Kaohsiung, Taiwan, situated at 22.6148°N, 120.3139°E, presents a favorable location for solar energy production throughout the year. Located in the tropics, this coastal city experiences consistent sunlight and is characterized more by wet and dry seasons than traditional four-season patterns.

Seasonal Solar Energy Output

The solar energy potential in Kaohsiung varies across the meteorological seasons, with spring being the most productive period. Per kilowatt of installed solar capacity, the daily electricity output is as follows:

• Spring: 6.17 kWh/day
• Summer: 5.44 kWh/day
• Autumn: 5.13 kWh/day
• Winter: 4.47 kWh/day

These figures indicate a relatively stable solar energy production throughout the year, with only a moderate decrease during the winter months. The high output in spring makes it an ideal time for solar energy generation in Kaohsiung.

Optimal Panel Tilt

For fixed solar panel installations in Kaohsiung, 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, taking into account the city's latitude and the Earth's elliptical orbit.

Environmental and Weather Considerations

While Kaohsiung's tropical climate is generally favorable for solar energy production, there are some factors that could potentially impact solar panel efficiency:

1. Typhoons: Kaohsiung is susceptible to typhoons, which can bring strong winds and heavy rainfall. To mitigate risks, solar installations should use sturdy mounting systems and panels rated for high wind loads.

2. High humidity: The city's coastal location leads to high humidity levels, which can potentially accelerate corrosion of solar equipment. Using corrosion-resistant materials and ensuring proper sealing of electrical components can help prevent damage.

3. Air pollution: Kaohsiung has historically faced air quality issues due to industrial activities. Regular cleaning of solar panels can help maintain efficiency by removing particulate matter that may accumulate on their surfaces.

Despite these challenges, the overall solar energy potential in Kaohsiung remains high. With proper installation techniques and maintenance practices, these environmental factors can be effectively managed to ensure optimal solar energy production throughout the year.

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 Kaohsiung

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 22.6148, Longitude: 120.3139 (Kaohsiung, 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 Kaohsiung, Taiwan

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Kaohsiung, Taiwan (Lat/Long 22.6148, 120.3139) 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 Kaohsiung, 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 Kaohsiung, 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 Kaohsiung, 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 Kaohsiung, 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 Kaohsiung, Taiwan

Kaohsiung, Taiwan's second-largest city, is nestled in a diverse topographical landscape that offers a mix of coastal plains, rolling hills, and mountainous terrain. The city itself is primarily situated on a flat coastal plain, with the Taiwan Strait bordering its western edge. This low-lying area gradually rises as one moves eastward, transitioning into gently rolling hills and eventually into more rugged, mountainous terrain. To the north and east of Kaohsiung, the landscape becomes increasingly hilly, with the Chongshan Mountain Range dominating the northeastern horizon. These mountains, while not exceptionally tall, provide a striking backdrop to the city and create a natural barrier between Kaohsiung and the central regions of Taiwan.

Suitable Areas for Large-scale Solar PV

When considering areas near Kaohsiung for large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations, several factors come into play. The most suitable locations would be those that offer ample sunlight exposure, relatively flat terrain, and minimal environmental impact. The coastal plains to the southwest of Kaohsiung present promising opportunities for solar PV development. These areas benefit from consistent sunlight and have fewer geographical obstacles that might cast shadows or impede installation. The flat terrain also simplifies construction and maintenance processes, potentially reducing overall costs. Another viable option lies in the gently rolling hills to the east and northeast of the city. While not as flat as the coastal plains, these areas still offer suitable conditions for solar farms. The slight elevations can even be advantageous, as they may provide better angles for solar panels to capture sunlight throughout the day. It's worth noting that while the mountainous regions to the far east might seem appealing due to their elevation, they are generally less suitable for large-scale solar PV installations. The rugged terrain makes construction challenging and expensive, and the potential environmental impact on these more pristine areas could be significant. When selecting specific sites for solar PV projects, it's crucial to consider factors beyond just topography. These include proximity to existing power infrastructure, land use regulations, and potential impacts on local communities and ecosystems. Careful planning and environmental assessments would be necessary to ensure that any large-scale solar developments are both efficient and sustainable in the long term.

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.