Venture, Saint John, Barbados, situated at 13.1817° N, 59.5132° W, presents a highly favorable location for solar energy generation throughout the year. This tropical setting benefits from consistent sunlight, with seasons primarily distinguished by wet and dry periods rather than significant temperature fluctuations.

Year-Round Solar Potential

The solar energy output at this location remains relatively stable across all seasons, with only minor variations. Spring stands out as the most productive period, yielding an impressive 6.99 kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed solar capacity. Summer and autumn follow closely, producing 6.64 kWh/day and 6.45 kWh/day, respectively. Even during winter, which sees the lowest output, the system still generates a substantial 5.92 kWh/day. This consistent performance throughout the year makes Venture an ideal location for solar PV installations, as it ensures a reliable and steady energy supply regardless of the season.

Optimal Panel Positioning

To maximize year-round solar energy production in Venture, Saint John, fixed solar panels should be tilted at an angle of 12 degrees facing south. This specific angle has been calculated to capture the most sunlight possible throughout the year, taking into account the location's latitude and the sun's changing position in the sky.

Environmental Considerations

While Venture offers excellent conditions for solar energy generation, there are a few environmental factors to consider: 1. Tropical storms and hurricanes: The Caribbean region, including Barbados, is prone to these weather events, which could potentially damage solar installations. 2. Salt spray: Given the coastal location, salt accumulation on solar panels could reduce efficiency over time. 3. High humidity: This can lead to increased dust adhesion on panel surfaces, potentially affecting performance. To mitigate these challenges, several preventative measures can be implemented:

Protective Measures

1. Use sturdy mounting systems designed to withstand high winds. 2. Install protective covers or shutters for extreme weather events. 3. Regularly clean panels to remove salt and dust buildup. 4. Use corrosion-resistant materials for all components. 5. Implement a robust maintenance schedule to ensure optimal performance. By addressing these factors, solar installations in Venture can maintain high efficiency and longevity, making the most of this location's excellent solar potential.

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 3 locations across Barbados. This analysis provides insights into each city/location's potential for harnessing solar energy through PV installations.

Link: Solar PV potential in Barbados by location

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

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 13.1817, Longitude: -59.5132 (Venture, Barbados), 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 12° South in Venture, Barbados

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Venture, Barbados (Lat/Long 13.1817, -59.5132) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 12° 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 Venture, Barbados

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 Venture, Barbados. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 12° 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	19° South in Autumn	29° South in Winter	7° 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 Venture, Barbados

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 Venture, Barbados.

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 Venture, Barbados

The topography around Venture, Barbados, is characterized by gently rolling hills and coastal plains typical of the island's landscape. Situated on the eastern coast of Barbados, Venture is part of the parish of St. John, which features a mix of low-lying areas and modest elevations. The terrain gradually rises from the coastline, creating a series of undulating hills that extend inland. To the west of Venture, the land becomes slightly more elevated, with small hills and valleys forming a picturesque rural landscape. These hills are generally not very steep, making them suitable for various types of development and agriculture. The soil in this area is primarily composed of coral limestone, which is porous and allows for good drainage. Towards the coast, the land flattens out, forming narrow strips of sandy beaches interspersed with coral rock formations. The coastline is relatively straight, with few natural harbors or bays in the immediate vicinity of Venture. The Atlantic Ocean meets the shore with moderate wave action, as the eastern coast of Barbados is more exposed to oceanic winds and currents compared to the calmer western coast.

Areas Suitable for Large-Scale Solar PV

When considering areas nearby that would be most suited to large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations, several factors come into play. The ideal locations would have ample sunlight exposure, relatively flat terrain, and minimal environmental impact. One potentially suitable area for solar PV development would be the gently sloping hillsides to the west of Venture. These areas receive abundant sunlight throughout the year and have enough space to accommodate large arrays of solar panels. The gradual incline of the land could also be advantageous, as it would allow for optimal panel positioning to capture maximum sunlight. Another promising location might be found in the more level coastal plains to the south of Venture. These areas offer expansive, open spaces that could easily accommodate large-scale solar installations. The proximity to the coast ensures unobstructed sunlight and potentially cooler temperatures, which can improve the efficiency of solar panels. It's important to note that any large-scale solar PV project would need to carefully consider environmental factors, such as impact on local flora and fauna, as well as potential effects on agricultural land use. Additionally, the chosen site would need to be assessed for its proximity to existing electrical infrastructure to facilitate grid connection and power distribution.

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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.