Solar PV Analysis of Buk-gu, Daegu, South Korea
The location in Buk-gu, South Korea, situated at latitude 35.8759 and longitude 128.6075, presents a relatively favorable environment for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. This Northern Temperate Zone location experiences distinct seasonal variations in solar output, which can be leveraged to maximize energy production.
Seasonal Solar Performance
Solar energy generation at this location shows significant fluctuations across the four meteorological seasons. Spring and summer emerge as the most productive periods, with daily outputs of 5.53 kWh and 5.43 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity, respectively. Autumn sees a moderate decline to 3.79 kWh/day, while winter experiences the lowest output at 3.36 kWh/day.
The substantial difference between the highest and lowest seasonal outputs underscores the importance of optimizing panel placement and considering seasonal variations when planning a solar PV installation in Buk-gu.
Optimal Panel Tilt
To maximize year-round solar energy production at this location, fixed solar panels should be tilted at an angle of 33 degrees facing south. This optimal tilt angle takes into account the site's latitude, the Earth's elliptical orbit, and seasonal variations in solar elevation.
Environmental Considerations
While Buk-gu's location is generally conducive to solar energy production, there are some environmental factors to consider:
1. Seasonal precipitation: South Korea experiences a monsoon season, typically from June to September, which may temporarily reduce solar output due to increased cloud cover and rainfall. Installing high-quality, water-resistant panels and ensuring proper drainage can mitigate these effects.
2. Air pollution: Urban areas in South Korea can experience air pollution, potentially reducing solar irradiance. Regular panel cleaning and the use of anti-soiling coatings can help maintain optimal performance.
3. Snow accumulation: Although snowfall is generally light in this region, occasional winter snow could temporarily reduce panel efficiency. Installing panels at the recommended tilt angle helps facilitate natural snow shedding.
By addressing these factors during installation and maintenance, solar PV systems in Buk-gu can achieve consistent and efficient energy production throughout the year.
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, Daegu
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 35.8759, Longitude: 128.6075 (Buk-gu, Daegu, 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 Buk-gu, Daegu, South Korea
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Buk-gu, Daegu, South Korea (Lat/Long 35.8759, 128.6075) 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 Buk-gu, Daegu, 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, Daegu, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20° South in Summer | 42° South in Autumn | 51° South in Winter | 29° 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, Daegu, 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, Daegu, 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, Daegu, South Korea
The area around Buk-gu, South Korea, is characterized by a diverse topography that combines urban landscapes with natural features. Buk-gu is located in the northern part of Daegu, a major city in southeastern South Korea. The terrain in this region is generally a mix of flat areas and rolling hills, with some more mountainous terrain to the east and west.
The city itself is situated in a basin surrounded by mountains, which creates a unique microclimate. To the east of Buk-gu, you'll find the Palgongsan Mountain, which rises to an elevation of about 1,192 meters (3,911 feet). This mountain range forms a natural boundary and influences the local weather patterns.
To the west and southwest, the terrain becomes gradually flatter as it transitions into the Nakdong River valley. This river, one of the largest in South Korea, flows through the western part of Daegu and has shaped the surrounding landscape over time.
For large-scale solar PV installations, the areas best suited would likely be found to the west and southwest of Buk-gu. These regions tend to have more open, flat terrain that would be ideal for solar farms. The flatter landscape in the Nakdong River valley provides ample space and fewer obstructions to sunlight, which are crucial factors for efficient solar energy production.
However, it's important to note that South Korea is a densely populated country with limited available land. Any large-scale solar project would need to carefully consider land use regulations, agricultural needs, and environmental impact. Some potential areas for solar development might include:
- Former industrial sites or brownfields that have been cleared for redevelopment
- Less productive agricultural land in the river valley
- Gently sloping hillsides that are not suitable for other development or agriculture
While the mountainous areas to the east might seem appealing due to their elevation, they are generally less suitable for large-scale solar installations due to the challenging terrain, potential shading issues, and often protected status of mountain environments in South Korea.
Any solar project in this region would also need to take into account the local climate, including the potential for heavy rainfall during the summer monsoon season and occasional typhoons that can affect the southeastern coast of the Korean peninsula.
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: Thursday 12th of September 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.
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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.
