Flores, Pernambuco, Brazil, situated at latitude -7.9309 and longitude -37.9208, offers a promising location for solar energy generation. This tropical setting provides consistent sunlight throughout the year, with seasonal variations primarily characterized by wet and dry periods rather than significant temperature fluctuations.

Solar Energy Potential

The solar energy potential in Flores is relatively stable across seasons, with some notable variations. Spring emerges as the most productive period, yielding an impressive 7.52 kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed solar capacity. Summer follows closely with 6.60 kWh/day, while autumn and winter show slightly reduced but still substantial outputs of 6.28 kWh/day and 5.81 kWh/day, respectively.

These figures indicate that Flores is well-suited for year-round solar energy production, with spring and summer being particularly favorable. The consistent sunlight throughout the year ensures a reliable energy source, making it an attractive location for solar PV installations.

Optimal Panel Placement

For fixed panel installations in Flores, Pernambuco, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round solar production is 7 degrees North. This slight inclination helps optimize the panels' exposure to sunlight throughout the year, accounting for the Earth's elliptical orbit and the location's proximity to the equator.

Environmental Considerations

While Flores generally presents favorable conditions for solar energy production, there are a few environmental factors to consider:

1. Rainfall: The region experiences a distinct wet season, which could potentially impact solar panel efficiency. To mitigate this, installations should incorporate proper drainage systems and use self-cleaning panel technologies.

2. Dust and Debris: In drier periods, dust accumulation on panels could reduce their effectiveness. Regular cleaning and maintenance schedules should be implemented to ensure optimal performance.

3. Humidity: High humidity levels in tropical climates can lead to condensation on panels. Using panels with anti-reflective coatings and ensuring proper ventilation can help address this issue.

By addressing these factors during installation and maintenance, solar energy systems in Flores can operate at peak efficiency, capitalizing on the location's excellent solar potential 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 Flores

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: -7.9309, Longitude: -37.9208 (Flores, 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 7° North in Flores, Brazil

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Flores, Brazil (Lat/Long -7.9309, -37.9208) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 7° 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 Flores, 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 Flores, Brazil. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 7° North tilt angle throughout the year.

Overall Best Summer Angle	Overall Best Autumn Angle	Overall Best Winter Angle	Overall Best Spring Angle
8° South in Summer	14° North in Autumn	24° North in Winter	2° 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 Flores, 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 Flores, 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 Flores, Brazil

The topography around Flores, Brazil, located at latitude -7.9309 and longitude -37.9208, is characterized by a diverse landscape typical of the northeastern Brazilian interior. This region, known as the Sertão, features a mix of rolling hills, rocky outcrops, and semi-arid plains. The terrain is generally undulating, with elevations ranging from approximately 300 to 800 meters above sea level. The area surrounding Flores is part of the Borborema Plateau, a large elevated region that dominates much of northeastern Brazil. This plateau is marked by scattered rock formations, shallow valleys, and occasional flat-topped hills called chapadas. The local vegetation is predominantly caatinga, a type of dry shrubland adapted to the region's semi-arid climate. Rivers and streams in the area are often intermittent, flowing only during the rainy season. The São Francisco River, one of Brazil's major waterways, runs to the west of Flores, creating a more lush environment along its banks compared to the drier surrounding areas.

Suitability for Large-Scale Solar PV

When considering areas nearby that would be most suited to large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations, several factors come into play. The semi-arid climate of the region, with its abundant sunlight and relatively low cloud cover, provides excellent conditions for solar energy generation. The most suitable areas for large-scale solar PV would be the flatter, open spaces found on the plateau tops and in the broader valleys. These locations offer several advantages: 1. They receive consistent sunlight throughout the year, maximizing energy production potential. 2. The relatively flat terrain reduces the need for extensive land preparation and simplifies the installation process. 3. These areas often have sparse vegetation, minimizing the environmental impact of clearing land for solar arrays. Areas to avoid would include steep hillsides, which can be challenging and expensive to develop, and low-lying areas near rivers that may be prone to flooding during the rainy season. It's important to note that while the topography and climate are favorable for solar PV, other factors such as proximity to power transmission infrastructure, road access, and local land use regulations would also need to be considered when selecting specific sites for large-scale solar installations in the region around Flores.

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.