Gurupi, Tocantins, Brazil represents an excellent location for year-round solar energy generation. Located in the tropical region at coordinates -11.6667, -48.8422, this area benefits from consistent sunlight throughout the year, with seasons characterized more by wet and dry periods rather than the temperature variations seen in temperate climates.

Solar Energy Production Potential

The solar energy output data for Gurupi demonstrates strong and consistent performance across all seasons. Winter provides the highest energy generation at 6.38 kWh per day per kW of installed solar capacity, followed closely by spring at 6.06 kWh/day. Autumn delivers 5.95 kWh/day, while summer produces 5.36 kWh/day per kW installed. This seasonal pattern is typical for locations in the Southern Hemisphere tropics, where winter months often provide optimal solar conditions due to clearer skies and the sun's position relative to the location. The relatively small variation between seasons (less than 1 kWh difference between the highest and lowest producing seasons) makes Gurupi particularly attractive for solar installations, as energy output remains reliable year-round.

Optimal Panel Configuration

For maximum year-round solar production at Gurupi, Tocantins, fixed solar panels should be tilted at 13 degrees toward the north. This optimal angle is calculated by analyzing daily solar elevation angles at this latitude, determining daily optimal panel positioning, and weighting these angles according to solar irradiance data while accounting for Earth's elliptical orbit around the sun.

Environmental and Weather Considerations

Several local factors in Gurupi could potentially impact solar energy production, though most can be effectively managed with proper installation practices:

• Tropical rainfall and wet seasons: Heavy rains during wet periods can temporarily reduce solar output and may cause water accumulation on panels
• High humidity levels: Consistent tropical humidity can lead to moisture-related issues and potential corrosion of equipment
• Dust and vegetation growth: The tropical climate promotes rapid plant growth and dust accumulation, which can reduce panel efficiency
• Temperature effects: High ambient temperatures typical of tropical regions can reduce solar panel efficiency

Preventative Measures for Optimal Performance

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

• Enhanced drainage systems: Install panels with adequate tilt and spacing to allow proper water runoff during heavy rains
• Corrosion-resistant materials: Use marine-grade or tropical-rated mounting systems and electrical components designed to withstand high humidity
• Regular maintenance scheduling: Implement frequent cleaning protocols to remove dust, debris, and organic matter that accumulates more rapidly in tropical climates
• Improved ventilation: Design installations with sufficient air circulation behind panels to reduce operating temperatures and improve efficiency
• Vegetation management: Plan for ongoing landscape maintenance to prevent shading from rapidly growing tropical plants

Despite these considerations, Gurupi's consistent solar resource and relatively stable seasonal output make it a highly suitable location for solar PV installations. With proper design and maintenance practices, 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 Gurupi

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: -11.6667, Longitude: -48.8422 (Gurupi, 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 Gurupi, Brazil

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Gurupi, Brazil (Lat/Long -11.6667, -48.8422) 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 Gurupi, 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 Gurupi, 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
4° South in Summer	18° North in Autumn	27° North in Winter	6° 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 Gurupi, 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 Gurupi, 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 Gurupi, Brazil

Topography and Terrain Around Gurupi

The region surrounding Gurupi in Tocantins state, Brazil, is characterized by gently rolling terrain typical of the Brazilian Central Plateau. The landscape consists primarily of low hills and broad valleys with elevations ranging from approximately 200 to 400 meters above sea level. This area sits within the Cerrado biome, featuring relatively flat to moderately undulating topography that transitions gradually across the landscape without dramatic elevation changes or steep slopes.

The terrain is dominated by sedimentary rock formations that have been weathered over millennia, creating a stable geological foundation with minimal seismic activity. The soil composition varies between sandy and clay-rich areas, with good drainage characteristics in most locations. Natural vegetation consists of savanna-like grasslands interspersed with scattered trees and gallery forests along waterways, though much of the original vegetation has been converted to agricultural use.

Several small rivers and streams flow through the region, creating minor valleys and depressions in the otherwise relatively uniform landscape. The Gurupi River itself flows nearby, contributing to the local drainage patterns. These water features create subtle variations in the topography but do not significantly alter the overall gentle character of the terrain.

Optimal Areas for Large-Scale Solar Development

The most suitable locations for extensive solar photovoltaic installations would be found on the broad, gently sloping plateaus that extend to the north and east of Gurupi. These areas offer several advantages including minimal grading requirements, excellent accessibility for construction and maintenance vehicles, and sufficient flat space to accommodate large arrays without significant terrain modification.

The elevated plateau areas provide natural drainage, reducing concerns about water accumulation during the rainy season. The stable geological conditions mean that foundation requirements would be straightforward and cost-effective. Additionally, these higher elevations often experience better air circulation, which can help maintain optimal operating temperatures for solar panels.

Areas to the southwest of the city also present favorable conditions, particularly where the terrain opens into broader valleys with gentle south-facing slopes. These locations would benefit from optimal solar exposure angles while maintaining the accessibility and stability advantages of the surrounding region.

The relatively sparse population density in the rural areas surrounding Gurupi means that large tracts of land could potentially be developed without significant land use conflicts. The existing agricultural infrastructure, including farm roads and electrical connections, could facilitate the development of solar installations by providing basic access and utility connectivity.

When selecting specific sites, developers would want to avoid the immediate floodplains of rivers and streams, focusing instead on the well-drained upland areas that dominate the regional topography. The consistent, moderate terrain across much of the region provides multiple viable options for large-scale solar development.

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.