Solar PV Analysis of Alecrim, Brazil
Alecrim, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, located in the Southern Sub Tropics at coordinates -27.6626, -54.7575, presents a moderately favorable location for year-round solar energy generation, though with significant seasonal variations that potential solar installers should carefully consider.
Seasonal Solar Performance
The location shows strong seasonal fluctuations in solar energy output. Summer delivers the highest production at 7.39 kWh per day per kW of installed solar capacity, making it an excellent period for solar generation. Spring follows as the second-best season with 5.93 kWh per day per kW, while autumn produces a moderate 5.02 kWh per day per kW.
Winter presents the most challenging period for solar generation, dropping significantly to just 3.72 kWh per day per kW of installed capacity. This represents roughly half the output compared to summer months, which is typical for locations in the Southern Hemisphere's subtropical regions.
Optimal Panel Configuration
For maximum year-round energy production at this Alecrim location, solar panels should be installed at a fixed tilt angle of 24 degrees facing North. This optimal angle is calculated by analyzing daily solar elevation angles throughout the year, determining optimal panel positioning for each day, and weighting these angles based on solar irradiance data while accounting for Earth's elliptical orbit around the sun.
Environmental and Weather Considerations
Several environmental factors in this subtropical Brazilian location could potentially impact solar energy production:
- High humidity and frequent rainfall: The subtropical climate typically brings high moisture levels and regular precipitation, especially during summer months, which can reduce solar irradiance and create more cloudy conditions.
- Dust and debris accumulation: Rural and agricultural areas common in this region of Brazil may generate dust that settles on solar panels, reducing their efficiency over time.
- Vegetation growth: The favorable growing conditions in subtropical climates mean that trees and vegetation can grow rapidly, potentially creating shading issues if not properly managed.
- Severe weather events: This region may experience occasional severe thunderstorms or hail, which could damage solar installations.
Preventative Measures for Optimal Performance
To maximize solar energy production despite these challenges, several preventative measures should be implemented during installation and ongoing maintenance:
Panel positioning and spacing: Ensure adequate spacing between panel rows to minimize shading, especially important given the 24-degree tilt angle. Conduct thorough site surveys to identify and address potential shading from existing or future vegetation growth.
Drainage and cleaning systems: Install panels with proper drainage angles to allow rainwater to naturally clean the surface. Consider implementing easy-access cleaning systems or scheduling regular professional cleaning to remove dust and debris, particularly important during drier periods.
Structural reinforcement: Use robust mounting systems designed to withstand severe weather conditions typical of subtropical climates, including strong winds and potential hail damage. Consider impact-resistant panel glass or protective coverings in areas prone to severe storms.
Vegetation management: Establish and maintain clear zones around solar installations, with regular trimming schedules for nearby vegetation. Plant low-growing, slow-growing species in areas where landscaping is desired near the solar array.
Overall, while Alecrim's location offers decent solar potential, particularly during summer and spring months, careful attention to installation details and ongoing maintenance will be crucial for achieving optimal long-term performance in this subtropical environment.
Note: The Southern Sub Tropics extend from -23.5° latitude South down to -35° latitude.
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 Alecrim
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: -27.6626, Longitude: -54.7575 (Alecrim, 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 24° North in Alecrim, Brazil
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Alecrim, Brazil (Lat/Long -27.6626, -54.7575) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 24° 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 Alecrim, 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 Alecrim, Brazil. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 24° North tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12° North in Summer | 33° North in Autumn | 43° North in Winter | 20° 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 Alecrim, 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 Alecrim, Brazil.
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 Alecrim, Brazil
Topographical Features Around Alecrim
Alecrim is situated in the western region of Santa Catarina state in southern Brazil, positioned within a landscape characterized by gently rolling hills and relatively modest elevation changes. The terrain in this area forms part of the broader Atlantic Plateau region, where the topography consists primarily of undulating countryside with elevations typically ranging between 200 to 600 meters above sea level.
The local landscape features a mix of agricultural lands, scattered woodlands, and open grasslands that have been shaped by both natural processes and human activity over many decades. Small streams and tributaries wind through the valleys between the hills, creating a network of waterways that drain toward larger river systems in the region. The soils in this area are generally well-developed and fertile, supporting extensive agricultural activities including crop cultivation and livestock grazing.
The rolling nature of the terrain means that while there are no dramatic mountain ranges or steep escarpments, the landscape does present varying degrees of slope and aspect. South-facing slopes tend to receive different amounts of solar exposure compared to north-facing ones, which becomes an important consideration for solar energy development in the Southern Hemisphere where north-facing surfaces receive optimal sun exposure.
Optimal Areas for Large-Scale Solar Development
The most suitable locations for large-scale solar photovoltaic installations around Alecrim would be the broader, flatter hilltops and gentle north-facing slopes that provide stable ground conditions and optimal solar orientation. These elevated areas typically offer several advantages including reduced risk of flooding, good drainage, and minimal shading from surrounding terrain features.
Open agricultural fields on relatively level ground present excellent opportunities for solar development, particularly those areas that are currently used for extensive grazing or crop production on larger parcels of land. These locations often have existing road access and may be situated near electrical infrastructure, which can significantly reduce development costs and complexity.
The plateau areas between the more pronounced hills would be particularly well-suited for solar installations, as they combine the benefits of stable, level ground with good solar exposure and accessibility. These areas typically have fewer trees and natural obstacles that might create shading issues, and the generally open character of the landscape allows for efficient layout of solar arrays.
Areas near existing agricultural infrastructure and transportation corridors would be preferable for large-scale development, as they already have established access routes and may be closer to electrical grid connections. The relatively gentle topography throughout much of the region means that extensive grading or terrain modification would likely be minimal, helping to reduce environmental impact and development costs while maintaining the natural drainage patterns that are important for long-term site stability.
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
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Wednesday 30th of July 2025
Last Updated: Friday 8th of August 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.
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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.
