Barra do Corda, Brazil presents excellent conditions for year-round solar energy generation. Located in the tropics at coordinates -5.5595, -45.2888, this region benefits from consistent sunlight throughout the year, with seasons characterized more by wet and dry periods rather than traditional temperature variations.

Solar Energy Production Potential

The solar energy output at Barra do Corda shows strong performance across all seasons. Winter delivers the highest production at 6.14 kWh per day per kW of installed solar capacity, followed closely by autumn and spring at 5.75 and 5.74 kWh respectively. Summer shows the lowest output at 5.12 kWh per day per kW, though this is still considered very good by global standards. The ideal months for solar generation occur during the dry season, particularly in winter when atmospheric conditions are clearest. The relatively small variation between seasons - only about 1 kWh difference between the best and worst performing seasons - makes this location exceptionally reliable for consistent solar energy production throughout the year. For optimal energy capture, solar panels should be installed at a fixed tilt angle of 7 degrees facing north. This angle maximizes total year-round production by accounting for the sun's path throughout the seasons and the location's proximity to the equator.

Environmental Factors and Challenges

Several environmental factors in Barra do Corda can impact solar panel performance, though none are severe enough to make solar installation inadvisable. The most significant challenge comes from the tropical wet season, which brings heavy rainfall and increased humidity. These conditions can reduce solar output through cloud cover and may accelerate the accumulation of dirt, dust, and organic matter on panel surfaces. The high humidity can also promote the growth of algae or moss on panels if proper maintenance isn't maintained. Dust accumulation during the dry season presents another concern, as the fine particles common in this region can create a film on solar panels that reduces their efficiency. The tropical climate also means intense UV exposure and temperature fluctuations that can stress solar equipment over time.

Preventative Measures for Optimal Performance

Several installation and maintenance strategies can help maximize solar energy production at this location:

• Install panels with adequate spacing and ventilation to prevent overheating and allow for proper air circulation
• Use high-quality mounting systems designed to withstand tropical weather conditions including heavy rains and strong winds
• Implement regular cleaning schedules, particularly during dry season months when dust accumulation is highest
• Choose solar panels and inverters specifically rated for tropical climates with appropriate temperature coefficients
• Ensure proper drainage around installation areas to prevent water pooling during heavy rains

Regular maintenance becomes particularly important in this tropical environment. Monthly cleaning during the dry season and bi-weekly inspection during the wet season can help maintain optimal performance. The consistent year-round production potential makes these maintenance investments worthwhile, as the location's solar resource quality remains excellent despite these manageable environmental factors.

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 Barra Do Corda

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: -5.5595, Longitude: -45.2888 (Barra Do Corda, 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 7° North in Barra Do Corda, Brazil

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Barra Do Corda, Brazil (Lat/Long -5.5595, -45.2888) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 7° 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 Barra Do Corda, 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 Barra Do Corda, Brazil. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 7° North tilt angle throughout the year.

Overall Best Summer Angle	Overall Best Autumn Angle	Overall Best Winter Angle	Overall Best Spring Angle
10° South in Summer	12° North in Autumn	21° North in Winter	0° 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 Barra Do Corda, 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 Barra Do Corda, 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 Barra Do Corda, Brazil

Topographical Features of Barra do Corda Region

The landscape around Barra do Corda in Maranhão state presents a predominantly flat to gently rolling terrain characteristic of Brazil's central plateau region. This area sits within the transition zone between the Amazon Basin to the west and the Brazilian Highlands to the east, creating a unique topographical setting with elevations typically ranging from 200 to 400 meters above sea level. The immediate vicinity of Barra do Corda features expansive plains interspersed with low hills and occasional escarpments. These gentle undulations create natural drainage patterns that flow toward the Mearim River system, which serves as a major waterway in the region. The terrain gradually rises toward the south and southeast, where it meets the foothills of the Brazilian Highlands, while remaining relatively flat toward the north and west as it approaches the Amazon lowlands.

Geological Foundation and Surface Characteristics

The underlying geology consists primarily of sedimentary rocks and ancient crystalline formations that have been weathered over millions of years, resulting in well-drained soils and stable ground conditions. This geological stability makes the region particularly suitable for infrastructure development. The surface is predominantly covered by cerrado vegetation, a savanna-like ecosystem with scattered trees and shrubs over grassland, though much of this natural vegetation has been converted to agricultural use. Rocky outcrops are relatively uncommon in the immediate area, and the terrain lacks significant steep slopes or mountainous features that would complicate large-scale development projects. The consistent elevation changes across the landscape are gradual rather than abrupt, creating favorable conditions for construction and maintenance access.

Climate and Seasonal Considerations

The region experiences a tropical savanna climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. During the dry season, which typically spans from May through September, the landscape becomes quite arid with minimal cloud cover and excellent atmospheric clarity. The wet season brings substantial rainfall that can temporarily affect ground conditions but also helps maintain the natural drainage systems that prevent long-term flooding issues. Temperature variations throughout the year remain relatively moderate, with warm conditions prevailing year-round. The combination of consistent temperatures and seasonal weather patterns creates predictable environmental conditions that are well-suited to solar energy infrastructure.

Optimal Areas for Large-Scale Solar Development

The most promising locations for extensive solar photovoltaic installations lie in the broad plains extending northeast and southwest of Barra do Corda. These areas offer several key advantages including minimal topographical obstacles, excellent drainage characteristics, and proximity to existing transportation infrastructure along major regional highways. The northeastern plains, in particular, present ideal conditions with their expansive flat terrain and minimal vegetation coverage due to agricultural clearing. This region benefits from stable geological conditions and natural elevation that provides good drainage while remaining accessible for construction equipment and ongoing maintenance operations. Areas to the southwest also show considerable promise, especially the elevated plateaus that offer natural wind circulation for equipment cooling while maintaining the flat terrain necessary for efficient solar panel installation. These locations benefit from their position on slightly higher ground, which reduces potential issues with seasonal water accumulation. The gentle slopes facing south and southeast present additional opportunities, as these natural orientations can complement solar panel positioning while taking advantage of the stable terrain and good drainage characteristics. These areas typically require minimal grading and site preparation compared to more challenging topographical locations. Transportation access remains excellent throughout most of the suitable areas, with existing road networks providing connection points to regional power transmission infrastructure. The combination of favorable topography, stable ground conditions, and existing infrastructure makes this region particularly attractive for large-scale renewable energy development projects.

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.