Solar PV Analysis of Punta Gorda, Belize
Punta Gorda, Toledo District, Belize is a pretty good location for generating solar power all year round. This is because it's in the Tropics, where sunlight is steady throughout most of the year. The seasons here are more about whether it's wet or dry rather than how much sun there is.
The amount of electricity you can get from each kilowatt (kW) of solar panels you install varies by season. In summer and spring, you can expect around 6.5 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per day from each kW of solar panels installed. In autumn and winter, this drops slightly to around 5-5.4 kWh/day.
Because Punta Gorda gets consistent sunlight throughout the year, there isn't really an "ideal" time to generate solar - any time should work fairly well.
If you're installing fixed solar panels at this location, tilting them at an angle of 14 degrees South will help maximize your total yearly energy production.
However, there could be some local factors that might make it harder to produce solar energy here:
1) Weather: While Punta Gorda has lots of sun, its tropical climate also means heavy rain during the wet season which could reduce your energy production.
2) Environment: If there are tall trees or buildings nearby that cast shadows on your solar panels for part of the day this would limit their efficiency.
3) Local wildlife: Certain birds or insects may cause damage to your panels over time if not properly maintained.
To deal with these issues:
1) For weather-related issues like heavy rain reducing panel efficiency or causing potential damage - consider installing protective features such as sturdy mounting systems and weather-resistant materials.
2) If shadows are a problem due to surrounding trees/buildings - consider trimming back tree branches or positioning your installation where it will receive maximum sunlight exposure throughout the day.
3) Regular cleaning and maintenance can prevent damage caused by local wildlife.
In summary, Punta Gorda is a good location for solar energy production due to its consistent sunlight. However, you'll need to consider local factors like weather and environment when installing your panels to ensure maximum efficiency and longevity.
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 9 locations across Belize. This analysis provides insights into each city/location's potential for harnessing solar energy through PV installations.
Link: Solar PV potential in Belize by location
Solar output per kW of installed solar PV by season in Punta Gorda
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 16.0992, Longitude: -88.7984 (Punta Gorda, Belize), 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 14° South in Punta Gorda, Belize
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Punta Gorda, Belize (Lat/Long 16.0992, -88.7984) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 14° 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 Punta Gorda, Belize
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 Punta Gorda, Belize. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 14° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0° in Summer | 21° South in Autumn | 31° South in Winter | 10° 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 Punta Gorda, Belize
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 Punta Gorda, Belize.
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 Punta Gorda, Belize
Punta Gorda, Belize is located in the southern part of the country on the coastline. The topography consists mostly of flat and low-lying coastal plains with some small hills nearby. The area is largely covered by tropical rainforests and mangrove swamps along the coast.
For large-scale solar PV installations, flat terrains are generally preferred due to ease of installation and maintenance. Therefore, the coastal plains around Punta Gorda could be suitable for such a project. However, it's important to note that these areas may also be prone to flooding due to their low elevation which could pose risks for solar installations.
Another potential location could be cleared land within or near agricultural areas where there is already an established infrastructure for power transmission.
However, any decision regarding large scale solar PV should take into account not just topography but also factors like sunlight intensity (which tends to be high in Belize), local weather conditions (Belize has a rainy season which can limit solar output), land ownership and use rights, as well as environmental impacts on local ecosystems like rainforests or mangroves.
A detailed feasibility study would need to be conducted before deciding on a specific site for large-scale solar PV in this region.
Citation Guide
Article Details for Citation
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Saturday 11th of May 2024
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.
