Araputanga, Mato Grosso, Brazil, located in the tropical region at coordinates -15.1748, -58.4973, offers consistently favorable conditions for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. This location benefits from the typical tropical climate pattern where sunlight remains relatively steady across seasons, with weather variations primarily marked by wet and dry periods rather than significant changes in daylight hours.

The solar energy production potential at this location shows impressive consistency across all meteorological seasons. In summer, panels can generate approximately 6.05 kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed capacity. Spring follows closely with 5.71 kWh/day, while winter and autumn produce 5.45 kWh/day and 5.35 kWh/day respectively. This minimal seasonal variation (less than 15% difference between the highest and lowest producing seasons) demonstrates Araputanga's excellent year-round solar potential.

For maximizing solar energy capture throughout the year at this location, fixed solar panels should be installed at a 15-degree tilt facing North. This specific angle has been calculated to optimize the annual solar energy harvest based on the site's tropical latitude and local solar conditions.

Environmental and Weather Considerations

Several environmental factors could potentially impact solar production in Araputanga. The region experiences a distinct wet season, typically from November to March, which can temporarily reduce solar output due to increased cloud cover and rainfall. Additionally, the tropical location may experience higher ambient temperatures, which can slightly decrease the efficiency of photovoltaic panels.

Dust and pollen accumulation presents another challenge in this rural Brazilian region. Agricultural activities and unpaved roads in the vicinity can contribute to airborne particles that settle on panel surfaces, gradually reducing their efficiency if not addressed.

Preventative Measures

• Install panels with adequate spacing and elevated mounting to promote airflow beneath the panels, helping mitigate efficiency losses from high ambient temperatures
• Implement a regular cleaning schedule, particularly before and after the wet season, to remove dust and debris
• Consider semi-automated cleaning systems or rain sensors that can help maintain panel efficiency with minimal manual intervention
• Use panels with anti-soiling glass coatings that reduce dust adhesion and improve self-cleaning properties during rainfall
• Install lightning protection systems, as tropical regions can experience frequent thunderstorms

With these measures in place and the consistently favorable solar conditions, Araputanga represents an excellent location for solar PV installations with strong year-round energy production potential and minimal seasonal fluctuations.

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 Araputanga

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: -15.1748, Longitude: -58.4973 (Araputanga, 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 15° North in Araputanga, Brazil

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Araputanga, Brazil (Lat/Long -15.1748, -58.4973) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 15° 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 Araputanga, 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 Araputanga, Brazil. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 15° North tilt angle throughout the year.

Overall Best Summer Angle	Overall Best Autumn Angle	Overall Best Winter Angle	Overall Best Spring Angle
0° in Summer	21° North in Autumn	31° North in Winter	9° 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 Araputanga, 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 Araputanga, 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 Araputanga, Brazil

The region surrounding Araputanga in Mato Grosso state, Brazil, presents a diverse topographical landscape characterized by gently rolling hills, plateaus, and river valleys. Located in the southwestern portion of Brazil, this area sits within the broader Amazon Basin and Pantanal regions, with elevations generally ranging between 200 and 400 meters above sea level. Araputanga itself is situated in a relatively flat plain area, with the terrain gradually becoming more undulating as one moves outward from the town center. The municipality is nestled between several modest hills that provide a natural boundary to the settlement. The local landscape has been significantly altered by human activity, with substantial portions converted from native vegetation to agricultural land and cattle ranching operations.

Hydrological Features

The area is drained by several tributaries of the Paraguay River system, with the Jauru River being one of the most significant waterways in the vicinity. These river valleys create natural depressions in the landscape, contrasting with the higher ground of the interfluves. During the rainy season (October to April), some low-lying areas may experience temporary flooding, which influences both the natural ecosystem and human land use patterns.

Vegetation and Land Cover

The native vegetation around Araputanga represents a transition zone between the Amazon rainforest and the Cerrado (Brazilian savanna). Much of the original forest cover has been cleared for agricultural purposes, particularly cattle ranching, which dominates the regional economy. Remaining patches of native vegetation typically occur on steeper slopes or along protected riparian corridors.

Solar PV Suitability

For large-scale solar photovoltaic development, the most suitable areas near Araputanga would be the extensive cleared plateaus and gently sloping terrain that characterize much of the agricultural landscape. These areas offer several advantages: The cleared pasture lands provide large, contiguous spaces with minimal shading from vegetation. These open expanses, particularly on the slightly elevated plateaus to the east and northeast of Araputanga, receive consistent solar exposure throughout the day. The modestly elevated terrain (300-400m) found in the northeastern portions of the municipality offers improved air circulation, which can help maintain optimal operating temperatures for solar panels. These areas also tend to experience less seasonal flooding compared to the river valleys. The gently rolling topography approximately 10-15 kilometers east of the town center presents an ideal compromise between flat terrain (easier for construction) and slight inclines (beneficial for panel orientation and reduced dust accumulation). Areas to avoid would include the riparian zones along the Jauru River and its tributaries, as well as any low-lying areas prone to seasonal inundation during the intense summer rainy season. The more densely forested sections to the northwest would require significant clearing, raising both environmental concerns and development costs. The relatively stable soil conditions throughout much of the region would generally provide good foundation support for solar infrastructure, though site-specific geotechnical investigations would be necessary before final site selection.

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.