Itaum, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil presents a moderately favorable location for year-round solar PV energy generation, though with notable seasonal variations that affect overall performance. Located in the tropical region where consistent sunlight is available throughout most of the year, this area experiences the typical wet and dry seasonal patterns rather than traditional four-season changes.

Seasonal Solar Performance

The solar energy output at Itaum varies significantly across the seasons. Summer delivers the strongest performance at 7.10 kWh per day for each kW of installed solar capacity, making it the optimal time for solar generation. Spring follows as the second-best season with 6.16 kWh/day per kW, while autumn drops to 5.41 kWh/day per kW. Winter presents the most challenging conditions, producing only 4.18 kWh/day per kW of installed capacity. For maximum year-round energy production from a fixed panel installation at this location, solar panels should be tilted at 19 degrees toward the North. This optimal angle is calculated by analyzing daily solar elevation angles at the specific latitude, determining optimal panel positioning, and weighting these angles according to solar irradiance data while accounting for Earth's elliptical orbit.

Environmental and Weather Challenges

Several significant local factors can impede solar production at Itaum and require careful consideration during installation planning. The tropical wet season brings heavy rainfall and increased humidity, which can reduce solar panel efficiency and create maintenance challenges. Extended periods of cloud cover during wet months directly impact energy generation, contributing to the lower winter output figures. High humidity levels can also lead to corrosion of electrical components and connections if proper protection isn't implemented. Dust accumulation presents another concern, particularly during drier periods when particles can settle on panel surfaces and reduce light transmission. The tropical environment also supports vegetation growth that could create shading issues if not properly managed during site planning.

Preventative Installation Measures

To maximize energy production despite these environmental challenges, several preventative measures should be implemented:

• Install panels with adequate drainage systems and slight tilting beyond the optimal 19 degrees if necessary to prevent water pooling
• Use marine-grade or tropical-rated electrical components and connections designed to withstand high humidity
• Implement proper ventilation behind panels to reduce heat buildup and moisture accumulation
• Establish regular cleaning schedules to remove dust, debris, and organic matter from panel surfaces
• Conduct thorough site surveys to identify and remove potential shading from vegetation before installation

Regular maintenance becomes particularly important in this tropical environment, with more frequent inspections recommended during and after the wet season to ensure optimal performance 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 Itaum

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: -22.0792, Longitude: -55.3546 (Itaum, 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 19° North in Itaum, Brazil

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Itaum, Brazil (Lat/Long -22.0792, -55.3546) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 19° 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 Itaum, 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 Itaum, Brazil. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 19° North tilt angle throughout the year.

Overall Best Summer Angle	Overall Best Autumn Angle	Overall Best Winter Angle	Overall Best Spring Angle
6° North in Summer	28° North in Autumn	38° North in Winter	15° 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 Itaum, 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 Itaum, 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 Itaum, Brazil

Topographical Features of the Itaum Region

The area surrounding Itaum in Brazil sits within the Pantanal region of Mato Grosso do Sul state, characterized by remarkably flat terrain and expansive lowlands. This location falls within one of the world's largest tropical wetland areas, where the landscape consists primarily of vast plains interrupted by gentle undulations and seasonal floodplains. The elevation remains relatively consistent across the region, with minimal variation that creates an almost table-like topography stretching toward distant horizons. The terrain features extensive grasslands and cerrado vegetation, with scattered gallery forests following the meandering watercourses that define much of the regional drainage patterns. During dry seasons, these plains transform into firm, stable ground, while wet seasons bring periodic flooding that temporarily alters the landscape's accessibility and characteristics. The underlying geology consists of sedimentary deposits that have created this remarkably level foundation over geological time.

Optimal Areas for Large-Scale Solar Development

The flat topography surrounding Itaum presents exceptional opportunities for large-scale solar photovoltaic installations. The most suitable areas lie on the slightly elevated plains that remain above seasonal flood levels, particularly those situated on well-drained soils with stable foundations. These elevated sections provide the necessary ground stability for mounting systems while avoiding the complications associated with periodic inundation. Areas to the north and east of Itaum offer particularly favorable conditions, where the terrain maintains consistent elevation above the floodplain while remaining easily accessible for construction and maintenance activities. The minimal slope variations across these plains eliminate the need for extensive grading or terrain modification, significantly reducing development costs and environmental impact. The open grassland areas present ideal conditions for solar arrays, as they require minimal vegetation clearing compared to forested regions. The consistent topography allows for efficient layout designs that maximize land utilization while maintaining optimal panel spacing and orientation. Transportation infrastructure development remains straightforward due to the level terrain, facilitating both construction logistics and ongoing operational requirements. Proximity to existing agricultural areas provides additional advantages, as these zones already possess some level of infrastructure development and established access routes. The stable, non-flooding sections of these agricultural plains represent prime candidates for solar development, offering the dual benefits of proven ground stability and existing logistical frameworks.

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.