Bataguassu, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil presents a moderately favorable location for year-round solar energy generation, though it experiences notable seasonal variation in solar output. Located in the tropical region of South America, this area benefits from consistent sunlight patterns throughout most of the year, with seasons primarily distinguished by wet and dry periods rather than dramatic temperature changes.

Seasonal Solar Performance

The solar energy output at Bataguassu varies significantly across the seasons. Summer delivers the highest production at 6.93 kWh per day per kW of installed capacity, making it the peak generation period. Spring follows as the second-best season with 6.26 kWh/day per kW, while autumn produces 5.80 kWh/day per kW. Winter represents the lowest production period at 4.78 kWh/day per kW of installed solar capacity. The optimal times for solar generation occur during the warmer months from late spring through summer, when solar output can be up to 45% higher than during the winter months. This seasonal pattern reflects the typical tropical climate characteristics of the region.

Optimal Panel Configuration

For maximum year-round energy production at Bataguassu, Mato Grosso do Sul, solar panels should be installed at a fixed tilt angle of 20 degrees facing north. This angle has been calculated to optimize total annual solar output by accounting for the sun's varying elevation throughout the year and the Earth's elliptical orbit pattern.

Environmental and Weather Challenges

Several local factors could potentially impact solar energy production at this location:

• Wet season impacts: Extended periods of cloud cover and frequent rainfall during the wet season can significantly reduce solar irradiance and energy output
• High humidity: Tropical humidity levels may cause moisture-related efficiency losses and accelerated degradation of solar equipment
• Dust and debris accumulation: Dry season conditions can lead to dust buildup on panel surfaces, reducing light transmission and energy production
• Extreme weather events: Tropical storms and heavy rainfall may pose risks to solar installations

Preventative Measures for Enhanced Performance

To maximize solar energy production despite these challenges, several installation strategies should be considered:

• Proper drainage design: Install panels with adequate spacing and drainage systems to prevent water accumulation and ensure quick drying after rainfall
• Regular cleaning schedules: Implement routine panel cleaning programs, particularly during dry seasons, to remove dust and debris that can block sunlight
• Quality mounting systems: Use corrosion-resistant mounting hardware designed for tropical climates to withstand high humidity and weather extremes
• Ventilation considerations: Ensure proper airflow around panels to reduce heat buildup and moisture retention that can decrease efficiency
• Equipment selection: Choose solar panels and inverters specifically rated for tropical conditions with enhanced moisture and temperature resistance

Despite these environmental challenges, Bataguassu's tropical location provides relatively consistent solar energy potential throughout the year, making it a viable location for solar installations when proper planning and maintenance practices are implemented.

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 Bataguassu

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: -21.7873, Longitude: -52.5688 (Bataguassu, 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 20° North in Bataguassu, Brazil

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Bataguassu, Brazil (Lat/Long -21.7873, -52.5688) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 20° 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 Bataguassu, 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 Bataguassu, Brazil. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 20° North tilt angle throughout the year.

Overall Best Summer Angle	Overall Best Autumn Angle	Overall Best Winter Angle	Overall Best Spring Angle
6° North in Summer	27° North in Autumn	37° North in Winter	15° 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 Bataguassu, 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 Bataguassu, 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 Bataguassu, Brazil

Regional Topography

Bataguassu is situated in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul in Brazil's central-western region, positioned on relatively flat terrain that characterizes much of the Pantanal periphery. The municipality sits at an elevation of approximately 350 meters above sea level, with the surrounding landscape featuring gentle undulations rather than dramatic elevation changes. This area forms part of the Brazilian Plateau's western edge, where the terrain gradually transitions from higher elevations toward the Paraguay River basin. The region displays typical cerrado topography, with broad, gently rolling plains interrupted by occasional low hills and shallow valleys. These subtle elevation variations rarely exceed 50-100 meters in difference across the immediate vicinity. The landscape is predominantly composed of sedimentary formations that have been weathered over millions of years, creating the characteristic flat to gently undulating terrain that extends across much of central Brazil. Local drainage patterns are influenced by several small tributaries that eventually connect to larger river systems. These waterways have carved shallow valleys through the landscape, but the overall topographical relief remains modest. The area experiences seasonal flooding in some lower-lying sections, particularly during the wet season when regional rivers overflow their banks.

Optimal Areas for Large-Scale Solar Development

The most suitable locations for large-scale solar photovoltaic installations around Bataguassu would be the elevated plateau areas to the north and east of the municipality. These zones offer several advantages including stable, well-drained soils that minimize foundation complications and reduce the risk of seasonal inundation. The gentle slopes in these areas, typically ranging from 1-3 degrees, provide excellent drainage while remaining flat enough for efficient solar panel installation and maintenance access. The higher elevation areas also benefit from consistent wind patterns that help with natural cooling of solar equipment, potentially improving efficiency. These locations are generally removed from the seasonal flood zones that affect lower-lying areas near river systems, ensuring year-round accessibility and operational reliability. Areas immediately southeast of Bataguassu present particularly favorable conditions, where the terrain consists of stable, gently sloping land with good soil composition and minimal vegetation density. The topography in this direction maintains consistent elevation without significant obstacles such as rock outcroppings or steep gradients that would complicate large-scale installations. Western areas closer to the Paraguay River system should generally be avoided for major solar developments due to their proximity to flood-prone zones and softer, potentially unstable soils. Similarly, the immediate riparian zones along local waterways may experience seasonal accessibility challenges and environmental restrictions that could impact large-scale 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!

Citation Guide

Article Details for Citation

Tell Us About Your Work

We love seeing how our research helps others! If you've cited this article in your work, we'd be delighted to hear about it. Drop us a line via our Contact Us page or on X, to share where you've used our information - we may feature a link to your work on our site. This helps create a network of valuable resources for others in the solar energy community and helps us understand how our research is contributing to the field. Plus, we occasionally highlight exceptional works that reference our research on our social media channels.

Feeling generous?

Share this with your friends!

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.