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Solar PV Analysis of Sucre, Bolivia
Sucre, Chuquisaca Department, Bolivia is a pretty good spot for generating solar energy all year round. This is because it's located in the Tropics where sunlight is consistent throughout most of the year. The seasons are more defined by wet and dry periods rather than big swings in temperature or daylight hours like we see further from the equator.
In terms of how much energy you could expect to generate from a solar panel installation there, it varies slightly with each season. In Summer and Spring, you can expect to generate more energy (6.59 kilowatt-hours per day in Summer and 7.62 kilowatt-hours per day in Spring) compared to Autumn and Winter (both 6.11 kilowatt-hours per day). This means that while you can produce solar energy throughout the year, Spring would be the ideal time for maximum production.
If you're considering installing solar panels at this location, angling them at 19 degrees North will give you the best overall results for year-round production.
However, there may be some local factors that could affect your solar production levels. For example, Sucre's topography includes mountains which could potentially block sunlight if your installation site isn't well chosen. Additionally, while Sucre doesn't have extreme weather conditions like hurricanes or tornadoes that might damage panels or cause interruptions to service, it does have a rainy season which can reduce sunlight exposure on cloudy days.
To mitigate these potential issues when installing your solar panels:
1) Choose your site carefully - avoid locations where mountains or other structures might cast shadows over your panels.
2) Consider using tracking mounts that allow your panels to follow the sun across the sky rather than fixed mounts - this can help maximize exposure even during shorter daylight hours in rainy season.
3) Ensure proper maintenance - keep an eye on weather forecasts during rainy seasons and clean off any debris or water spots promptly to keep your panels working efficiently.
Overall though, Sucre's consistent sunlight and tropical climate make it a good location for generating solar energy.
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 13 locations across Bolivia. This analysis provides insights into each city/location's potential for harnessing solar energy through PV installations.
Link: Solar PV potential in Bolivia by location
Solar output per kW of installed solar PV by season in Sucre
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: -19.0428, Longitude: -65.2633 (Sucre, Bolivia), 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 19° North in Sucre, Bolivia
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Sucre, Bolivia (Lat/Long -19.0428, -65.2633) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 19° 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 Sucre, Bolivia
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 Sucre, Bolivia. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 19° North tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4° North in Summer | 25° North in Autumn | 35° North in Winter | 13° 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 Sucre, Bolivia
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 Sucre, Bolivia.
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 Sucre, Bolivia
Sucre, the constitutional capital of Bolivia, is located in the south-central part of the country. The city is nestled in a valley surrounded by low mountains. The topography around Sucre generally consists of hilly and mountainous terrain with varying elevations. However, there are some flat areas and valleys as well.
For large-scale solar PV installations, flat or gently sloping areas are usually preferred to minimize installation costs and maximize efficiency. Considering this, potential suitable areas near Sucre might include the flatter regions towards the south-eastern part of Chuquisaca department where Sucre is located.
However, it's important to note that many factors need to be considered when choosing a location for a solar farm such as land availability and use, sunlight levels (solar irradiance), proximity to transmission lines or grids for power distribution etc. Therefore comprehensive feasibility studies would be required before making any decisions.
Also worth noting that Bolivia has high-altitude regions which receive intense sunlight which could potentially be beneficial for solar energy generation despite being mountainous or hilly.
Bolivia solar PV Stats as a country
Bolivia ranks 76th in the world for cumulative solar PV capacity, with 170 total MW's of solar PV installed. Each year Bolivia is generating 15 Watts from solar PV per capita (Bolivia ranks 68th in the world for solar PV Watts generated per capita). [source]
Are there incentives for businesses to install solar in Bolivia?
Yes, there are incentives for businesses wanting to install solar energy in Bolivia. The Bolivian government has implemented a number of policies and programs to promote the use of renewable energy sources such as solar power. These include tax exemptions, subsidies, and other financial incentives for businesses that invest in solar energy projects. Additionally, the government has established a Renewable Energy Fund which provides grants and loans to support renewable energy projects.
Do you have more up to date information than this on incentives towards solar PV projects in Bolivia? Please reach out to us and help us keep this information current. Thanks!
Citation Guide
Article Details for Citation
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Saturday 20th of January 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.
