Solar Energy Potential in Extrema, Minas Gerais, Brazil

Extrema, Minas Gerais, Brazil, located at the coordinates -22.8295, -46.2812, offers promising conditions for solar energy generation throughout the year. Situated in the tropics, this location benefits from relatively consistent sunlight patterns, though with seasonal variations that affect energy production. The solar electricity output at this location shows notable seasonal fluctuations. During summer months, solar panels can generate an impressive 6.62 kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed capacity. This production decreases slightly to 6.08 kWh/day during spring. The autumn season sees a further reduction to 5.49 kWh/day, while winter represents the lowest production period with 4.83 kWh/day per kilowatt installed. For those considering solar installation in Extrema, Minas Gerais, it's worth noting that summer and spring offer the most productive conditions for solar energy generation. However, even during the less productive winter months, the output remains reasonably good compared to many non-tropical locations worldwide.

Optimal Panel Installation

For fixed solar panel installations in Extrema, Minas Gerais, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round energy production is 21 degrees facing North. This specific angle has been calculated by analyzing the sun's position throughout the year at this latitude, weighted by the daily solar potential. This orientation allows panels to capture optimal sunlight across seasons, balancing the higher sun angle in summer with the lower winter sun position.

Environmental and Weather Considerations

Several environmental factors could potentially impact solar production in Extrema. The region experiences a defined wet season, typically during summer months, which may bring increased cloud cover and rainfall. These conditions can temporarily reduce solar output despite the season otherwise being optimal for production. Preventative measures for solar installations in this area should include:

• Proper drainage systems to prevent water accumulation on panels during heavy tropical downpours
• Regular cleaning schedules to remove dust and pollen that accumulate during dry periods
• Robust mounting systems that can withstand occasional strong winds during storm seasons
• Installation of micro-inverters or power optimizers to minimize the impact of partial shading from fast-moving clouds common in tropical areas

Additionally, the region's vegetation grows rapidly due to the tropical climate, so ongoing maintenance should include trimming nearby trees and plants that might cast shadows on the panels as they grow. Despite these considerations, Extrema's location offers good year-round solar potential, with even the least productive season providing nearly 5 kWh per day per kilowatt installed. With proper system design and maintenance, solar power represents a viable and sustainable energy option for this Brazilian municipality.

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 Extrema

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: -22.8295, Longitude: -46.2812 (Extrema, 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 21° North in Extrema, Brazil

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Extrema, Brazil (Lat/Long -22.8295, -46.2812) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 21° 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 Extrema, 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 Extrema, Brazil. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 21° North tilt angle throughout the year.

Overall Best Summer Angle	Overall Best Autumn Angle	Overall Best Winter Angle	Overall Best Spring Angle
7° North in Summer	28° North in Autumn	38° North in Winter	16° 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 Extrema, 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 Extrema, 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 Extrema, Brazil

Topographical Features of the Extrema Region

Extrema sits in the mountainous terrain of southern Minas Gerais, positioned within the Mantiqueira Mountains range near the border with São Paulo state. The landscape around this municipality is characterized by rolling hills, steep valleys, and elevated plateaus that create a complex topographical pattern typical of Brazil's southeastern highlands. The elevation varies significantly across the region, with the town itself perched at approximately 900 meters above sea level, while surrounding peaks can reach well over 1,500 meters.

The terrain features a mix of gentle slopes and more dramatic inclines, with numerous ridgelines running in various directions throughout the area. Deep valleys carved by local waterways intersect the landscape, creating a network of drainage patterns that flow toward larger river systems. The topography becomes increasingly rugged as one moves toward the higher elevations of the Mantiqueira range, where steep escarpments and rocky outcrops are common features.

Much of the original Atlantic Forest vegetation has been cleared over the decades, leaving behind a patchwork of pastureland, agricultural areas, and remnant forest fragments. The cleared areas reveal the underlying geological structure, which consists primarily of crystalline rocks and weathered soils that have developed over millions of years of erosion and weathering processes.

Optimal Areas for Large-Scale Solar Development

The most suitable locations for extensive solar photovoltaic installations would be found on the broader plateau areas and gentle south-facing slopes that characterize portions of the regional landscape. These areas offer the necessary combination of relatively flat terrain, minimal shading from surrounding topographical features, and adequate space for large arrays of solar panels. The elevated plateaus particularly stand out as prime candidates, as they typically receive consistent solar exposure throughout the day without significant obstruction from nearby hills or mountains.

Areas with gradual slopes facing north would also present excellent opportunities for solar development, as the natural inclination of the land could be advantageous for optimal panel positioning. The cleared pasturelands scattered throughout the region represent some of the most immediately accessible sites, as they require minimal additional clearing and often feature relatively uniform topography suitable for large-scale installations.

The valley floors, while offering flat terrain, would generally be less suitable due to potential shading from surrounding hillsides during certain parts of the day, as well as possible issues with drainage and seasonal water accumulation. Similarly, the steeper hillsides and areas with significant elevation changes would present engineering challenges and increased installation costs that might make them less economically viable for large-scale projects.

The region's network of existing roads and proximity to transmission infrastructure would also influence site selection, with areas offering better access and connectivity to the electrical grid presenting more attractive development opportunities. The relatively stable geological conditions of the crystalline bedrock underlying much of the area would provide solid foundations for solar installations, reducing concerns about ground stability that might affect other regions.

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

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