Abel Figueiredo, Pará, Brazil presents an excellent location for year-round solar PV energy generation. Located in the tropics at coordinates -4.9438, -48.4227, this area benefits from consistent sunlight throughout most of the year, with seasons characterized more by wet and dry periods rather than dramatic temperature variations.

Solar Energy Output Performance

The solar energy output at Abel Figueiredo shows remarkably consistent performance across all seasons. Winter provides the highest output at 5.94 kWh per day per kW of installed solar capacity, followed closely by spring at 5.67 kWh/day and autumn at 5.64 kWh/day. Even summer, the lowest performing season, still delivers a strong 5.11 kWh/day per kW. This consistent output makes Abel Figueiredo ideal for solar installations, as there are no dramatic seasonal drops in energy production that might affect system reliability or economic returns.

Optimal Panel Configuration

For fixed panel installations at this location, the ideal tilt angle to maximize total year-round solar production is 6 degrees North. This relatively shallow angle reflects the location's proximity to the equator, where the sun maintains a high position in the sky throughout the year.

Environmental and Weather Considerations

Several local factors could potentially impact solar production in Abel Figueiredo and require careful consideration during installation:

• Heavy tropical rainfall: The wet season brings intense precipitation that can reduce solar irradiance and create maintenance challenges
• High humidity levels: Persistent moisture can lead to corrosion of electrical components and reduced panel efficiency
• Dense cloud cover: Extended periods of thick clouds during wet seasons can significantly reduce solar output
• Vegetation growth: Rapid tropical plant growth can create shading issues if not properly managed

Preventative Installation Measures

To maximize energy production despite these challenges, several installation strategies should be implemented: Drainage and Mounting: Install panels with adequate spacing and proper drainage systems to prevent water accumulation. Use corrosion-resistant mounting hardware specifically rated for tropical climates. Component Selection: Choose solar panels and inverters with high humidity ratings and robust weatherproofing. Sealed electrical connections and marine-grade wiring help prevent moisture-related failures. Site Management: Maintain clear zones around solar installations to prevent vegetation from creating shadows. Regular trimming schedules should be established before plant growth becomes problematic. Cleaning Systems: Design installations with easy access for cleaning, as tropical environments can lead to faster accumulation of debris, dust, and organic matter on panel surfaces. Despite these considerations, Abel Figueiredo's consistent solar output throughout the year makes it an attractive location for solar PV installations, provided that proper tropical climate installation practices are followed.

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 Abel Figueiredo

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: -4.9438, Longitude: -48.4227 (Abel Figueiredo, 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 6° North in Abel Figueiredo, Brazil

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Abel Figueiredo, Brazil (Lat/Long -4.9438, -48.4227) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 6° 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 Abel Figueiredo, 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 Abel Figueiredo, Brazil. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 6° North tilt angle throughout the year.

Overall Best Summer Angle	Overall Best Autumn Angle	Overall Best Winter Angle	Overall Best Spring Angle
11° South in Summer	12° North in Autumn	21° North in Winter	1° 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 Abel Figueiredo, 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 Abel Figueiredo, 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 Abel Figueiredo, Brazil

Topographical Features of Abel Figueiredo

Abel Figueiredo sits in the southeastern portion of Pará state, within the Amazon basin region of Brazil. The terrain surrounding this municipality is characterized by gently rolling hills and relatively flat plains typical of the Brazilian Amazon's transition zone. The elevation in this area ranges from approximately 150 to 300 meters above sea level, creating a landscape of modest undulations rather than dramatic topographical variations. The region features extensive areas of cleared agricultural land interspersed with remaining patches of tropical forest. Much of the original Amazon rainforest has been converted to cattle pastures and agricultural fields over recent decades, resulting in large expanses of open terrain. These cleared areas create a patchwork landscape where flat to gently sloping grasslands dominate the visual horizon. Water features include several small rivers and streams that meander through the terrain, part of the broader Tocantins River watershed system. These waterways have carved shallow valleys through the landscape, though the overall topographical relief remains relatively gentle. Seasonal flooding can affect lower-lying areas during the wet season, creating temporary wetlands in certain locations.

Soil and Ground Conditions

The underlying geology consists primarily of sedimentary formations typical of the Amazon basin. Soils in the region are generally well-drained lateritic soils, though their fertility varies considerably. In areas previously under forest cover, the soil tends to be more acidic and lower in nutrients, while agricultural zones often show signs of soil modification through farming practices. Ground stability is generally good throughout most of the region, with firm substrates suitable for construction activities. The combination of moderate elevation changes and stable soil conditions creates favorable conditions for large-scale development projects that require level, accessible terrain.

Optimal Areas for Large-Scale Solar Development

The most suitable locations for extensive solar photovoltaic installations would be the cleared agricultural areas and cattle pastures that stretch across the flatter portions of the landscape. These zones offer several advantages including minimal vegetation clearing requirements, relatively level terrain that reduces grading costs, and existing access infrastructure developed for agricultural purposes. The gently rolling hills with south-facing slopes would be particularly advantageous for solar panel orientation in this southern hemisphere location. Areas with elevations between 200-250 meters provide good drainage while maintaining accessibility for construction and maintenance vehicles. Former pasture lands present especially attractive opportunities since they typically feature compacted soil suitable for heavy equipment, established road access for cattle management, and minimal environmental restoration requirements. The open grassland areas also tend to have fewer obstacles such as large trees or rocky outcroppings that could complicate installation procedures. Locations near existing electrical infrastructure, including power lines serving the agricultural community and the town itself, would minimize connection costs for large solar facilities. The relatively stable ground conditions throughout most of the cleared areas mean that foundation requirements would be straightforward for mounting systems. Areas to avoid would include the remaining forested patches, low-lying zones prone to seasonal flooding near waterways, and steeper hillsides where erosion control would become a significant concern during construction and operation phases.

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!

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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.