Combinado, Tocantins, Brazil presents an excellent location for year-round solar energy generation through photovoltaic (PV) systems. Situated in the tropics at coordinates -12.8194, -46.5353, this location benefits from consistent sunlight throughout most of the year, with seasons characterized more by wet and dry periods rather than significant temperature variations.

Solar Energy Production Potential

The solar energy output data for Combinado demonstrates remarkably strong and consistent performance across all seasons. The location produces between 5.74 and 6.33 kWh per day for each kW of installed solar capacity, showing minimal seasonal variation compared to locations at higher latitudes. Winter and spring emerge as the peak solar generation seasons, with output reaching 6.32 and 6.33 kWh/day per kW respectively. Autumn also performs exceptionally well at 6.09 kWh/day per kW, while summer shows the lowest output at 5.74 kWh/day per kW, though this figure still represents excellent solar potential. For optimal year-round energy production, fixed solar panels at this location should be tilted at 13 degrees facing north. This angle maximizes total annual solar output by accounting for the sun's path throughout the year and the location's proximity to the equator.

Environmental and Weather Factors

Several environmental factors could potentially impact solar energy production in Combinado, Tocantins, though the location's strong baseline performance helps mitigate many concerns. Seasonal Rainfall Patterns The tropical climate brings distinct wet and dry seasons, with the wet season likely contributing to the slightly lower summer production figures. Heavy rainfall and increased cloud cover during wet periods can temporarily reduce solar output, though the overall impact appears moderate based on the seasonal data. Dust and Atmospheric Particles Brazil's interior regions can experience dust accumulation on solar panels, particularly during dry seasons when winds carry particles across the landscape. Additionally, agricultural activities in surrounding areas may contribute to airborne dust and debris. High Humidity and Temperature Tropical conditions mean consistently high humidity and temperatures, which can affect solar panel efficiency and potentially accelerate equipment degradation over time.

Preventative Measures for Optimal Performance

Several installation strategies can help maximize solar energy production at this location:

• Install automated or manual cleaning systems to regularly remove dust, pollen, and debris from panel surfaces, with increased frequency during dry seasons
• Ensure adequate ventilation around panels to promote air circulation and reduce heat buildup that can decrease efficiency
• Use high-quality mounting systems with corrosion-resistant materials designed for tropical climates
• Implement proper drainage around installations to prevent water accumulation during heavy rainfall periods
• Select solar panels and inverters specifically rated for high-temperature, high-humidity environments

Regular maintenance scheduling becomes particularly important in tropical locations like Combinado. Monitoring systems can help identify when cleaning or maintenance is needed, ensuring the solar installation continues to perform at its considerable potential throughout the year. Despite these environmental considerations, Combinado's consistently high solar output across all seasons makes it an highly favorable location for solar energy generation, with proper installation and maintenance practices ensuring optimal long-term performance.

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 Combinado

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: -12.8194, Longitude: -46.5353 (Combinado, 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 13° North in Combinado, Brazil

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Combinado, Brazil (Lat/Long -12.8194, -46.5353) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 13° 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 Combinado, 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 Combinado, Brazil. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 13° 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	19° North in Autumn	28° North in Winter	7° 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 Combinado, 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 Combinado, 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 Combinado, Brazil

Topographical Features of the Combinado Region

The area around Combinado in central Brazil sits within the expansive Cerrado biome, characterized by gently rolling terrain and relatively modest elevation changes. This region forms part of the Brazilian Central Plateau, where the landscape consists primarily of broad, undulating plains interspersed with low hills and shallow valleys. The elevation in this area typically ranges between 800 and 1,200 meters above sea level, providing a stable foundation for large-scale development projects. The topography exhibits a mature geological structure with weathered surfaces that have been shaped by millions of years of erosion. The terrain features gentle slopes that rarely exceed gradients of 10-15 degrees, making the area highly accessible for construction and maintenance activities. Scattered across the landscape are occasional mesa-like formations and low ridges, but these elevated features are generally isolated and do not dominate the overall character of the region. Water drainage patterns in the area follow predictable courses through the shallow valleys, with seasonal streams and small rivers carving modest channels through the landscape. The soil composition consists largely of well-drained lateritic soils typical of the Cerrado, which provide stable ground conditions while allowing for good water infiltration during the rainy season.

Optimal Areas for Large-Scale Solar Development

The most suitable locations for extensive solar photovoltaic installations would be found on the broad plateau areas that dominate this region. These elevated plains offer several advantages including consistent gentle slopes that facilitate proper panel orientation, excellent natural drainage to prevent waterlogging during heavy rains, and minimal shading from topographical features throughout the day. The southern and southeastern facing slopes of the low hills present particularly attractive opportunities for solar development. These areas combine favorable orientation with stable ground conditions and typically feature minimal vegetation that would require clearing. The gradual inclines on these slopes, usually ranging from 2-8 degrees, provide natural advantages for panel positioning while maintaining accessibility for installation and maintenance equipment. Areas located on the broader valley floors also present excellent potential, particularly where the terrain remains relatively flat and well-drained. These locations often benefit from proximity to existing infrastructure while avoiding the steeper transitional zones between hills and valleys. The expansive nature of these valley systems means that large installations could be developed without significant grading or earthwork requirements. The ridge tops and plateau edges should generally be avoided due to increased exposure to wind loads and potential access difficulties. Similarly, the narrow valley bottoms near watercourses would be less suitable due to seasonal flooding risks and environmental considerations. The ideal development zones lie in the intermediate areas between these extremes, where the terrain provides stability, accessibility, and optimal positioning for solar collection while minimizing environmental impact and construction challenges.

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.