Cerejeiras, Rondônia, Brazil is located in an excellent position for year-round solar energy generation. This tropical location at coordinates -13.1916, -60.8148 demonstrates remarkably consistent solar output throughout all seasons, making it highly suitable for solar photovoltaic installations.

Solar Energy Performance

The solar energy production at Cerejeiras shows impressive consistency across all meteorological seasons. Each kilowatt of installed solar capacity can be expected to generate 5.26 kWh per day during summer, rising to 5.45 kWh per day in autumn. Winter actually provides the highest output at 5.67 kWh per day, while spring delivers 5.60 kWh per day. This makes winter and spring the ideal times for maximum solar generation at this location, which is advantageous since these periods often coincide with higher energy demands. The relatively small variation between seasons (only about 0.4 kWh difference between the lowest and highest producing seasons) means solar installations here provide reliable, predictable energy output year-round.

Optimal Panel Configuration

For fixed panel installations at Cerejeiras, Rondônia, the ideal tilt angle to maximize total year-round solar production is 14 degrees facing North. This angle has been calculated to optimize solar collection throughout the entire year, accounting for the sun's varying position and the location's specific latitude.

Environmental and Weather Challenges

Several local factors could potentially impact solar energy production at this location and require careful consideration during installation:

• Tropical rainfall and humidity: The wet season brings heavy rains and high humidity levels that can reduce panel efficiency and create maintenance challenges
• Dust and debris accumulation: During dry periods, dust buildup on panels can significantly reduce energy output
• Vegetation growth: The tropical climate promotes rapid plant growth that could create shading issues if not properly managed
• Extreme weather events: Tropical storms and high winds may pose risks to panel installations

Preventative Measures for Optimal Performance

To ensure maximum energy production despite these challenges, several preventative measures should be implemented: Regular cleaning schedules are essential, particularly during dry seasons when dust accumulation is heaviest. Installing panels with adequate drainage and ventilation helps manage humidity effects and prevents water pooling that could damage equipment. Proper site preparation includes clearing vegetation and establishing maintenance zones around installations to prevent future shading. Ongoing vegetation management should be planned to maintain clear solar access paths. Robust mounting systems designed to withstand tropical weather conditions, including high winds and heavy rain loads, are crucial for long-term performance. Using corrosion-resistant materials helps combat the effects of high humidity and occasional salt air. Installing monitoring systems allows for quick identification of performance issues, enabling prompt maintenance responses that keep systems operating at peak efficiency throughout the year.

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 Cerejeiras

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: -13.1916, Longitude: -60.8148 (Cerejeiras, 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 14° North in Cerejeiras, Brazil

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Cerejeiras, Brazil (Lat/Long -13.1916, -60.8148) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 14° 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 Cerejeiras, 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 Cerejeiras, Brazil. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 14° North tilt angle throughout the year.

Overall Best Summer Angle	Overall Best Autumn Angle	Overall Best Winter Angle	Overall Best Spring Angle
3° South in Summer	20° North in Autumn	29° North in Winter	8° 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 Cerejeiras, 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 Cerejeiras, 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 Cerejeiras, Brazil

Topographical Characteristics of Cerejeiras

The region around Cerejeiras in Rondônia state sits within the Brazilian Amazon basin, characterized by relatively flat to gently undulating terrain typical of the southern Amazon lowlands. The landscape consists primarily of broad plains and gentle hills, with elevations generally ranging between 200 and 400 meters above sea level. This area represents part of the transition zone between the Amazon rainforest proper and the cerrado savanna, creating a mixed topographical environment with both forested areas and more open grasslands. The terrain around Cerejeiras features numerous small streams and tributaries that flow into larger river systems, creating a network of shallow valleys and low ridges throughout the region. These waterways have carved gentle depressions into the landscape over millennia, but the overall topography remains relatively subdued without dramatic elevation changes or steep slopes that would complicate large-scale development projects.

Soil and Geological Foundation

The underlying geology consists primarily of sedimentary formations from the Amazon basin, with lateritic soils common throughout the area. These iron-rich soils, while challenging for agriculture without proper management, provide stable foundations for infrastructure development. The region experiences distinct wet and dry seasons, which have shaped the landscape through cycles of erosion and deposition, creating the characteristic gently rolling topography seen today. Rock outcrops are relatively uncommon in the immediate vicinity, with most of the surface covered by deep soil profiles developed over ancient sedimentary rocks. This geological stability makes the area well-suited for construction projects that require solid, predictable ground conditions.

Optimal Areas for Large-Scale Solar Development

The most suitable locations for extensive solar photovoltaic installations around Cerejeiras would be the elevated plateau areas and gentle ridges that offer good drainage and minimal flooding risk during the rainy season. These higher elevations, while still modest in absolute terms, provide natural advantages for solar installations including better air circulation for cooling equipment and reduced risk of water accumulation. Areas that have already been cleared for agricultural use, particularly the cattle ranching operations common in this region, present excellent opportunities for solar development. These cleared lands on stable, well-drained soils eliminate the need for forest clearing while providing the flat to gently sloping terrain ideal for solar panel arrays. The existing agricultural clearings often span hundreds or thousands of hectares, offering the scale necessary for utility-grade solar installations. The interfluves - the higher ground between river valleys - represent particularly promising locations. These areas combine the advantages of good drainage, stable soils, and typically gentler slopes that can accommodate large solar arrays without extensive grading or earthwork. Many of these interfluves in the Cerejeiras region have already been converted to pasture or agricultural use, making them readily available for solar development. Areas closer to existing electrical infrastructure and transportation networks would be most practical for development, as the relatively flat topography throughout much of the region means that terrain is rarely the limiting factor for solar installations in this part of Rondônia.

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.