Solar Energy Potential in Alto Taquari, Mato Grosso, Brazil

Alto Taquari, Mato Grosso, a municipality located in Brazil's tropical region, offers promising conditions for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. This location benefits from the consistent sunlight typical of tropical regions, where seasonal variations are primarily defined by wet and dry periods rather than significant changes in daylight duration. The solar energy production potential at Alto Taquari demonstrates remarkable consistency across all seasons. During summer months, each kilowatt of installed solar capacity can generate approximately 6.20 kWh per day, representing the peak production period. Spring follows closely with 6.05 kWh daily output per kilowatt installed. Autumn and winter show slightly reduced but still substantial production at 5.72 kWh and 5.56 kWh per day respectively. This minimal seasonal variation—with only about 10% difference between the highest and lowest producing seasons—makes Alto Taquari an excellent location for year-round solar energy generation. The most productive periods occur during summer and spring, making these optimal times for maximizing solar energy harvest.

Optimal Panel Installation

For fixed solar panel installations in Alto Taquari, Mato Grosso, the ideal tilt angle is 17 degrees facing North. This specific angle has been calculated to maximize year-round solar energy production based on the location's position in the Southern Hemisphere. Properly angled panels will capture the maximum available sunlight throughout the year, optimizing the investment in solar infrastructure.

Environmental Considerations

Several environmental factors could potentially impact solar production in Alto Taquari:

• Seasonal rainfall: The region experiences a distinct wet season which can reduce solar efficiency due to cloud cover and rainfall. Installing slightly higher capacity systems can help compensate for reduced production during these periods.
• Dust accumulation: The tropical climate combined with agricultural activities in surrounding areas may lead to dust buildup on panels. Implementing regular cleaning schedules and possibly automated cleaning systems can mitigate this issue.
• High temperatures: Tropical heat can reduce solar panel efficiency. Using panels with good temperature coefficients and ensuring adequate airflow beneath the mounting structures can help maintain performance.
• Humidity: The high humidity levels may accelerate degradation of electrical components. Using marine-grade materials and proper enclosures for sensitive electronics is recommended.

Despite these considerations, Alto Taquari's consistent solar radiation throughout the year makes it an excellent location for solar PV installations. With proper system design and maintenance protocols, these environmental factors can be effectively managed to ensure optimal energy production.

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 Alto Taquari

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: -17.7657, Longitude: -53.2784 (Alto Taquari, 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 17° North in Alto Taquari, Brazil

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Alto Taquari, Brazil (Lat/Long -17.7657, -53.2784) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 17° 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 Alto Taquari, 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 Alto Taquari, Brazil. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 17° North tilt angle throughout the year.

Overall Best Summer Angle	Overall Best Autumn Angle	Overall Best Winter Angle	Overall Best Spring Angle
2° North in Summer	24° North in Autumn	33° North in Winter	12° 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 Alto Taquari, 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 Alto Taquari, 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 Alto Taquari, Brazil

The topography around Alto Taquari, Brazil presents a varied landscape characteristic of the transition zone between the Brazilian Cerrado and the Pantanal wetlands. Located in the southwestern portion of Mato Grosso state near the border with Mato Grosso do Sul, this region features gently rolling hills interspersed with plateaus and shallow valleys. The elevation generally ranges between 600 and 800 meters above sea level, creating a moderately elevated terrain compared to the lower Pantanal basin to the west. The area is situated on the eastern edge of the Pantanal, one of the world's largest tropical wetland systems. However, Alto Taquari itself occupies higher ground, which has influenced local land use patterns, with significant agricultural development compared to the seasonally flooded lowlands. The regional landscape has been shaped by the Taquari River basin, with numerous tributaries creating natural drainage channels throughout the territory.

Terrain Features and Solar Potential

The predominant terrain consists of open plateaus with gradual slopes, particularly extending eastward and northward from Alto Taquari. These elevated flatlands offer substantial potential for solar photovoltaic development. The natural vegetation was historically Cerrado savanna, characterized by scattered trees and shrubby undergrowth, though much has been converted to agricultural use in recent decades. The most suitable areas for large-scale solar PV installation would be the elevated plateaus to the east and northeast of Alto Taquari. These locations combine several advantageous features: relatively flat terrain requiring minimal grading, good drainage patterns that reduce flooding risk, and cleared agricultural land that minimizes the need for vegetation removal. The higher elevation plateaus also typically experience less fog and humidity compared to the lower-lying areas closer to the Pantanal.

Hydrological Considerations

The region's hydrology is dominated by the Taquari River system, with seasonal rainfall patterns creating distinct wet and dry periods. The western areas closer to the Pantanal experience more frequent flooding during the rainy season (October to March), making them less ideal for solar development. The eastern highlands, however, maintain better drainage and present fewer flood risks. Several areas within 30-50 kilometers east of Alto Taquari, where the landscape transitions to more consistent upland plateaus, would be particularly well-suited for solar farms. These locations maintain sufficient distance from the more environmentally sensitive wetland ecosystems while offering the stable ground conditions necessary for large infrastructure projects.

Soil and Ground Stability

The soil composition in the higher plateau regions consists primarily of latosols (oxisols) - deep, well-weathered soils with good structural stability. This soil type provides solid foundational support for solar mounting systems without excessive risk of subsidence or erosion when properly managed. The areas that have been previously converted to agricultural use often have already addressed basic land preparation challenges, potentially reducing development costs. The northeastern corridor extending from Alto Taquari toward Mineiros (in Goiás state) represents some of the most promising terrain for solar development. This region features extensive plateaus with minimal slope variation, good solar exposure, and relatively straightforward access to existing transportation infrastructure, including highways that connect to major population centers.

Environmental Considerations

When evaluating potential solar development sites, it's important to note that while much of the region has been converted to agricultural use, remaining patches of native Cerrado vegetation have significant ecological value. The most appropriate development approach would target already-disturbed lands rather than removing additional native vegetation. The transition zones between the higher plateaus and river valleys should generally be avoided for large installations due to steeper slopes, increased erosion risk, and greater ecological sensitivity. The most sustainable development would focus on the extensive, relatively level upland areas that have already experienced human modification through agricultural activities.

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.