Solar Energy Potential in Barcarena, Pará, Brazil

Barcarena, Pará, Brazil, located at latitude -1.5466 and longitude -48.6325, offers excellent conditions for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. This tropical location benefits from consistent sunlight patterns that make it highly suitable for solar power investments. The seasonal electricity output from solar PV systems in Barcarena shows remarkable consistency with slight variations throughout the year. During summer, each kilowatt of installed solar capacity produces approximately 5.07 kWh per day. This output increases to 5.42 kWh/day in autumn, rises further to 5.97 kWh/day in winter, and reaches its peak in spring with 6.16 kWh/day. Interestingly, unlike many locations worldwide where summer provides peak solar production, Barcarena experiences its highest solar energy generation during spring, followed closely by winter. This pattern reflects the tropical climate's unique characteristics, where factors beyond simply the sun's height in the sky influence energy production.

Optimal Panel Installation

For those considering solar PV installations in Barcarena, Pará, the ideal tilt angle for fixed solar panels to maximize year-round energy production is 2 degrees facing North. This nearly flat orientation captures the abundant tropical sunlight effectively throughout the year, taking advantage of the sun's path across the sky at this near-equatorial latitude.

Environmental and Weather Considerations

Several environmental factors could potentially impact solar production in Barcarena:

• Heavy rainfall during the wet season can reduce solar efficiency through cloud cover and direct panel soiling
• High humidity levels may accelerate component degradation if not properly protected
• Tropical storms, while not as severe as hurricanes, can occasionally damage installations
• Dust accumulation during dry seasons can gradually reduce panel efficiency

To mitigate these challenges, several preventative measures are recommended. Installing panels with robust waterproof ratings (minimum IP65) helps protect against moisture damage. Regular cleaning schedules, particularly during dry seasons when dust accumulates, can maintain optimal efficiency. Additionally, implementing proper drainage systems around ground-mounted installations prevents flooding issues during heavy tropical downpours. Despite these considerations, Barcarena's consistent year-round solar radiation makes it an excellent location for solar PV installations, with annual average daily production exceeding 5.65 kWh per installed kilowatt—significantly higher than many non-tropical locations worldwide.

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 Barcarena

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: -1.5466, Longitude: -48.6325 (Barcarena, 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 Barcarena, Brazil

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Barcarena, Brazil (Lat/Long -1.5466, -48.6325) 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 Barcarena, 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 Barcarena, 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	8° 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 Barcarena, 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 Barcarena, 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 Barcarena, Brazil

Barcarena is a municipality located in the northern Brazilian state of Pará, situated near the mouth of the Amazon River. The topography of Barcarena is characterized by relatively flat terrain with gentle undulations typical of the Amazon Basin lowlands. The elevation in this region generally ranges from just a few meters above sea level to approximately 30 meters in some areas. This low-lying landscape is interspersed with numerous waterways, including the Pará River to the east and various smaller tributaries and streams that crisscross the region. The natural landscape around Barcarena consists predominantly of tropical rainforest vegetation, though significant portions have been cleared for agriculture, industrial development, and urban expansion. The soil composition is primarily latosols, which are highly weathered, acidic soils common in tropical regions. These soils have undergone extensive leaching due to the abundant rainfall characteristic of the Amazon climate.

Hydrological Features

The hydrological network around Barcarena is extensive and complex. The municipality is bordered by the Pará River to the east, which is part of the larger Amazon River system. Numerous smaller rivers, streams, and seasonal waterways create a dense drainage pattern throughout the area. During the rainy season, some low-lying areas may experience temporary flooding, which is an important consideration for any large-scale development projects in the region.

Climate Considerations

Barcarena experiences a tropical rainforest climate with consistent temperatures throughout the year and distinct wet and dry seasons. The region receives substantial precipitation, with the rainy season typically occurring from December to May. The relatively flat topography does not create significant rain shadow effects, meaning rainfall patterns are fairly consistent across the area.

Suitable Areas for Solar PV Development

When considering areas most suitable for large-scale solar photovoltaic development around Barcarena, several topographical factors come into play. The most appropriate locations would be: Areas of higher elevation that are less prone to flooding represent the most suitable terrain for solar PV installations. These include the slightly elevated plateaus and ridges found primarily in the central and western portions of the municipality. These areas offer better drainage and reduced risk of seasonal inundation that could damage infrastructure. Cleared lands that were previously used for agriculture or other human activities present opportunities for solar development with minimal additional environmental impact. These areas are predominantly located along major roads and around the outskirts of urban centers in the region. The northeastern section of the municipality, which experiences slightly less annual rainfall compared to areas closer to the Amazon River, may offer marginally better conditions for solar energy production. While the difference is not dramatic, even small improvements in solar irradiance can be significant for large-scale operations. Areas with good accessibility via existing road networks would reduce construction costs and ongoing maintenance expenses. The main highways connecting Barcarena to Belém and other nearby municipalities provide potential corridors for solar development.

Topographical Challenges

Despite the potential for solar development, the topography around Barcarena presents several challenges. The high water table and risk of flooding in many areas necessitate careful site selection and possibly elevated mounting systems for solar panels. The predominantly flat terrain, while easy to build on, may require more land area for the same generating capacity compared to regions where panels can be oriented on natural slopes. Additionally, the extensive waterway network means that many potential development sites are fragmented by rivers and streams, potentially limiting the contiguous area available for very large installations. Environmental considerations are also paramount, as the region is part of the ecologically sensitive Amazon Basin, requiring thoughtful planning to minimize habitat disruption.

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.