Solar PV Analysis of Hsinchu County, Taiwan
The location in Hsinchu County, Taiwan, situated in the Northern Sub Tropics, offers a promising environment for solar energy generation throughout the year. This area experiences varying levels of solar potential across different seasons, providing a consistent source of renewable energy.
Seasonal Solar Performance
Summer stands out as the most productive season, with an impressive 5.70 kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely, generating 4.86 kWh/day, while autumn yields 4.22 kWh/day. Winter, though less productive, still manages a respectable 3.51 kWh/day.
The location's year-round solar potential is quite favorable, with summer and spring being the ideal times for maximum energy generation. Even during the less productive winter months, the output remains substantial enough to contribute significantly to energy needs.
Optimal Panel Installation
For fixed panel installations at this location, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round solar production is 21 degrees facing South. This angle has been calculated to optimize energy capture throughout the year, taking into account the Earth's elliptical orbit and the site's specific latitude and longitude.
Environmental Considerations
While the location is generally favorable for solar energy production, there are some environmental factors to consider:
- Typhoons: Taiwan is prone to typhoons, which can potentially damage solar installations.
- High humidity: The subtropical climate can lead to increased moisture, potentially affecting panel efficiency.
To mitigate these risks, it's crucial to use high-quality, weather-resistant solar panels and mounting systems designed to withstand strong winds and heavy rainfall. Regular maintenance and cleaning can also help combat the effects of humidity and ensure optimal performance.
Overall, with proper installation and maintenance, this location in Hsinchu County presents an excellent opportunity for consistent and efficient solar energy generation throughout the year.
Note: The Northern Sub Tropics extend from 23.5° latitude North up to 35° latitude.
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 Hsinchu County
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 24.673, Longitude: 121.1614 (Hsinchu County, 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 Hsinchu County, Taiwan
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Hsinchu County, Taiwan (Lat/Long 24.673, 121.1614) 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 Hsinchu County, 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 Hsinchu County, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9° South in Summer | 29° South in Autumn | 39° South in Winter | 17° 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 Hsinchu County, 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 Hsinchu County, Taiwan.
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 Hsinchu County, Taiwan
The topography around Hsinchu County, Taiwan, is quite diverse and interesting. This region is characterized by a mix of coastal plains, rolling hills, and mountainous terrain. Along the western edge of the county, you'll find relatively flat coastal areas that gradually rise into gently undulating hills as you move inland. These lower-lying areas are where most of the population centers and agricultural activities are concentrated.
As you travel eastward within Hsinchu County, the landscape becomes increasingly rugged and mountainous. The eastern part of the county is dominated by the foothills of Taiwan's Central Mountain Range, with elevations rising significantly. These mountains are often covered in lush forests and feature steep slopes and narrow valleys. The transition from coastal plains to mountains creates a varied and picturesque landscape throughout the county.
When considering areas nearby that would be most suited for large-scale solar PV (photovoltaic) installations, the western and southwestern parts of Hsinchu County show the most promise. These areas have several advantages for solar energy production:
1. The coastal plains and gently rolling hills in the western part of the county offer large, open spaces that receive ample sunlight throughout the year. These flat or slightly sloped areas are ideal for installing solar panels without the need for extensive land modification.
2. The lower elevations in the west mean there is less cloud cover and fog compared to the mountainous eastern regions, ensuring more consistent solar exposure.
3. Proximity to existing infrastructure and population centers in the western areas makes it easier to connect solar installations to the power grid and transport equipment.
4. Agricultural lands in the southwestern part of the county that may be less productive could potentially be repurposed for solar farms, creating a dual-use scenario for the land.
While the mountainous eastern areas of Hsinchu County are less suitable for large-scale solar installations due to their rugged terrain and forest cover, they may still offer opportunities for smaller, distributed solar projects on suitable south-facing slopes or in cleared areas.
It's important to note that any large-scale solar PV project would require detailed site-specific assessments, environmental impact studies, and consideration of local regulations before implementation. The most suitable locations would balance factors such as sunlight exposure, land availability, grid connectivity, and minimal environmental disruption.
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!
Citation Guide
Article Details for Citation
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Tuesday 3rd of September 2024
Last Updated: Tuesday 3rd of September 2024
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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.
