Solar PV Analysis of Imperatriz, Brazil
The location at Imperatriz, Maranhao, Brazil is quite suitable for generating energy via solar photovoltaic (PV) systems throughout the year. This is because it's located in the tropics where sunlight is consistent most of the year.
Looking at the amount of electricity that can be produced per kilowatt of installed solar, we see that even in summer, which typically has the lowest output, you can still expect to generate a reasonable 5.13 kWh/day. The best time for generating solar power here would be during winter when you can get as much as 6.14 kWh/day per kilowatt of installed solar.
To make sure you're getting as much energy as possible from your panels all year round, they should ideally be tilted at an angle of 6 degrees towards the North.
However, there may be some local factors that could affect how much energy your panels produce. For example, if there are a lot of tall buildings or trees around that cast shadows on your panels for significant parts of the day then this would reduce their output.
The weather could also have an impact - heavy rainfall and cloud cover during wet seasons might reduce how much sunlight reaches your panels and therefore how much electricity they generate.
In terms of preventative measures: firstly consider carefully where to place your panels to avoid shadows from nearby structures or vegetation - it might even be worth trimming back some branches if necessary! You should also make sure that any dirt or debris is regularly cleaned off your panels so they can absorb as much sunlight as possible; this will help keep them working efficiently even during less sunny periods.
Overall though, Imperatriz seems like a great spot for solar power generation with its consistent tropical sun and relatively high daily outputs across all seasons!
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 Imperatriz
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: -5.3867, Longitude: -47.5382 (Imperatriz, 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 6° North in Imperatriz, Brazil
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Imperatriz, Brazil (Lat/Long -5.3867, -47.5382) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 6° 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 Imperatriz, 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 Imperatriz, Brazil. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 6° 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 | 1° South 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 Imperatriz, 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 Imperatriz, Brazil.
Our calculation method
- Solar Position:
We determine the Sun's position on the Winter solstice using the location's latitude and solar declination. - Shadow Projection:
We calculate the shadow length cast by panels using trigonometry, considering panel tilt and the Sun's elevation angle. - 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 Imperatriz, Brazil
Imperatriz is located in the state of Maranhão, northeastern Brazil. The city's topography is relatively flat with some rolling hills and it lies within the Amazon rainforest region. The region is known for its tropical climate with high humidity and rainfall.
However, despite the high rainfall, Imperatriz also receives a substantial amount of sunlight throughout the year which makes it suitable for solar PV installations. The areas most suited to large-scale solar PV would be open, flat areas with minimal tree cover to ensure maximum exposure to sunlight. These could potentially be found on the outskirts of the city or in nearby agricultural lands that are not currently being used for crop production.
The region's proximity to rivers such as Tocantins River can also provide opportunities for hydroelectric power generation which can complement solar energy during periods of less sunlight.
When considering locations for large-scale solar PV installations, factors such as accessibility (for installation and maintenance), proximity to power grids (for easy integration into existing infrastructure), and potential environmental impacts should also be taken into account.
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
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Wednesday 13th of March 2024
Last Updated: Monday 21st of July 2025
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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.
