Cacoal, Rondônia, Brazil, situated at latitude -11.4904 and longitude -61.4317, offers excellent potential for year-round solar energy generation. This tropical location benefits from consistent sunlight throughout the year, with seasons primarily characterized by wet and dry periods rather than significant temperature variations.

Solar Energy Production

The solar energy output at this location is remarkably stable across all seasons. Winter surprisingly yields the highest production at 5.81 kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely with 5.73 kWh/day, while autumn and summer produce 5.41 kWh/day and 5.24 kWh/day, respectively. This consistent output throughout the year makes Cacoal an ideal location for solar PV installations. The minimal variation between seasons ensures a reliable energy supply, reducing the need for supplementary power sources during certain times of the year.

Optimal Panel Tilt

For fixed panel installations in Cacoal, Rondônia, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round solar production is 12 degrees facing North. This angle has been calculated taking into account the daily solar elevation angles, optimal panel tilt, and weighted by daily PV potential using NASA's solar irradiance data.

Environmental Considerations

While Cacoal's location is generally favorable for solar energy production, there are a few environmental factors to consider: 1. Rainfall: The region experiences a wet season, which could potentially impact solar panel efficiency due to cloud cover and rain. 2. Humidity: High humidity levels in tropical climates can lead to condensation on solar panels, potentially reducing their efficiency. To mitigate these factors, consider implementing the following preventative measures: - Use high-quality, weather-resistant solar panels designed for tropical climates. - Install panels at the optimal tilt angle to promote natural cleaning during rainfall. - Implement a regular cleaning and maintenance schedule to prevent buildup of dirt or debris. - Consider using anti-reflective coatings on panels to minimize efficiency loss due to moisture. By taking these precautions, solar installations in Cacoal can maximize energy production and maintain high efficiency despite local environmental conditions.

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 Cacoal

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: -11.4904, Longitude: -61.4317 (Cacoal, 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 12° North in Cacoal, Brazil

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Cacoal, Brazil (Lat/Long -11.4904, -61.4317) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 12° 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 Cacoal, 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 Cacoal, Brazil. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 12° North tilt angle throughout the year.

Overall Best Summer Angle	Overall Best Autumn Angle	Overall Best Winter Angle	Overall Best Spring Angle
4° South in Summer	18° North in Autumn	27° North in Winter	6° 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 Cacoal, 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 Cacoal, 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 Cacoal, Brazil

The topography around Cacoal, Brazil, located at latitude -11.4904 and longitude -61.4317, is characterized by a mix of gently rolling hills and flat plains. This region, situated in the state of Rondônia in the western part of the country, is part of the Amazon Basin, but it's not as densely forested as areas further north. The landscape surrounding Cacoal features a combination of cleared agricultural land, patches of remaining rainforest, and areas of secondary growth. The terrain is generally low-lying, with elevations typically ranging from 150 to 300 meters above sea level. Small rivers and streams crisscross the area, contributing to the region's overall gentle topography.

Suitable Areas for Large-Scale Solar PV

When considering areas nearby that would be most suited to large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations, several factors come into play. The ideal locations would be relatively flat, open areas with minimal shading from trees or hills. These conditions are often found in cleared agricultural lands or pastures, which are abundant in the region surrounding Cacoal. Areas to the east and southeast of Cacoal might be particularly well-suited for solar PV projects. These regions tend to have more extensive cleared lands due to agricultural activities, providing the necessary open space for large solar arrays. The gently rolling terrain in these areas also offers the advantage of natural drainage, which can help prevent water accumulation around solar panels during the rainy season. It's important to note that while the Amazon region receives significant rainfall, Cacoal and its surroundings experience a distinct dry season from June to August. This period of reduced cloud cover could potentially boost solar energy production, making the area more attractive for solar PV development. However, any large-scale solar project in this region would need to carefully consider environmental impacts, particularly regarding further deforestation. Utilizing already cleared lands or degraded pastures for solar installations could provide a more sustainable approach, balancing renewable energy development with conservation efforts in this ecologically sensitive part of Brazil.

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.