Solar PV Analysis of Nam-gu, Gwangju, South Korea
Nam-gu, South Korea, located at latitude 35.1485 and longitude 126.9102, offers a moderate potential for solar energy generation throughout the year. Situated in the Northern Temperate Zone, this location experiences distinct seasonal variations in solar output.
Seasonal Solar Performance
Solar energy production in Nam-gu peaks during the summer months, with an average daily output of 5.63 kWh per kW of installed capacity. Spring follows closely behind, generating 5.46 kWh per day. Autumn sees a noticeable decrease in production, averaging 3.77 kWh daily, while winter experiences the lowest output at 2.74 kWh per day.
The most favorable periods for solar energy generation in Nam-gu are from late spring through early autumn. During these months, longer daylight hours and higher sun angles contribute to increased solar panel efficiency.
Optimal Panel Installation
For fixed solar panel installations in Nam-gu, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round energy production is 31 degrees facing south. This angle optimizes the panels' exposure to sunlight throughout the year, accounting for seasonal variations in the sun's position.
Environmental Considerations
While Nam-gu's climate is generally conducive to solar energy production, there are some environmental factors to consider:
- Monsoon season: Heavy rainfall and increased cloud cover during summer monsoons can temporarily reduce solar output.
- Air pollution: Urban air pollution, particularly fine dust, may accumulate on panels and decrease efficiency.
Mitigation Strategies
To address these challenges and enhance solar energy production, consider implementing the following measures:
Install a reliable cleaning system or schedule regular panel maintenance to combat dust and pollution buildup. Additionally, use high-quality, weather-resistant panels capable of withstanding heavy rainfall during monsoon seasons. Implementing a monitoring system can help identify and address any performance issues promptly.
By taking these factors into account and implementing appropriate strategies, Nam-gu can effectively harness its solar potential and contribute to a more sustainable energy future.
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 Nam-gu, Gwangju
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 35.1485, Longitude: 126.9102 (Nam-gu, Gwangju, 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 31° South in Nam-gu, Gwangju, South Korea
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Nam-gu, Gwangju, South Korea (Lat/Long 35.1485, 126.9102) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 31° 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 Nam-gu, Gwangju, 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 Nam-gu, Gwangju, South Korea. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 31° 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 | 40° 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 Nam-gu, Gwangju, 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 Nam-gu, Gwangju, 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 Nam-gu, Gwangju, South Korea
Nam-gu, located in South Korea, is situated in an area with varied topography. The region is characterized by a mix of urban landscapes and natural features. The city itself is relatively flat, with some gentle slopes and low-lying areas. However, as you move away from the urban center, the terrain becomes more diverse.
To the east and northeast of Nam-gu, the land gradually rises into rolling hills and small mountains. These elevated areas are part of the larger mountain ranges that run through much of South Korea. The hills are often covered in forests and provide a stark contrast to the more developed urban areas.
To the west and southwest, the topography transitions into coastal plains and lowlands. This area is influenced by the nearby Yellow Sea, with some wetlands and tidal flats along the coastline. The land here is generally flatter and more suitable for agriculture and urban development.
Regarding areas nearby that would be most suited for large-scale solar PV (photovoltaic) installations, there are a few options to consider:
1. The coastal plains to the west and southwest of Nam-gu offer potential for solar farms. These areas are relatively flat, which makes construction and maintenance easier. They also receive good sunlight exposure due to the lack of tall obstructions.
2. Some of the gentler slopes on the outskirts of the urban area could be suitable for solar installations. These locations might offer a good balance between proximity to the city (for easier power distribution) and available open space.
3. Abandoned or underutilized industrial areas within or near Nam-gu could be repurposed for solar energy production. These sites often have large, flat rooftops that are ideal for solar panel installation.
4. While the hilly areas to the east and northeast might seem challenging, some of the south-facing slopes could be excellent for solar panels. These locations would receive maximum sunlight throughout the day, although installation might be more complex due to the terrain.
It's important to note that any large-scale solar PV project would need to consider factors beyond just topography, such as local regulations, environmental impact, and proximity to existing power infrastructure. Additionally, South Korea's climate, with its monsoon season and occasional typhoons, would need to be factored into the planning and design of any solar installation in this region.
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: Friday 30th of August 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.
