Yunlin, Taiwan, situated in the Northern Sub Tropics at coordinates 23.7113, 120.3897, offers a favorable environment for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. This location experiences consistent solar radiation across all seasons, making it an attractive option for solar power installations.

Seasonal Solar Performance

The solar energy output in Yunlin demonstrates a relatively stable pattern across the four meteorological seasons. Spring sees the highest production at 5.79 kWh per day for each kW of installed solar capacity. Summer follows closely with 5.51 kWh/day, while autumn and winter show slightly lower but still significant outputs of 4.93 kWh/day and 4.35 kWh/day, respectively.

This consistent performance indicates that Yunlin is well-suited for year-round solar energy generation. The minimal fluctuation between seasons suggests that solar installations in this area can provide reliable power throughout the year, with only a modest decrease during the winter months.

Optimal Panel Orientation

For fixed panel installations in Yunlin, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round solar production is 22 degrees facing south. This orientation allows the panels to capture the most sunlight throughout the year, taking into account the location's latitude and the sun's path across the sky.

Environmental Considerations

While Yunlin's climate is generally favorable for solar energy production, there are some environmental factors to consider:

1. Typhoons: Taiwan is prone to typhoons, which can potentially damage solar installations.
2. Air pollution: Yunlin's industrial activities may lead to air pollution, which could slightly reduce solar panel efficiency.

To mitigate these risks, solar installations should incorporate sturdy mounting systems designed to withstand high winds. Regular cleaning and maintenance of panels can help offset the impact of air pollution on energy production. Additionally, using high-quality, durable panels can ensure better performance and longevity in the face of these environmental challenges.

Overall, Yunlin's location offers excellent potential for solar PV energy generation, with consistent output throughout the year and only minor environmental concerns that can be addressed through proper installation and maintenance practices.

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 Yunlin

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 23.7113, Longitude: 120.3897 (Yunlin, 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 22° South in Yunlin, Taiwan

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Yunlin, Taiwan (Lat/Long 23.7113, 120.3897) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 22° 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 Yunlin, 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 Yunlin, Taiwan. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 22° South tilt angle throughout the year.

Overall Best Summer Angle	Overall Best Autumn Angle	Overall Best Winter Angle	Overall Best Spring Angle
8° 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 Yunlin, 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 Yunlin, 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 Yunlin, Taiwan

The topography around Yunlin, Taiwan, is characterized by a diverse landscape that transitions from flat coastal plains in the west to gently rolling hills and more rugged terrain in the east. Yunlin County is situated in the western part of Taiwan, with its western edge bordering the Taiwan Strait. The coastal areas are predominantly low-lying and flat, consisting of fertile alluvial plains that have been extensively used for agriculture, particularly rice cultivation. As one moves inland towards the east, the landscape gradually becomes more undulating. The central part of Yunlin County features a mix of low hills and shallow valleys, creating a patchwork of agricultural fields, small settlements, and pockets of woodland. This area is known for its scenic beauty and is often referred to as the "Yunlin Hills." Further east, the terrain becomes increasingly hilly and eventually gives way to the foothills of Taiwan's central mountain range. These areas are characterized by steeper slopes, denser vegetation, and more challenging terrain. However, they still remain relatively accessible compared to the more mountainous regions found in central and eastern Taiwan.

Suitability for Large-Scale Solar PV

When considering areas nearby that would be most suited to large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations, several factors come into play. The flat coastal plains in the western part of Yunlin County offer significant potential for solar development. These areas benefit from ample sunlight exposure, minimal shading from natural features, and easy access for construction and maintenance. The gently rolling hills in the central part of the county could also be suitable for solar PV installations, particularly on south-facing slopes that receive optimal sunlight throughout the day. These locations may require some land grading but could still be viable for large-scale projects. It's important to note that while the coastal areas may seem ideal, considerations must be made for potential flooding risks and the impact of salt spray on solar equipment. Additionally, the use of agricultural land for solar installations may face regulatory challenges or resistance from local communities. The more rugged terrain in the eastern part of the county, while potentially offering good sun exposure on certain slopes, may present logistical challenges for large-scale installations due to difficult access and increased construction costs. Ultimately, the most suitable areas for large-scale solar PV near Yunlin would likely be a combination of carefully selected coastal plain locations and strategically chosen hillside areas that balance optimal sun exposure with practical development considerations.

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.