Solar PV Analysis of Tainan City, Taiwan
Tainan City, Taiwan, situated at a latitude of 22.9917 and longitude of 120.2148, is an optimal location for solar photovoltaic (PV) power generation due to its tropical climate and consistent year-round sunlight. The city's average daily energy production per kilowatt (kW) of installed solar capacity varies seasonally: it peaks in spring with 6.17 kilowatt-hours (kWh), followed by summer with 5.44 kWh, autumn with 5.13 kWh, and winter with the least yield at 4.47 kWh.
The tropical climate in Tainan City is distinguished more by wet and dry periods than significant temperature fluctuations between the summer and winter months; this consistency makes it an excellent site for solar power generation as there are no extreme weather conditions that could pose challenges to efficient operation.
However, despite the favorable conditions overall, certain local factors may affect energy production from solar installations to some extent - these include periodic typhoons which can cause physical damage to the panels or increased cloud cover reducing sunlight exposure temporarily.
To mitigate these issues while installing fixed-panel systems in Tainan City, panels should ideally be tilted at an angle of approximately 21 degrees facing southwards for optimal sun exposure throughout the year - this orientation ensures maximum capture of direct sunlight thereby maximizing energy output.
Furthermore, robust construction methods using durable materials can help withstand potential damage from typhoons while regular maintenance checks can ensure prompt repair or replacement if needed - thus maintaining high performance levels over time despite any environmental challenges that might arise locally.
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 Tainan City
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 22.9917, Longitude: 120.2148 (Tainan City, 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 Tainan City, Taiwan
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Tainan City, Taiwan (Lat/Long 22.9917, 120.2148) 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 Tainan City, 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 Tainan City, 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 Tainan City, 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 Tainan City, 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 Tainan City, Taiwan
The topography around Tainan City, Taiwan is mostly flat with some gentle rolling hills. Areas that are most suited for large-scale solar PV would be the flat open plains and agricultural fields surrounding Tainan City. The wide open spaces provide plenty of room for photovoltaic panels to be installed without obstructions from buildings or trees. Additionally, these areas have high levels of direct sunlight making them ideal locations for solar energy production.
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: Thursday 30th of November 2023
Last Updated: Wednesday 26th of June 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.
