Solar PV Analysis of Oranjestad, Aruba
Oranjestad, Aruba, situated at latitude 12.5147 and longitude -70.034, is a highly suitable location for solar photovoltaic (PV) energy generation due to its consistent sunlight exposure throughout the year. The average daily energy production per kilowatt of installed solar capacity in each season is as follows: 6.87 kWh in summer, 6.53 kWh in autumn, 6.07 kWh in winter and 6.94 kWh in spring.
This region falls within the tropics and experiences dry and wet seasons rather than traditional seasonal variations such as freezing temperatures or snowfall which can hinder solar power generation elsewhere. This climatic pattern makes Oranjestad an advantageous environment for harnessing solar power.
In terms of panel installation, an optimal tilt angle of 11 degrees towards the south has been identified for fixed panel installations at this location to maximize sun exposure.
While there are no significant environmental or topographical obstacles that might impede solar production here specifically, it's worth noting that during the wet season there can be increased cloud cover which could potentially affect output slightly; however this effect is mitigated by the generally high levels of sunlight throughout the year.
When installing a PV system in Oranjestad or similar locations with tropical climates it would be beneficial to ensure panels have a good drainage system to avoid water accumulation during heavy rainfalls which could lead to reduced performance or damage over time; also regular cleaning would help maintain maximum efficiency by preventing dust build-up on panels' surface.
Note: The Tropics are located between 23.5° North and -23.5° South of the equator.
So far, we have conducted calculations to evaluate the solar photovoltaic (PV) potential in 4 locations across Aruba. This analysis provides insights into each city/location's potential for harnessing solar energy through PV installations.
Link: Solar PV potential in Aruba by location
Solar output per kW of installed solar PV by season in Oranjestad
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 12.5147, Longitude: -70.034 (Oranjestad, Aruba), 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 11° South in Oranjestad, Aruba
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Oranjestad, Aruba (Lat/Long 12.5147, -70.034) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 11° 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 Oranjestad, Aruba
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 Oranjestad, Aruba. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 11° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3° North in Summer | 18° South in Autumn | 28° South in Winter | 6° 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 Oranjestad, Aruba
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 Oranjestad, Aruba.
Our calculation method
- Solar Position:
We determine the Sun's position on the Winter solstice using the location's latitude and solar declination. - Shadow Projection:
We calculate the shadow length cast by panels using trigonometry, considering panel tilt and the Sun's elevation angle. - 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 Oranjestad, Aruba
The topography around Oranjestad, Aruba is generally flat and low-lying. Areas near the coast are mostly flat with some small hills and valleys, while areas further inland tend to be more hilly. The most suitable areas for large-scale solar PV would be those that are relatively flat and have good access to direct sunlight throughout the day. These could include coastal areas such as Eagle Beach or Palm Beach, as well as inland locations such as Santa Cruz or San Nicolas.
Citation Guide
Article Details for Citation
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Wednesday 15th of November 2023
Last Updated: Monday 21st of July 2025
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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.
