Solar Energy Potential in Capivari de Baixo, Brazil

Capivari de Baixo, located in southern Brazil at latitude -28.4559 and longitude -48.9516, offers moderate to good potential for solar energy generation throughout the year. This location in the Southern Sub Tropics experiences significant seasonal variations in solar productivity. The seasonal output shows a clear pattern, with summer being the most productive season. During summer months, each kilowatt of installed solar capacity generates approximately 6.59 kWh per day. Spring follows as the second most productive season with 5.43 kWh daily per installed kilowatt. Production decreases during autumn, with daily generation dropping to about 4.50 kWh per kilowatt of installed capacity. Winter represents the least productive period, with output falling to 3.32 kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed solar. For residents and businesses in Capivari de Baixo considering solar installations, it's worth noting that for fixed panel installations, the ideal angle to maximize year-round production is 25 degrees facing North. This specific tilt optimizes annual energy capture at this southern hemisphere location.

Environmental and Weather Considerations

Several environmental factors could potentially impact solar production in Capivari de Baixo. The region occasionally experiences heavy rainfall and high humidity, which can temporarily reduce solar efficiency. Installing panels with good drainage systems and water-resistant components can mitigate these effects. Dust and pollution from nearby industrial activities, including the Jorge Lacerda Thermoelectric Complex located in the municipality, may accumulate on panels and reduce efficiency. Regular cleaning and maintenance schedules are recommended to address this issue. The coastal proximity means salt spray could potentially affect equipment over time. Using marine-grade materials and protective coatings on solar equipment can extend system life and maintain production efficiency. Occasional fog, particularly in morning hours during certain seasons, may temporarily reduce production. Installing panels at the recommended 25-degree tilt helps water runoff and reduces dust accumulation, partially addressing both weather and environmental challenges.

Note: The Southern Sub Tropics extend from -23.5° latitude South down to -35° latitude.

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 Capivari De Baixo

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: -28.4559, Longitude: -48.9516 (Capivari De Baixo, 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 25° North in Capivari De Baixo, Brazil

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Capivari De Baixo, Brazil (Lat/Long -28.4559, -48.9516) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 25° 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 Capivari De Baixo, 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 Capivari De Baixo, Brazil. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 25° North tilt angle throughout the year.

Overall Best Summer Angle	Overall Best Autumn Angle	Overall Best Winter Angle	Overall Best Spring Angle
12° North in Summer	34° North in Autumn	44° North in Winter	21° 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 Capivari De Baixo, 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 Capivari De Baixo, 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 Capivari De Baixo, Brazil

The topography around Capivari de Baixo, located in the southern part of Santa Catarina state in Brazil, is characterized by a diverse landscape that transitions from coastal plains to more elevated areas as one moves inland. The municipality itself sits at a relatively low elevation, approximately 10-15 meters above sea level, and is part of the larger Atlantic coastal plain region.

Coastal Plains and Lowlands

The eastern portions of Capivari de Baixo and its surroundings feature flat to gently undulating terrain typical of coastal plains. These areas were formed by sedimentary deposits over geological time. The soil in these lowland regions tends to be sandy and alluvial, influenced by the nearby Tubarão River system which flows through the region before emptying into the Lagoa de Santo Antônio to the east.

Transitional Terrain

Moving westward from the coast, the landscape gradually rises and becomes more varied. This transitional zone features rolling hills with moderate slopes, creating a more dynamic topographical profile. These areas typically range from 20 to 100 meters in elevation, providing a bridge between the coastal plains and the higher terrain further inland.

Interior Highlands

Further west and northwest of Capivari de Baixo, the terrain becomes more pronounced with higher hills and the beginnings of the Serra Geral mountain range in the distance. These highlands can reach several hundred meters in elevation and feature steeper slopes and more rugged terrain. The soils in these regions tend to be thinner and less fertile than in the lowlands.

Hydrological Features

The region's topography is significantly influenced by water systems. The Tubarão River and its tributaries have carved valleys through the landscape, creating natural corridors and floodplains. Several lagoons also dot the coastal region east of Capivari de Baixo, including the Lagoa de Santo Antônio and Lagoa da Encantada, which are remnants of ancient marine incursions.

Optimal Areas for Solar PV Development

For large-scale solar photovoltaic installations, several areas around Capivari de Baixo offer promising conditions based on topographical considerations: The gently sloping plains to the east and northeast of the municipality present ideal conditions for solar farms. These areas combine favorable terrain with good solar exposure due to minimal shadowing from topographical features. The flat nature of these lands makes construction and maintenance more straightforward and cost-effective. The rolling hills in the transitional zones, particularly those with south-facing slopes, could also be suitable for solar installations. While requiring more engineering work for installation, these areas often benefit from reduced flood risk compared to the lowest-lying regions. Some of the elevated plateaus in the western region, where the terrain flattens out at higher elevations, offer excellent potential for solar farms. These locations typically experience less fog than the lowlands and can have clearer atmospheric conditions, which benefits solar energy capture. Areas to avoid would include the steepest hillsides, where installation would be challenging and expensive, and the immediate floodplains of the Tubarão River and its tributaries, which face periodic inundation risks. The lowlands near the lagoons to the east, while flat, may face challenges related to high water tables and potential flooding during extreme weather events, making them less ideal for large infrastructure projects like solar farms. The northwestern highlands, despite good sun exposure, may present challenges due to more difficult access and the potential for morning fog in valley areas, which could reduce early-day solar efficiency. In summary, the diverse topography around Capivari de Baixo offers several promising locations for solar PV development, with the eastern plains and gentler elevated areas likely presenting the best balance of favorable conditions when considering construction feasibility, maintenance access, and natural hazard avoidance.

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.