Yilan, Taiwan, situated in the Northern Sub Tropics at coordinates 24.7574, 121.7421, offers a reasonably favorable location for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. The seasonal variations in electricity output demonstrate the potential for solar power in this region.

Seasonal Solar Performance

Summer stands out as the most productive season, with an impressive 5.70 kWh per day for each kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely, generating 4.86 kWh/day, while autumn produces 4.22 kWh/day. Winter, as expected, has the lowest output at 3.51 kWh/day, but still contributes significantly to the overall annual energy production.

The consistent performance across seasons indicates that Yilan is well-suited for year-round solar energy generation. The peak production period spans from late spring through early autumn, making these months ideal for maximizing solar output.

Optimal Panel Installation

For fixed panel installations in Yilan, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round production is 21 degrees facing South. This angle has been calculated to optimize solar capture throughout the year, taking into account the Earth's elliptical orbit and the location's specific latitude.

Environmental Considerations

While Yilan presents a generally favorable environment for solar PV, there are some factors to consider:

1. Typhoons: Taiwan is prone to typhoons, which can potentially damage solar installations. To mitigate this risk, use sturdy mounting systems and panels rated for high wind speeds.
2. High humidity: The subtropical climate brings high humidity, which can lead to moisture-related issues. Ensure proper sealing and use corrosion-resistant materials for all components.

By addressing these environmental factors during installation, solar PV systems in Yilan can maintain high performance and longevity, making the most of the location's solar potential 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 Yilan

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 24.7574, Longitude: 121.7421 (Yilan, 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 Yilan, Taiwan

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Yilan, Taiwan (Lat/Long 24.7574, 121.7421) 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 Yilan, 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 Yilan, 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	40° 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 Yilan, 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 Yilan, 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 Yilan, Taiwan

Yilan, located in northeastern Taiwan, is characterized by a diverse and picturesque topography. The region is nestled between the Central Mountain Range to the west and the Pacific Ocean to the east, creating a unique landscape that combines mountainous terrain, fertile valleys, and coastal plains. The western part of Yilan is dominated by the rugged slopes of the Central Mountain Range, with peaks reaching heights of over 2,000 meters. These mountains form a natural barrier that separates Yilan from the rest of Taiwan, contributing to the area's distinct climate and culture. The mountainsides are covered in lush forests, creating a verdant backdrop for the region. As you move eastward, the terrain gradually transitions into the Lanyang Plain, a wide alluvial valley that forms the heart of Yilan County. This flat, low-lying area is crisscrossed by numerous rivers and streams that flow down from the mountains, making it ideal for agriculture. The plain is dotted with rice paddies, vegetable farms, and small settlements, giving it a pastoral charm. The eastern edge of Yilan is marked by a long stretch of coastline along the Pacific Ocean. This coastal area features a mix of sandy beaches, rocky shores, and small fishing villages. The meeting of land and sea creates a stunning visual contrast, with the blue waters of the Pacific set against the green mountains in the distance.

Potential Areas for Large-scale Solar PV

When considering areas suitable for large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations near Yilan, several factors come into play. The ideal locations would have ample sunlight exposure, relatively flat terrain, and minimal environmental impact. The Lanyang Plain offers the most promising potential for solar PV development in the Yilan area. Its flat topography and open spaces provide excellent conditions for installing large arrays of solar panels. The agricultural nature of the plain means there are already cleared areas that could potentially be repurposed for solar farms without significant land use conflicts. Coastal areas along the eastern edge of Yilan could also be considered for solar PV installations. These locations benefit from unobstructed sunlight and cooling sea breezes, which can enhance the efficiency of solar panels. However, care must be taken to avoid sensitive coastal ecosystems and to ensure that installations are resistant to potential typhoons and salt spray. The mountainous regions to the west, while receiving plenty of sunlight, are generally less suitable for large-scale solar PV due to their steep slopes and forested nature. However, there may be opportunities for smaller, distributed solar installations on south-facing slopes or in cleared areas at lower elevations. It's important to note that any large-scale solar development in Yilan would need to carefully balance energy production goals with the preservation of the region's natural beauty, agricultural heritage, and ecological diversity. Proper planning and community engagement would be crucial to ensure that solar projects complement rather than detract from Yilan's unique landscape.

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.