Solar Energy Potential in Carutapera, Maranhão, Brazil

Carutapera, Maranhão, Brazil, located at latitude -1.1773 and longitude -45.9623, offers excellent conditions for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. This tropical location benefits from consistent sunlight patterns typical of regions near the equator, where seasonal variations are primarily defined by wet and dry periods rather than significant changes in daylight duration. The solar energy production potential in Carutapera shows impressive output across all seasons. During spring, the location reaches its peak performance with 6.54 kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed capacity. Winter follows as the second most productive season with 5.89 kWh/day, while summer yields 5.66 kWh/day. Autumn shows the lowest but still substantial output at 5.22 kWh/day per kilowatt installed.

Optimal Panel Installation

For fixed solar panel installations in Carutapera, Maranhão, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round energy production is 1 degree facing North. This nearly horizontal orientation takes advantage of the location's proximity to the equator, where the sun passes almost directly overhead throughout much of the year.

Environmental Considerations

Despite the favorable solar conditions, several environmental factors could potentially impact solar production in Carutapera:

• High humidity and rainfall during the wet season may reduce panel efficiency and increase the need for maintenance
• Dust and pollen accumulation, common in tropical regions, can gradually decrease panel performance if not addressed
• Potential for tropical storms and high winds that could damage installations if not properly secured

Preventative Measures

To maximize solar energy production in Carutapera, Maranhão, several preventative measures are recommended: Installing self-cleaning panels or implementing regular cleaning schedules can mitigate the effects of dust and humidity. Sturdy mounting systems designed to withstand tropical storms and high winds are essential for system longevity. Additionally, using corrosion-resistant materials for all components will help prevent degradation from the humid tropical climate. Elevated mounting systems can provide better airflow beneath panels, reducing operating temperatures and improving efficiency in the hot tropical climate. Finally, implementing a robust monitoring system will help quickly identify any performance issues related to environmental factors.

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 Carutapera

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: -1.1773, Longitude: -45.9623 (Carutapera, 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 1° North in Carutapera, Brazil

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Carutapera, Brazil (Lat/Long -1.1773, -45.9623) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 1° 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 Carutapera, 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 Carutapera, Brazil. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 1° 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 Carutapera, 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 Carutapera, 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 Carutapera, Brazil

Carutapera sits in the northeastern part of Brazil, in the state of Maranhão, where the Gurupi River meets the Atlantic Ocean. This coastal municipality features diverse terrain that transitions from coastal lowlands to gently rolling hills as one moves inland. The immediate coastal area consists of mangrove swamps and tidal flats, creating a dynamic ecosystem influenced by the daily ebb and flow of ocean tides. Moving slightly inland, the landscape gives way to flat to gently undulating plains. These plains are interspersed with seasonal wetlands that expand during the rainy season and contract during drier periods. The elevation generally remains below 100 meters above sea level throughout most of the municipality. The western portions of Carutapera feature more pronounced rolling hills, with gradual slopes rather than steep inclines. These hills are typically covered with secondary forest and agricultural clearings. The region's topography has been shaped by numerous small streams and tributaries that feed into the larger Gurupi River, creating natural drainage patterns across the landscape.

Solar PV Potential Areas

For large-scale solar photovoltaic development, the inland plains located 5-15 kilometers from the coast offer the most promising terrain. These areas benefit from several advantageous features: relatively flat topography that minimizes earthwork requirements, good drainage to prevent flooding, and sufficient elevation to avoid coastal humidity and salt spray that could degrade solar equipment. The gently rolling hills in the western portion of the municipality also present viable options for solar development, particularly on east, south, and west-facing slopes. These locations provide natural platforms for panel installation while minimizing the shadow effect that can reduce energy capture efficiency. Areas to avoid include the immediate coastal zone with its mangrove ecosystems, which serve important environmental functions and are protected under Brazilian environmental regulations. Additionally, the seasonal wetlands scattered throughout the region would require expensive engineering solutions to become viable for solar infrastructure. The northeastern section of the municipality, where the terrain flattens out away from river influence, presents perhaps the optimal balance of favorable topography, accessibility via existing road networks, and minimal environmental sensitivity. These areas generally feature stable soil conditions and reduced flood risk compared to riverine areas, making them well-suited for the installation of mounting systems and associated infrastructure required for utility-scale solar development.

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.