly from late spring through early autumn.

Optimal Panel Installation

For fixed solar panel installations in Yangyang-gun, the ideal tilt angle is 34 degrees facing South. This specific angle maximizes total annual energy production by optimizing the capture of available sunlight throughout the year. Proper installation at this angle helps compensate somewhat for the seasonal variations in solar intensity.

Environmental and Weather Considerations

Several environmental factors may affect solar production at this location:

• Yangyang-gun experiences monsoon seasons with heavy rainfall, particularly in summer, which may temporarily reduce solar efficiency despite this being the highest production season.
• Winter snowfall can cover panels and reduce output during already low-production months.
• The coastal location may expose installations to salt spray and humidity, potentially accelerating equipment degradation.
• Seasonal yellow dust (Asian Dust) from mainland China can deposit on panels and reduce efficiency.

Preventative Measures

To maximize solar energy production despite these challenges, several preventative measures can be implemented:

• Install panels with self-cleaning glass or apply hydrophobic coatings to reduce dust and snow accumulation.
• Implement automated cleaning systems or regular maintenance schedules, especially before and after monsoon season and during yellow dust events.
• Use corrosion-resistant mounting hardware and marine-grade components to withstand potential salt exposure.
• Consider slightly steeper panel angles (beyond the optimal 34 degrees) in areas prone to heavy snowfall to facilitate natural snow shedding.
• Install micro-inverters or power optimizers to minimize production losses when some panels are partially shaded or covered.

While Yangyang-gun isn't ideal for consistent year-round solar production due to its significant seasonal variations, proper system design and maintenance can still make solar PV installations economically viable, especially when taking advantage of the productive 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 Yangyang-gun

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 38.0643, Longitude: 128.613 (Yangyang-gun, 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 Yangyang-gun, South Korea

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Yangyang-gun, South Korea (Lat/Long 38.0643, 128.613) 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 Yangyang-gun, 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 Yangyang-gun, 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
22° South in Summer	43° South in Autumn	53° South in Winter	31° 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 Yangyang-gun, 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 Yangyang-gun, 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 Yangyang-gun, South Korea

The topography around Yangyang-gun in South Korea is characterized by a dramatic and varied landscape that reflects the region's position between mountains and sea. Located in Gangwon Province along the eastern coast of the Korean Peninsula, Yangyang-gun features a distinctive terrain that transitions from the rugged Taebaek Mountain Range in the west to the East Sea (Sea of Japan) coastline in the east.

Mountain Terrain

The western portions of Yangyang-gun are dominated by the eastern slopes of the Taebaek Mountains, which form the backbone of the Korean Peninsula. These mountains create a steep, undulating landscape with numerous valleys and ridgelines. The terrain in this area is characterized by significant elevation changes, with some peaks reaching over 1,000 meters above sea level. Seoraksan National Park, which partially extends into Yangyang-gun's territory, exemplifies this mountainous character with its dramatic peaks and forested slopes.

Coastal Plains and River Valleys

As the land approaches the East Sea, the steep mountain terrain gradually gives way to narrow coastal plains. The transition zone features several river valleys that have carved pathways through the mountains to the sea. The Namdaecheon and Yangyang Namdaecheon are prominent waterways that have created relatively flat alluvial plains near their mouths. These river valleys provide some of the few substantial flat areas in the region and have historically been important for agriculture and settlement. The coastal zone itself consists of a narrow strip of relatively flat land with sandy beaches interspersed with rocky headlands. The coastline runs in a generally north-south direction, with several small bays and inlets.

Solar PV Potential Areas

For large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) development, several areas around Yangyang-gun present viable options, each with distinct advantages and challenges: The coastal plains offer the most immediately suitable terrain for large-scale solar installations. These relatively flat areas would require minimal grading and preparation for solar arrays. The proximity to existing infrastructure along the coast, including roads and the power grid, represents an additional advantage for development in these zones. However, these areas are limited in size and may face competition from other land uses including agriculture, residential, and commercial development. The lower elevation foothills that form the transition between mountains and coastal plains present another potential option. These areas often feature south-facing slopes that receive substantial sunlight throughout the year. While some grading might be necessary, these locations typically experience less fog than coastal areas and can offer good solar exposure. The hillsides that are less suitable for agriculture or forestry could be repurposed for solar energy generation without significant land use conflicts. River valleys, particularly the wider sections of the Namdaecheon valley, provide flat terrain that could accommodate solar installations. These areas benefit from natural protection from strong winds by surrounding hills while still receiving adequate sunlight. The existing road network along these valleys facilitates access for construction and maintenance. The higher mountain areas, while receiving good solar exposure in certain locations, generally present too many challenges for large-scale development due to steep slopes, difficult access, and environmental protections that often apply to mountainous regions. Additionally, these areas may experience more cloud cover and precipitation than lower elevations. Any large-scale solar development in the region would need to consider the area's seasonal weather patterns, including the summer monsoon season, typhoon risk along the coast, and winter snowfall. The region's biodiversity and scenic value, which support tourism and recreation, would also need to be carefully balanced with renewable energy development goals.

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

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