Libres del Sur, Argentina, situated in the Southern Temperate Zone at latitude -35.7167 and longitude -57.7167, offers varying potential for solar energy generation throughout the year. This location experiences significant seasonal fluctuations in solar production that prospective solar panel owners should consider.

Seasonal Solar Production

Solar energy production at Libres del Sur shows marked seasonal variations. Summer yields the highest output at 7.41 kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed capacity. Spring follows as the second most productive season with 6.12 kWh/day. Production decreases considerably in autumn to 4.37 kWh/day, while winter represents the lowest production period with only 2.97 kWh/day per kilowatt installed.

This pattern creates a more than 2.5-fold difference between the best and worst seasons, with summer producing approximately 149% more energy than winter. The substantial drop in winter production is particularly noteworthy for anyone considering solar as their primary energy source.

Optimal Panel Installation

For fixed solar panel installations at this location, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round energy production is 31 degrees facing North. This angle has been calculated to optimize annual solar harvest based on the site's specific latitude and seasonal solar conditions.

Given the significant seasonal variations, this tilt angle represents a compromise that favors the higher-producing summer and spring months while still capturing adequate winter sunlight. Adjustable mounting systems that allow for seasonal tilt optimization could potentially improve overall production, particularly during the low-yield winter months.

Environmental Considerations

Several environmental factors could impact solar production at this location. The Pampas region where Libres del Sur is located occasionally experiences dust storms that can significantly reduce panel efficiency. Regular cleaning maintenance is therefore recommended, potentially with automated systems in larger installations.

The area also experiences thunderstorms and occasional hail, particularly during transitional seasons. Installing hail-resistant panels and ensuring proper grounding and surge protection can mitigate weather-related risks. Additionally, the region's moderate humidity levels may contribute to early morning dew or condensation on panels, slightly delaying peak morning production until panels dry.

Temperature is another consideration, as the summer heat can reduce panel efficiency. Installing panels with sufficient airflow beneath them can help dissipate heat and maintain better production efficiency during hot periods.

Note: The Southern Temperate Zone extends from -35° latitude South down to -66.5° 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 Libres Del Sur

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: -35.7167, Longitude: -57.7167 (Libres Del Sur, 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 31° North in Libres Del Sur, Argentina

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Libres Del Sur, Argentina (Lat/Long -35.7167, -57.7167) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 31° 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 Libres Del Sur, 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 Libres Del Sur, Argentina. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 31° 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	41° North in Autumn	51° North in Winter	28° 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 Libres Del Sur, 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 Libres Del Sur, 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 Libres Del Sur, Argentina

The topography surrounding Libres del Sur, Argentina, located at approximately -35.7167 latitude and -57.7167 longitude, is characterized by flat, expansive plains typical of the Pampas region. This area lies within the vast Argentine Pampas, one of the world's most extensive grassland ecosystems. The landscape features minimal elevation changes, with gentle undulations rather than significant hills or mountains. The terrain generally sits at a low elevation above sea level, typically between 0-100 meters, creating an unobstructed horizon in most directions. The region's flat topography results from centuries of sedimentation processes, where rich soils have accumulated across the plains. These soils support extensive agricultural activities that dominate the rural landscape around Libres del Sur. Small water bodies, including streams and seasonal wetlands, punctuate the otherwise continuous grassland environment. During rainy periods, some low-lying areas may temporarily flood, creating shallow marshes that later dry during warmer months.

Optimal Areas for Solar PV Development

The expansive, flat terrain surrounding Libres del Sur presents numerous favorable sites for large-scale solar photovoltaic installations. The most suitable areas would be those that combine several advantageous characteristics for solar development. The northern and western sectors of the region offer particularly promising conditions for solar PV deployment. These areas typically feature slightly elevated terrain that remains dry year-round, avoiding the seasonal flooding that can affect lower-lying sections to the south and east. The higher ground provides stable foundations for solar infrastructure while minimizing potential water-related complications. Agricultural lands that are currently underutilized or experiencing lower productivity would represent prime candidates for solar conversion. These areas often have existing access roads and may be located near transmission infrastructure, reducing development costs. The flat nature of these fields means minimal earthwork would be required for installation, and shading from topographical features is essentially non-existent. Areas within 10-15 kilometers of existing electrical substations or transmission corridors would be especially valuable for solar development, as connection costs can significantly impact project economics. Several such zones exist in the broader region around Libres del Sur, particularly along established transportation corridors where power infrastructure tends to be more developed. The landscape's openness also means that large, contiguous parcels are available, allowing for economies of scale in solar deployment. Sites of 100 hectares or larger could be developed with minimal fragmentation, optimizing construction and operational efficiency while maximizing energy production potential.

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.