The East District of Tainan City, Taiwan, situated at 22.9721° N, 120.2225° E, presents a favorable location for solar energy generation throughout the year. This tropical region benefits from consistent sunlight, with seasons characterized more by wet and dry periods rather than temperature extremes.

Seasonal Solar Performance

Solar panel efficiency in the East District varies across seasons, with spring offering the highest output at 6.17 kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed capacity. Summer follows closely with 5.44 kWh/day, while autumn yields 5.13 kWh/day. Winter, though slightly less productive, still maintains a respectable 4.47 kWh/day output. The region's proximity to the Tropic of Cancer ensures relatively high solar irradiance year-round. This consistency makes the East District an excellent candidate for solar PV installations, with potential for substantial energy generation even during the less productive winter months.

Optimal Panel Positioning

For fixed solar panel installations in the East District, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round energy production is 21 degrees facing south. This angle optimizes the panels' exposure to sunlight throughout the year, accounting for seasonal variations in the sun's position and the Earth's elliptical orbit.

Environmental Considerations

While the East District benefits from favorable solar conditions, there are some environmental factors to consider: 1. Typhoons: Taiwan is prone to typhoons, which can potentially damage solar installations. 2. High humidity: The tropical climate can lead to accelerated degradation of solar equipment. To mitigate these risks, it's crucial to use high-quality, weather-resistant solar panels and mounting systems designed to withstand strong winds and moisture. Regular maintenance and inspections can also help ensure the longevity and efficiency of solar installations in this region.

Conclusion

Overall, the East District of Tainan City presents an ideal location for solar PV generation. With proper installation techniques and preventative measures, this area can harness substantial solar energy throughout the year, making it an excellent choice for both residential and commercial solar projects.

Note: The Tropics are located between 23.5° North and -23.5° South of the equator.

So far, we have conducted calculations to evaluate the solar photovoltaic (PV) potential in 36 locations across Taiwan. This analysis provides insights into each city/location's potential for harnessing solar energy through PV installations.

Link: Solar PV potential in Taiwan by location

Solar output per kW of installed solar PV by season in East District

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 22.9721, Longitude: 120.2225 (East District, Taiwan), 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 21° South in East District, Taiwan

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in East District, Taiwan (Lat/Long 22.9721, 120.2225) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 21° 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 East District, Taiwan

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 East District, Taiwan. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 21° South tilt angle throughout the year.

Overall Best Summer Angle	Overall Best Autumn Angle	Overall Best Winter Angle	Overall Best Spring Angle
7° South in Summer	28° South in Autumn	38° South in Winter	16° 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 East District, Taiwan

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 East District, Taiwan.

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 East District, Taiwan

The topography around East District, Taiwan, located at approximately 22.9721°N, 120.2225°E, is characterized by a diverse landscape that transitions from urban areas to more rugged terrain. The district itself is primarily flat, situated in the heart of Tainan City, with a mix of residential and commercial developments. As one moves eastward from the city center, the terrain gradually becomes more varied and elevated. To the east of East District, the land begins to rise, forming a series of low hills and small mountains. These elevations are part of the larger Alishan mountain range, which extends further inland. The hills are often covered with lush vegetation, creating a stark contrast to the urban environment of the city proper. Numerous small streams and rivers flow through the area, carving valleys and creating natural drainage systems.

Potential Areas for Large-Scale Solar PV

When considering locations for large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations near East District, several factors come into play. The most suitable areas would be those with ample sunlight exposure, relatively flat terrain, and minimal environmental impact. One promising area for solar PV development would be the agricultural lands to the east and southeast of East District. These areas often feature expansive, open fields that receive abundant sunlight throughout the year. The relatively flat nature of these agricultural lands makes them ideal for the installation of solar panels, as it minimizes the need for extensive land preparation. Another potential location for solar PV projects would be the gently sloping hillsides to the northeast of East District. While these areas may require some terraforming, they offer the advantage of reduced land competition and potentially higher elevation, which can increase solar exposure. However, care must be taken to balance energy production with environmental preservation in these more natural settings. Lastly, the urban and suburban areas within and immediately surrounding East District could be suitable for distributed solar PV systems. While not technically "large-scale," the cumulative effect of numerous rooftop installations on commercial and residential buildings could contribute significantly to the region's renewable energy production. It's important to note that any large-scale solar PV development would need to consider factors such as grid connectivity, local regulations, and potential impacts on agriculture or ecosystems. Careful planning and environmental assessments would be necessary to ensure the successful and sustainable implementation of solar energy projects in the region.

Taiwan solar PV Stats as a country

Taiwan ranks 17th in the world for cumulative solar PV capacity, with 7,700 total MW's of solar PV installed. Each year Taiwan is generating 327 Watts from solar PV per capita (Taiwan ranks 12th in the world for solar PV Watts generated per capita). [source]

Are there incentives for businesses to install solar in Taiwan?

Yes, there are incentives for businesses wanting to install solar energy in Taiwan. The Taiwanese government offers a number of financial incentives and subsidies for businesses that install solar energy systems. These include tax credits, grants, low-interest loans, and feed-in tariffs. Additionally, the government has implemented a Renewable Energy Certificate (REC) system which allows businesses to trade renewable energy certificates with other companies or organizations in order to receive additional financial benefits.

Do you have more up to date information than this on incentives towards solar PV projects in Taiwan? 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.