Benevides, Pará, Brazil represents an excellent location for year-round solar energy generation, benefiting from its tropical position where consistent sunlight is available throughout most of the year, with seasons characterized more by wet and dry periods rather than significant temperature variations.

Solar Energy Production Potential

The solar energy output data for Benevides demonstrates strong and consistent performance across all seasons. Winter and spring emerge as the peak production periods, generating 5.97 kWh/day and 6.16 kWh/day per kW of installed solar capacity respectively. This makes the dry season months particularly valuable for solar energy generation. Summer and autumn show slightly lower but still robust output levels at 5.07 kWh/day and 5.42 kWh/day per kW respectively. The variation between the highest and lowest producing seasons is relatively modest, indicating reliable year-round solar potential. For fixed panel installations at this location, the ideal tilt angle to maximize total annual production is just 2 degrees North, reflecting the near-equatorial latitude of the site.

Environmental and Weather Challenges

Several local factors in Benevides could potentially impact solar energy production and require careful consideration during installation:

• Heavy tropical rainfall and wet seasons - Can reduce solar irradiance and create challenges for equipment maintenance
• High humidity levels - May affect panel efficiency and accelerate corrosion of mounting systems
• Intense UV radiation - Can cause accelerated degradation of solar panel materials over time
• Potential for severe weather events - Including tropical storms that could damage installations

Preventative Installation Measures

To ensure optimal energy production despite these challenges, several installation strategies should be implemented. Proper drainage systems around solar installations will prevent water accumulation that could damage equipment or create safety hazards during the wet season. Using marine-grade or tropical-rated mounting hardware and electrical components will help resist corrosion from high humidity. Regular cleaning schedules become particularly important to remove accumulated dirt, debris, and organic matter that tropical climates tend to promote. Installing panels with enhanced UV-resistant backsheets and frames designed for tropical conditions will extend system lifespan. Additionally, ensuring adequate ventilation beneath panels will help manage the heat buildup that can reduce efficiency in tropical climates. Robust mounting systems designed to withstand high winds and potential storm conditions are essential, along with comprehensive monitoring systems that can quickly identify any performance issues related to weather impacts.

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 Benevides

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: -1.3247, Longitude: -48.2925 (Benevides, 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 Benevides, Brazil

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Benevides, Brazil (Lat/Long -1.3247, -48.2925) 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 Benevides, 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 Benevides, 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
15° South in Summer	8° North in Autumn	17° North in Winter	5° 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 Benevides, 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 Benevides, 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 Benevides, Brazil

Topography Around Benevides, Brazil

The terrain surrounding Benevides in the state of Pará is characterized by relatively flat to gently rolling lowlands typical of the Amazon Basin region. This area sits within the vast Amazonian floodplain system, where elevations remain consistently low and the landscape is dominated by subtle undulations rather than dramatic elevation changes. The topography consists primarily of sedimentary deposits that have been shaped by ancient river systems and ongoing hydrological processes. The region features a mixture of natural clearings, agricultural lands, and forested areas interspersed throughout the gently sloping terrain. Much of the immediate area around Benevides has been modified for human use, including cattle ranching, small-scale agriculture, and residential development. The natural drainage patterns follow shallow depressions and seasonal waterways that connect to larger river systems in the broader Amazon watershed.

Soil and Surface Conditions

The underlying geology consists of alluvial soils and clay deposits that are common throughout this portion of the Amazon Basin. These soils tend to be relatively stable for construction purposes, though seasonal variations in moisture content can affect ground conditions. The surface is generally well-drained in elevated areas, while lower-lying sections may experience seasonal flooding or waterlogging during peak rainfall periods.

Optimal Areas for Large-Scale Solar Development

The most suitable locations for large-scale solar photovoltaic installations would be the higher, well-drained areas that have already been cleared of native vegetation. These locations offer several advantages including stable ground conditions, existing access infrastructure, and minimal environmental impact since they avoid disturbing pristine forest areas. Previously cleared agricultural land or pastures on gentle slopes would provide ideal conditions for solar panel installation and maintenance access. Areas slightly elevated above the surrounding floodplain would be particularly well-suited as they remain dry throughout the year and offer good drainage for infrastructure development. The existing road network around Benevides provides access to many of these cleared areas, reducing the need for extensive new infrastructure development. Former cattle ranching areas with established access roads and relatively flat terrain would represent prime candidates for solar development. The proximity to existing electrical transmission infrastructure near Benevides also makes certain areas more attractive for large-scale solar projects. Locations within reasonable distance of existing power lines and substations would significantly reduce connection costs and complexity. Areas that combine favorable topography with good grid access represent the most economically viable options for solar development in this region.

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.