Solar Energy Potential in Bonito, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil

Bonito, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, located at latitude -20.9104 and longitude -56.3386, offers promising conditions for solar energy generation throughout the year. Situated in the tropics, this location benefits from relatively consistent sunlight patterns across seasons, though with notable seasonal variations in energy production. The solar energy output in Bonito follows a predictable seasonal pattern. Summer months produce the highest energy yields at 6.84kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed solar capacity. Spring follows as the second most productive season with 6.18kWh/day. Autumn delivers a moderate 5.54kWh/day, while winter represents the least productive period with 4.57kWh/day per kilowatt of installed capacity. For fixed solar panel installations in Bonito, Mato Grosso do Sul, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round energy production is 19 degrees facing North. This specific angle has been calculated by analyzing the optimal panel orientation relative to the sun's position throughout the year, weighted by the solar energy potential on different days.

Seasonal Considerations

The seasonal variation in Bonito's solar production reflects the region's tropical climate pattern. The highest energy generation occurs during the summer months (December to February), when the sun is most directly overhead. Spring (September to November) also offers excellent generation potential as days become increasingly sunny after winter. While winter (June to August) shows the lowest production figures, it's worth noting that even during this "low" season, the output remains substantial compared to many non-tropical locations worldwide. This relatively small seasonal variation makes Bonito suitable for year-round solar energy production without extreme fluctuations that might necessitate significant seasonal adjustments or supplementary power sources.

Environmental Considerations

Several environmental factors could potentially impact solar production in Bonito:

• Dust and pollen accumulation: The region's biodiversity can result in significant pollen deposits on panels, while dry periods may increase dust accumulation. Regular cleaning schedules are recommended to maintain optimal efficiency.
• Tropical rainfall: During the wet season, heavy rains can temporarily reduce solar output. Installing panels at the recommended 19-degree tilt helps with natural cleaning and faster drying after rainfall.
• Humidity and heat: The tropical climate can increase ambient temperatures, which may reduce panel efficiency. Ensuring adequate airflow beneath panels through proper mounting systems can mitigate this effect.

To maximize solar production in Bonito, Mato Grosso do Sul, installations should incorporate elevated mounting systems that promote airflow, self-cleaning panel technologies or regular maintenance schedules, and high-temperature rated components designed for tropical environments. Additionally, using microinverters or power optimizers can help manage partial shading from occasional cloud cover that occurs even during generally sunny periods. In conclusion, Bonito presents favorable conditions for solar energy production throughout the year, with particularly excellent output during summer and spring months, while still maintaining reasonable production during autumn and winter.

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 Bonito

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: -20.9104, Longitude: -56.3386 (Bonito, 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 19° North in Bonito, Brazil

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Bonito, Brazil (Lat/Long -20.9104, -56.3386) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 19° 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 Bonito, 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 Bonito, Brazil. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 19° North tilt angle throughout the year.

Overall Best Summer Angle	Overall Best Autumn Angle	Overall Best Winter Angle	Overall Best Spring Angle
5° North in Summer	26° North in Autumn	36° North in Winter	14° 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 Bonito, 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 Bonito, 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 Bonito, Brazil

The region around Bonito, Brazil, located in the southwestern part of Mato Grosso do Sul state, presents a diverse and ecologically rich topography. The landscape is characterized by gently rolling hills, limestone formations, and karst topography, which has given rise to the area's famous crystal-clear rivers and underwater caves that make it a popular ecotourism destination. Bonito sits at an elevation of approximately 315 meters above sea level, nestled within the Serra da Bodoquena mountain range. This mountain range runs north to south and features limestone plateaus that have been carved over millennia by rainfall and groundwater movement. The resulting terrain includes numerous sinkholes, caves, and springs that feed the remarkably transparent rivers for which the region is renowned.

Surrounding Landscape Features

The broader landscape around Bonito transitions between several distinct ecological zones. To the east, the terrain gradually flattens as it approaches the Pantanal wetlands, one of the world's largest tropical wetland ecosystems. To the west and north, the Serra da Bodoquena creates a more rugged profile with moderate elevation changes and limestone outcroppings. The vegetation in the region represents a transition zone between the Cerrado (tropical savanna) and remnants of Atlantic Forest, with patches of deciduous and semi-deciduous forests. This mixed vegetation pattern reflects the complex geological and hydrological systems that define the area.

Solar PV Potential Areas

For large-scale solar photovoltaic installations, several areas near Bonito offer promising conditions. The relatively flat plateaus to the east of Bonito, where the terrain begins to transition toward the Pantanal, present ideal conditions for solar development. These areas combine favorable topography with minimal shading obstacles and good solar exposure. The gently sloping areas north of Bonito, particularly where the land has been previously cleared for agricultural use, also offer suitable conditions for solar PV development. These locations benefit from stable ground conditions and reduced flooding risk compared to areas closer to the Pantanal wetlands. Areas to avoid would include the steeper slopes of the Serra da Bodoquena, karst formations with unstable ground conditions, and the environmentally sensitive river corridors that are central to the region's ecotourism economy. Additionally, the wetland areas to the far east, which experience seasonal flooding, would present significant challenges for solar infrastructure development. The southwestern quadrant from Bonito also contains several stretches of relatively flat terrain that have good drainage and stable soil conditions, making them potentially suitable for solar development while being sufficiently distant from the most ecologically sensitive zones that drive tourism in the immediate vicinity of Bonito. When considering large-scale solar development in this region, careful environmental impact assessments would be essential, as the area's economy relies heavily on its natural beauty and ecological integrity. The ideal locations would balance optimal solar exposure conditions with minimal disruption to the unique karst hydrology and biodiversity that makes the Bonito region so distinctive.

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.