Solar Energy Potential in Neihu District, Taiwan

Neihu District, located in Taipei City, Taiwan, offers a promising location for solar energy generation. Situated in the Northern Sub-Tropics, this area experiences varying levels of solar potential throughout the year. The seasonal solar energy output at this location shows significant fluctuations. Summer proves to be the most productive season, with an impressive 6.23 kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed solar capacity. Spring follows as the second-best season, generating 4.50 kWh/day, while autumn closely trails with 4.22 kWh/day. Winter sees the lowest output at 2.81 kWh/day, which is still a respectable amount considering the latitude. For those considering fixed panel installations in Neihu District, the ideal tilt angle for maximizing year-round solar production is 21 degrees facing south. This angle has been calculated to optimize energy capture across all seasons, taking into account the Earth's elliptical orbit and the location's specific solar elevation angles.

Optimal Times for Solar Generation

The most ideal time for solar energy generation in Neihu District is during the summer months. This period offers long days with abundant sunshine, allowing for peak energy production. Spring and autumn also provide favorable conditions, with moderate sunlight levels that contribute significantly to overall annual energy output. While winter experiences reduced solar potential, it's important to note that the region still receives a considerable amount of sunlight during this season. This means that solar panels can continue to generate electricity year-round, albeit at lower levels during the cooler months.

Environmental and Weather Considerations

There are a few environmental and weather factors that could potentially impact solar production in Neihu District: 1. Typhoons: Taiwan is prone to typhoons, which can bring strong winds and heavy rainfall. These events may temporarily reduce solar output and potentially damage poorly secured installations. 2. Air pollution: Being part of the Taipei metropolitan area, Neihu District can experience periods of increased air pollution, which may slightly reduce solar panel efficiency. To mitigate these factors, several preventative measures can be taken:

• Use high-quality, typhoon-resistant mounting systems to secure solar panels.
• Install panels at the recommended 21-degree tilt to optimize performance and allow for natural cleaning by rainwater.
• Implement regular cleaning and maintenance schedules to combat the effects of air pollution on panel surfaces.
• Consider micro-inverter systems, which can help maintain overall system performance even if some panels are partially shaded or affected by debris.

By taking these precautions, solar energy systems in Neihu District can maximize their potential and provide reliable, clean energy 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 Neihu District

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 25.0811, Longitude: 121.5839 (Neihu 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 Neihu District, Taiwan

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Neihu District, Taiwan (Lat/Long 25.0811, 121.5839) 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 Neihu 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 Neihu 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
9° South in Summer	28° 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 Neihu 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 Neihu 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 Neihu District, Taiwan

Neihu District, located in the northeastern part of Taipei City, Taiwan, is characterized by a diverse topography that combines urban landscapes with natural features. The district is nestled between the Keelung River to the north and the Nangang Mountains to the south, creating a unique blend of flat lowlands and hilly terrain. The western portion of Neihu District is predominantly flat, consisting of densely populated urban areas with residential and commercial developments. This part of the district is an extension of Taipei's urban core, with a network of streets, buildings, and infrastructure typical of a modern city. As one moves eastward within Neihu, the landscape gradually transitions to more elevated terrain. The eastern and southeastern parts of the district feature rolling hills and small mountains, with elevations ranging from 100 to 300 meters above sea level. These areas are less densely populated and offer more green spaces, including parks and nature reserves.

Potential for Large-Scale Solar PV

When considering areas nearby that would be most suited for large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations, several factors come into play. The ideal locations would have ample open space, minimal shading, and relatively flat terrain to maximize solar exposure and simplify installation. The flat, open areas to the northwest of Neihu District, particularly in the Beitou and Shilin districts, could potentially accommodate large-scale solar PV projects. These areas have more expansive spaces and fewer tall buildings that might cast shadows on solar panels. Another promising area for solar PV development lies to the east and northeast of Neihu, in the less densely populated regions of Xizhi and Ruifang. These areas offer a mix of flat and gently sloping terrain that could be suitable for solar farms, especially on unused agricultural land or cleared hillsides. It's important to note that while the hilly areas within and around Neihu District might seem appealing for solar installations due to their elevation, they often present challenges in terms of accessibility and installation complexity. Additionally, the forested nature of many of these hills would require significant land clearing, which may not be environmentally or economically feasible. Ultimately, the development of large-scale solar PV in the vicinity of Neihu District would require careful site selection, environmental impact assessments, and consideration of local regulations and land use policies. The most suitable areas would likely be those that balance favorable topography with minimal disruption to existing urban development and natural ecosystems.

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.