Quilmes, Argentina, situated in the Southern Sub Tropics at latitude -34.7189 and longitude -58.2604, presents a reasonably favorable location for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. The seasonal variations in solar energy production provide insights into the effectiveness of solar installations in this area.

Seasonal Solar Performance

Solar energy production in Quilmes experiences significant fluctuations across the seasons. Summer stands out as the most productive period, with an impressive daily output of 7.80 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely, generating 6.26 kWh/day. Autumn sees a moderate decline to 4.52 kWh/day, while winter experiences the lowest production at 3.21 kWh/day.

These figures indicate that Quilmes enjoys substantial solar potential, particularly from late spring through early autumn. The extended daylight hours and more direct sunlight during these months contribute to peak energy production. However, the notable drop in winter output suggests that supplementary energy sources might be beneficial during the cooler months.

Optimal Panel Orientation

To maximize year-round solar energy production in Quilmes, fixed solar panels should be tilted at a 30-degree angle facing North. This orientation helps capture the most sunlight throughout the year, balancing the sun's changing position across seasons.

Environmental Considerations

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

1. Dust and pollution: Being close to Buenos Aires, air pollution and dust might accumulate on solar panels, potentially reducing efficiency.
2. Occasional storms: The region can experience thunderstorms, which may temporarily impact solar production.

To mitigate these issues, regular cleaning of solar panels is recommended to maintain optimal efficiency. Additionally, installing sturdy mounting systems can help protect panels during stormy weather.

Overall, Quilmes presents a promising location for solar PV installations. With proper planning and maintenance, solar energy can be a reliable and efficient power source in this Argentinian city throughout most of 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 Quilmes

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: -34.7189, Longitude: -58.2604 (Quilmes, 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 Quilmes, Argentina

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Quilmes, Argentina (Lat/Long -34.7189, -58.2604) 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 Quilmes, 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 Quilmes, 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
18° North in Summer	40° North in Autumn	49° 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 Quilmes, 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 Quilmes, 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 Quilmes, Argentina

The topography around Quilmes, Argentina, is predominantly flat, characteristic of the vast Pampas region that extends across much of eastern Argentina. Quilmes is situated on the western bank of the Río de la Plata, a wide estuary formed by the confluence of the Uruguay and Paraná rivers. The landscape is primarily composed of low-lying plains with minimal elevation changes, making it part of the expansive grasslands that dominate this area. The terrain in and around Quilmes is generally level, with only subtle undulations in the landscape. This flat topography is a result of centuries of sediment deposition from the nearby rivers and the gradual erosion of the land. The area's elevation is close to sea level, with most of the city and its surroundings sitting at an altitude of just a few meters above sea level. To the west of Quilmes, the land gradually rises as it transitions into the interior of Buenos Aires Province, but this increase in elevation is very gradual and almost imperceptible to the naked eye. The region lacks any significant natural hills or mountains, which is typical of the Pampas ecosystem.

Suitability for Large-Scale Solar PV

The areas surrounding Quilmes offer several advantages for large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations. The flat terrain is particularly well-suited for solar farms, as it minimizes the need for extensive land preparation and allows for efficient layout of solar panels. The lack of natural obstacles like hills or mountains also reduces the risk of shading, which can impact solar energy production. The most suitable areas for large-scale solar PV installations would be the open grasslands to the south and southwest of Quilmes. These areas, part of the broader Pampas region, offer vast expanses of relatively unused land that could accommodate extensive solar arrays. The flat topography in these directions extends for many kilometers, providing ample space for solar development without significant geographical constraints. Another potentially suitable area would be the agricultural lands to the west and northwest of Quilmes. While these areas are currently used for farming, some portions could be repurposed for solar energy production. The existing road infrastructure in these areas could also facilitate the construction and maintenance of solar installations. It's important to note that while the topography is favorable, other factors such as proximity to electrical grid infrastructure, local zoning regulations, and environmental considerations would also play crucial roles in determining the most suitable locations for large-scale solar PV projects in the vicinity of Quilmes.

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.