Empalme San Vicente, Buenos Aires, Argentina, located in the Southern Sub Tropics, offers a promising location for solar energy generation throughout the year. This site, situated at latitude -34.9667 and longitude -58.3667, experiences varying levels of solar potential across different seasons.

Seasonal Solar Performance

The location demonstrates strong solar potential, particularly during the summer months. In summer, each kilowatt of installed solar capacity can generate an impressive 7.80 kWh of electricity per day. Spring follows as the second-most productive season, with 6.26 kWh/day per kW installed.

Autumn sees a moderate decline in solar output, producing 4.52 kWh/day per kW. Winter, as expected, shows the lowest generation at 3.21 kWh/day per kW. Despite this seasonal variation, the site maintains a respectable level of solar production throughout the year.

Optimal Panel Installation

To maximize year-round solar energy production at this location, fixed solar panels should be tilted at an angle of 30 degrees facing North. This optimal tilt angle takes into account the site's latitude and the Earth's elliptical orbit, ensuring the best possible exposure to sunlight throughout the year.

Environmental Considerations

While Empalme San Vicente generally offers favorable conditions for solar energy production, there are a few environmental factors to consider:

1. Dust and pollution: Being close to urban areas, the panels may accumulate dust or be affected by air pollution, potentially reducing efficiency.
2. Seasonal weather patterns: The region experiences rainfall throughout the year, with increased precipitation in summer and autumn, which could temporarily reduce solar output.

To mitigate these factors, regular cleaning and maintenance of the solar panels is recommended. Additionally, installing panels at the optimal tilt angle will help with natural cleaning during rainfall. Considering weather-resistant panel designs and proper drainage systems can also enhance long-term performance and durability.

Overall, Empalme San Vicente presents a highly suitable location for solar PV installations, with strong potential for energy generation, especially during summer and spring months. With proper installation and maintenance, solar energy systems in this area can provide a reliable and sustainable source of electricity throughout the year.

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 Empalme San Vicente

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: -34.9667, Longitude: -58.3667 (Empalme San Vicente, 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 30° North in Empalme San Vicente, Argentina

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Empalme San Vicente, Argentina (Lat/Long -34.9667, -58.3667) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 30° 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 Empalme San Vicente, 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 Empalme San Vicente, Argentina. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 30° North tilt angle throughout the year.

Overall Best Summer Angle	Overall Best Autumn Angle	Overall Best Winter Angle	Overall Best Spring Angle
19° North in Summer	40° North in Autumn	50° North in Winter	27° 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 Empalme San Vicente, 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 Empalme San Vicente, 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 Empalme San Vicente, Argentina

The topography around Empalme San Vicente, Argentina, located at latitude -34.9667 and longitude -58.3667, is characterized by flat to gently rolling terrain typical of the Pampas region. This area is part of the vast Argentine lowlands, with minimal elevation changes across the landscape. The surrounding countryside consists primarily of expansive grasslands and agricultural fields, interspersed with small patches of woodland and scattered settlements. The terrain in this region is predominantly level, with slight undulations that rarely exceed a few meters in height difference. This relatively uniform topography is a result of centuries of sediment deposition from rivers and wind-blown loess, creating a fertile plain ideal for agriculture. The nearby Río de la Plata estuary influences the local geography, with some low-lying areas prone to occasional flooding during heavy rainfall periods.

Suitability for Large-Scale Solar PV

When considering areas nearby Empalme San Vicente for large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations, several factors come into play. The flat terrain of the Pampas region offers significant advantages for solar energy development. Areas to the west and southwest of Empalme San Vicente would be most suited for such projects due to their open landscapes and minimal shading from natural features or man-made structures. These locations benefit from ample sunlight exposure throughout the year, with few obstructions to cast shadows on potential solar arrays. The absence of steep slopes or significant elevation changes simplifies construction and reduces costs associated with land preparation. Additionally, the proximity to existing infrastructure and transportation networks in this semi-rural area facilitates the development and maintenance of large-scale solar facilities. However, it's important to note that while the topography is favorable, other factors such as land use, environmental considerations, and proximity to electrical grid infrastructure would need to be carefully evaluated. The fertile nature of the Pampas soil means that some of the most suitable areas for solar PV from a topographical perspective may currently be used for valuable agricultural production, potentially creating land-use conflicts that would need to be addressed in any development plans.

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!

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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.