Embalse, Cordoba, Argentina presents a moderately favorable location for year-round solar PV energy generation, though with notable seasonal variations typical of its Southern Sub Tropics climate zone at coordinates -32.186, -64.4195.

Seasonal Solar Production Performance

The solar energy output at this location shows strong seasonal patterns. Summer delivers the highest production at 7.37 kWh per day per kW of installed capacity, making it the peak generation period. Spring follows closely with 7.06 kWh per day per kW, creating an excellent six-month window of high solar productivity from approximately September through March. Production drops significantly during the cooler months, with autumn generating 4.48 kWh per day per kW and winter producing the lowest output at 3.90 kWh per day per kW. This represents a substantial 47% reduction in winter production compared to summer peak performance.

Optimal Installation Configuration

For maximum year-round energy production at Embalse, Cordoba, solar panels should be installed at a fixed tilt angle of 28 degrees facing north. This angle has been calculated to optimize total annual output by accounting for the sun's varying elevation throughout the year and weighting for solar irradiance potential at this specific latitude.

Environmental and Weather Considerations

Several local factors could potentially impact solar production efficiency in the Embalse region:

• Dust and Agricultural Particulates: The area's agricultural activities and semi-arid climate can generate dust that accumulates on solar panels, reducing light transmission and energy output
• Seasonal Weather Patterns: The region experiences distinct wet and dry seasons, with potential for hail during summer thunderstorms that could damage panels
• Temperature Extremes: High summer temperatures can reduce panel efficiency, while thermal cycling between hot days and cool nights may stress equipment

Preventative Measures for Enhanced Performance

To maximize solar energy production despite these challenges, several installation strategies should be considered: Regular cleaning schedules become essential, particularly during dry periods when dust accumulation peaks. Installing panels with adequate spacing allows for proper air circulation, helping to manage heat buildup that reduces efficiency. Using tempered glass panels with hail-resistant ratings provides protection against severe weather damage. Proper mounting systems that allow thermal expansion and contraction will help panels withstand temperature fluctuations. Additionally, installing monitoring systems enables quick identification of performance issues, allowing for prompt maintenance interventions. The location's strong spring and summer production potential makes it reasonably suitable for solar installations, particularly for applications that can accommodate the significant winter production reduction or incorporate battery storage systems to balance seasonal variations.

Note: The Southern Sub Tropics extend from -23.5° latitude South down to -35° latitude.

So far, we have conducted calculations to evaluate the solar photovoltaic (PV) potential in 519 locations across Argentina. This analysis provides insights into each city/location's potential for harnessing solar energy through PV installations.

Link: Solar PV potential in Argentina by location

Solar output per kW of installed solar PV by season in Embalse

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: -32.186, Longitude: -64.4195 (Embalse, Argentina), 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 28° North in Embalse, Argentina

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Embalse, Argentina (Lat/Long -32.186, -64.4195) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 28° North 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 Embalse, Argentina

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 Embalse, Argentina. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 28° North tilt angle throughout the year.

Overall Best Summer Angle	Overall Best Autumn Angle	Overall Best Winter Angle	Overall Best Spring Angle
16° North in Summer	38° North in Autumn	47° North in Winter	25° North 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 Embalse, Argentina

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 Embalse, Argentina.

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 Embalse, Argentina

Topographical Features of the Embalse Region

The area surrounding Embalse in Córdoba Province, Argentina, sits within the eastern foothills of the Sierras de Córdoba mountain range. This region features a diverse landscape characterized by gently rolling hills, broad valleys, and relatively moderate elevation changes. The terrain gradually transitions from the more mountainous western areas toward flatter plains as one moves eastward toward the Pampas region.

The immediate vicinity around Embalse displays a mix of undulating countryside with elevations typically ranging from 400 to 800 meters above sea level. The landscape is punctuated by numerous small valleys and ridgelines that create a somewhat dissected topography. Rocky outcrops and granite formations are common throughout the area, reflecting the underlying geological structure of the ancient Sierras de Córdoba.

Water features play a significant role in shaping the local topography, with the Embalse Río Tercero reservoir being the most prominent. This artificial lake, created by damming the Río Tercero, has influenced the surrounding terrain and created relatively flat areas along its shores. Several smaller streams and seasonal watercourses drain the surrounding hills, creating minor valleys and drainage patterns throughout the region.

Vegetation and Land Use Patterns

The natural vegetation consists primarily of grasslands interspersed with scattered woodlands, particularly along watercourses and in protected valleys. Much of the original native vegetation has been modified by agricultural activities, with extensive areas now devoted to cattle grazing and crop cultivation. The combination of moderate rainfall and fertile soils has made this region suitable for both pastoral and agricultural uses.

Agricultural fields, particularly those used for soybean and corn production, create large expanses of relatively flat, cleared land. These areas represent some of the most accessible terrain in the region for potential development projects. Pastureland for cattle grazing also provides substantial areas of open space with minimal topographical obstacles.

Optimal Areas for Large-Scale Solar Development

The most suitable locations for extensive solar photovoltaic installations would be found in the flatter agricultural areas to the east and southeast of Embalse. These zones offer several advantages including relatively level terrain that would minimize grading and construction costs, existing road infrastructure for equipment access, and proximity to electrical transmission lines.

The broad valley floors and gentle slopes found throughout the eastern portions of the region present ideal conditions for solar array installation. These areas typically have gradual gradients of less than five percent, which allows for efficient panel placement and maintenance access while avoiding the need for extensive earthwork.

Areas near the reservoir shores, particularly on the eastern and southern sides, also present good opportunities due to their relatively flat topography and cleared status. The existing infrastructure associated with the hydroelectric facility could potentially provide beneficial connections to the electrical grid.

The agricultural plains extending eastward from the immediate Embalse area toward the cities of Río Tercero and Villa María represent perhaps the most promising zone for large-scale solar development. This region combines favorable topographical conditions with excellent transportation access via national and provincial highways, making it logistically feasible for major solar installations.

Conversely, the more mountainous terrain to the west and northwest would be less suitable for extensive solar farms due to steeper slopes, rocky conditions, and more complex topography that would increase installation and maintenance challenges.

Argentina solar PV Stats as a country

Argentina ranks 43rd in the world for cumulative solar PV capacity, with 1,071 total MW's of solar PV installed. This means that 1.50% of Argentina's total energy as a country comes from solar PV (that's 35th in the world). Each year Argentina is generating 24 Watts from solar PV per capita (Argentina ranks 63rd in the world for solar PV Watts generated per capita). [source]

Are there incentives for businesses to install solar in Argentina?

Yes, there are several incentives for businesses wanting to install solar energy in Argentina. The government offers a range of tax credits and subsidies for businesses that invest in renewable energy projects. Additionally, the country has implemented a net metering system which allows businesses to sell excess electricity generated from their solar installations back to the grid at a premium rate. Finally, the government also provides access to low-interest loans and grants for businesses looking to invest in solar energy projects.

Do you have more up to date information than this on incentives towards solar PV projects in Argentina? Please reach out to us and help us keep this information current. Thanks!

Citation Guide

Article Details for Citation

Tell Us About Your Work

We love seeing how our research helps others! If you've cited this article in your work, we'd be delighted to hear about it. Drop us a line via our Contact Us page or on X, to share where you've used our information - we may feature a link to your work on our site. This helps create a network of valuable resources for others in the solar energy community and helps us understand how our research is contributing to the field. Plus, we occasionally highlight exceptional works that reference our research on our social media channels.

Feeling generous?

Share this with your friends!

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.