Fortuna, Maranhão, Brazil presents an excellent location for year-round solar PV energy generation. Located in the tropical region at coordinates -5.6656, -43.993, this area benefits from consistent sunlight throughout the year, with seasonal variations characterized more by wet and dry periods rather than the dramatic temperature and daylight changes seen in temperate regions.

Solar Energy Production Potential

The solar energy output data for Fortuna demonstrates remarkably strong and consistent performance across all seasons. Winter emerges as the peak production period, generating 6.52 kWh per day per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely with 6.29 kWh/day, while autumn produces 5.99 kWh/day. Even during the lowest production season of summer, the location still generates a robust 5.28 kWh/day per kW installed. This seasonal pattern is typical for tropical locations in the Southern Hemisphere, where winter months often provide clearer skies and optimal solar conditions. The relatively small variation between seasons - only about 1.24 kWh difference between the highest and lowest production periods - indicates exceptional year-round reliability for solar energy generation. For optimal performance, solar panels at this location should be installed with a fixed tilt angle of 7 degrees facing North. This angle maximizes total year-round energy production by accounting for the sun's path throughout the seasons and the location's proximity to the equator.

Environmental and Weather Factors

Several environmental factors in Fortuna could potentially impact solar energy production, though most can be effectively managed with proper installation practices. The tropical climate brings distinct wet and dry seasons, with the wet season potentially reducing solar output due to increased cloud cover and atmospheric moisture. Heavy rainfall during wet periods can also lead to dust and debris accumulation on panel surfaces, reducing efficiency. High humidity levels throughout the year may contribute to faster degradation of electrical components if not properly protected. The tropical environment also supports abundant vegetation growth, which could create shading issues if not properly managed during installation planning.

Preventative Measures for Optimal Performance

To maximize solar energy production in Fortuna's tropical environment, several installation strategies should be implemented:

• Install panels with adequate spacing and ventilation to prevent overheating and allow for proper air circulation in the humid climate
• Use high-quality mounting systems and electrical components specifically rated for tropical conditions and high humidity environments
• Implement regular cleaning schedules, particularly during and after the wet season, to remove dust, pollen, and organic debris
• Conduct thorough site surveys to identify and trim vegetation that could create shading issues as it grows
• Install proper drainage systems around ground-mounted installations to prevent water accumulation during heavy rains

Despite these considerations, Fortuna's consistent high solar output throughout the year makes it an exceptionally favorable location for solar PV installations. With proper planning and maintenance, solar systems in this location can achieve excellent long-term performance and energy production.

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 Fortuna

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: -5.6656, Longitude: -43.993 (Fortuna, 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 Fortuna, Brazil

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Fortuna, Brazil (Lat/Long -5.6656, -43.993) 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 Fortuna, 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 Fortuna, 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
10° South in Summer	12° North in Autumn	21° North in Winter	0° 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 Fortuna, 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 Fortuna, 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 Fortuna, Brazil

Topographical Features of the Fortuna Region

The landscape surrounding Fortuna in Brazil's Maranhão state is characterized by relatively flat to gently rolling terrain typical of the Brazilian Northeast's interior plains. This region sits within the expansive Cerrado biome, where the topography consists primarily of broad plateaus and subtle undulations rather than dramatic elevation changes. The area features scattered low hills and shallow valleys that create a moderately varied but generally accessible landscape. The terrain around Fortuna benefits from well-drained soils and stable geological foundations, with elevations that remain fairly consistent across large expanses. Natural vegetation consists of savanna-like formations with sparse tree cover, creating open spaces that receive unobstructed exposure to sunlight throughout most of the day. The relatively dry climate of this semi-arid region means cloud cover tends to be minimal for significant portions of the year.

Optimal Areas for Large-Scale Solar Development

The most promising locations for extensive solar photovoltaic installations would be the broader plateau areas extending to the southeast and southwest of Fortuna. These zones offer the ideal combination of flat topography, minimal vegetation obstacles, and stable ground conditions necessary for large-scale solar farms. The southeastern areas particularly benefit from gentle slopes that provide natural drainage while maintaining optimal panel positioning. Areas with existing cleared land or minimal native vegetation would require less environmental preparation, making development more straightforward and cost-effective. The flatter sections of the surrounding plains would allow for efficient installation of tracking systems and maintenance access roads without requiring significant earthwork or grading operations. The northwestern areas, while topographically suitable, may present more challenges due to slightly more varied terrain and denser vegetation coverage. However, the southern and eastern expanses offer extensive tracts of relatively uniform land that could accommodate solar installations spanning several square kilometers without encountering major topographical barriers or requiring complex engineering solutions to address elevation changes.

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!

Citation Guide

Article Details for Citation

Tell Us About Your Work

We love seeing how our research helps others! If you've cited this article in your work, we'd be delighted to hear about it. Drop us a line via our Contact Us page or on X, to share where you've used our information - we may feature a link to your work on our site. This helps create a network of valuable resources for others in the solar energy community and helps us understand how our research is contributing to the field. Plus, we occasionally highlight exceptional works that reference our research on our social media channels.

Feeling generous?

Share this with your friends!

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.