Abaetetuba, Pará, Brazil, situated at latitude -1.7357 and longitude -48.9429, offers a promising location for solar energy generation throughout the year. This tropical setting benefits from consistent sunlight, with seasonal variations primarily characterized by wet and dry periods rather than significant temperature fluctuations.

Solar Energy Potential

The solar energy potential in Abaetetuba is remarkably stable across all seasons. Winter and spring stand out as the most productive periods, with daily outputs of 5.99 kWh and 6.12 kWh per kilowatt of installed solar capacity, respectively. Summer and autumn also demonstrate strong performance, yielding 5.05 kWh and 5.38 kWh per day. This consistent year-round production is a significant advantage for solar energy investments in the region. The minimal fluctuation between seasons ensures a reliable power supply throughout the year, making it an attractive option for both residential and commercial applications.

Optimal Panel Positioning

For fixed solar panel installations in Abaetetuba, Pará, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round energy production is 2 degrees facing North. This slight tilt helps optimize the panels' exposure to sunlight throughout the year, accounting for the location's proximity to the equator and the Earth's elliptical orbit.

Environmental Considerations

While Abaetetuba's location is generally favorable for solar energy production, there are a few environmental factors to consider: 1. High humidity: The tropical climate can lead to increased moisture, potentially affecting solar panel efficiency. 2. Heavy rainfall: The region experiences a distinct rainy season, which could temporarily reduce solar output. To mitigate these challenges, the following preventative measures can be implemented:

• Use high-quality, weather-resistant solar panels designed for tropical climates
• Install adequate drainage systems to prevent water accumulation on panels
• Implement regular cleaning and maintenance schedules to remove dust and debris
• Consider slightly increasing the tilt angle to facilitate natural cleaning during rainfall

By addressing these factors during installation and maintenance, solar energy systems in Abaetetuba can achieve optimal performance and longevity, capitalizing on the region's excellent solar potential throughout the year.

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 3161 locations across Brazil. This analysis provides insights into each city/location's potential for harnessing solar energy through PV installations.

Link: Solar PV potential in Brazil by location

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

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: -1.7357, Longitude: -48.9429 (Abaetetuba, Brazil), 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 2° North in Abaetetuba, Brazil

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Abaetetuba, Brazil (Lat/Long -1.7357, -48.9429) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 2° 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 Abaetetuba, Brazil

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 Abaetetuba, Brazil. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 2° North tilt angle throughout the year.

Overall Best Summer Angle	Overall Best Autumn Angle	Overall Best Winter Angle	Overall Best Spring Angle
14° South in Summer	9° North in Autumn	17° North in Winter	4° 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 Abaetetuba, Brazil

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 Abaetetuba, Brazil.

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 Abaetetuba, Brazil

The topography around Abaetetuba, Brazil, is characterized by a low-lying, mostly flat landscape typical of the Amazon River delta region. Located in the state of Pará, this area is part of the vast Amazon Rainforest and is crisscrossed by numerous rivers, streams, and channels. The terrain is predominantly composed of floodplains and várzea forests, which are periodically inundated by seasonal flooding. The immediate vicinity of Abaetetuba is dominated by the confluence of several rivers, including the Tocantins, Pará, and Maratauíra. These waterways create a complex network of islands and riverine environments. The land is generally low-elevation, with much of it barely above sea level. This flat topography extends for many kilometers in all directions, gradually transitioning to slightly higher ground as one moves away from the river systems.

Potential for Large-Scale Solar PV

While the region around Abaetetuba receives ample sunlight throughout the year, making it potentially suitable for solar energy production, there are several challenges to implementing large-scale solar PV projects in this area. The most suitable locations for solar PV installations would be the slightly elevated areas away from the immediate floodplains. These higher grounds, found to the east and southeast of Abaetetuba, offer more stable terrain and reduced risk of flooding. However, these areas are often covered by dense vegetation, which would need to be cleared for solar farm development. Another potential area for solar PV development could be the more open, agricultural lands that have already been cleared of forest cover. These are scattered throughout the region, particularly to the south and southwest of Abaetetuba. These locations offer the advantage of existing land clearance and potentially easier access to infrastructure. It's important to note that any large-scale solar PV project in this region would need to carefully consider environmental impacts, given the ecological sensitivity of the Amazon rainforest. Additionally, the high humidity and frequent rainfall in the area could pose challenges for solar panel efficiency and maintenance. In conclusion, while the flat topography and abundant sunlight in the Abaetetuba region offer potential for solar energy development, careful site selection and environmental considerations would be crucial for any large-scale solar PV project in this unique Amazonian landscape.

Brazil solar PV Stats as a country

Brazil ranks 13th in the world for cumulative solar PV capacity, with 13,708 total MW's of solar PV installed. This means that 2.50% of Brazil's total energy as a country comes from solar PV (that's 31st in the world). Each year Brazil is generating 64 Watts from solar PV per capita (Brazil ranks 47th in the world for solar PV Watts generated per capita). [source]

Are there incentives for businesses to install solar in Brazil?

Yes, there are several incentives for businesses wanting to install solar energy in Brazil. The Brazilian government offers a range of tax credits and other financial incentives to encourage the adoption of renewable energy sources such as solar power. These include reduced import taxes on solar equipment, accelerated depreciation of investments in renewable energy projects, and preferential financing from public banks. Additionally, some states offer additional incentives such as subsidies or grants for businesses that install solar systems.

Do you have more up to date information than this on incentives towards solar PV projects in Brazil? Please reach out to us and help us keep this information current. Thanks!

Citation Guide

Article Details for Citation

Tell Us About Your Work

We love seeing how our research helps others! If you've cited this article in your work, we'd be delighted to hear about it. Drop us a line via our Contact Us page or on X, to share where you've used our information - we may feature a link to your work on our site. This helps create a network of valuable resources for others in the solar energy community and helps us understand how our research is contributing to the field. Plus, we occasionally highlight exceptional works that reference our research on our social media channels.

Feeling generous?

Share this with your friends!

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.