Itiquira, Brazil presents a very favorable location for year-round solar PV energy generation. Located in the tropical region of Mato Grosso state, this area benefits from consistent sunlight throughout most of the year, with seasonal variations characterized more by wet and dry periods rather than dramatic changes in solar availability.

Solar Energy Output Performance

The solar energy production data for Itiquira shows strong and relatively consistent performance across all seasons. Summer delivers the highest output at 6.49 kWh per day per kW of installed solar capacity, while winter shows the lowest at 5.48 kWh per day per kW. Spring and autumn fall between these ranges at 6.12 and 5.73 kWh per day per kW respectively. This represents only an 18% variation between the best and worst performing seasons, which is excellent for a solar installation. The relatively small seasonal difference means that solar panels will generate substantial electricity year-round, making this location highly suitable for solar PV systems.

Optimal Installation Configuration

For maximum year-round energy production at this location, solar panels should be installed at a fixed tilt angle of 17 degrees facing north. This optimal angle is calculated by analyzing daily solar elevation angles at the latitude, determining daily optimal panel positioning, and weighting these angles by daily photovoltaic potential using solar irradiance data while accounting for Earth's elliptical orbit.

Environmental and Weather Factors

Several local factors could potentially impact solar energy production in Itiquira and require consideration during installation:

• Wet season impacts: The tropical climate brings pronounced wet seasons with heavy rainfall and increased cloud cover, which can reduce solar irradiance during certain months
• High humidity: Tropical humidity levels can affect equipment performance and accelerate corrosion of metal components
• Dust and agricultural particles: Being in an agricultural region of Mato Grosso, airborne dust and organic particles can accumulate on panel surfaces
• Intense UV exposure: The tropical location means very high ultraviolet radiation levels that can degrade panel materials over time

Preventative Measures for Optimal Performance

To maximize energy production despite these environmental challenges, several installation strategies should be implemented:

• Regular cleaning systems: Install automated panel washing systems or establish frequent manual cleaning schedules to remove dust, pollen, and other debris
• Corrosion-resistant materials: Use marine-grade aluminum mounting systems and stainless steel hardware specifically designed for high-humidity environments
• Enhanced drainage: Design mounting systems with proper drainage channels to prevent water accumulation and ensure quick drying after rainfall
• UV-resistant components: Select panels and electrical components with enhanced UV protection ratings suitable for tropical installations
• Adequate ventilation: Ensure proper airflow around panels to prevent overheating and maintain optimal operating temperatures

Despite these considerations, Itiquira remains an excellent location for solar PV installations due to its consistent tropical sunlight and relatively stable seasonal energy output patterns.

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 Itiquira

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: -17.3944, Longitude: -54.7699 (Itiquira, 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 17° North in Itiquira, Brazil

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Itiquira, Brazil (Lat/Long -17.3944, -54.7699) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 17° 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 Itiquira, 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 Itiquira, Brazil. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 17° North tilt angle throughout the year.

Overall Best Summer Angle	Overall Best Autumn Angle	Overall Best Winter Angle	Overall Best Spring Angle
2° North in Summer	23° North in Autumn	33° North in Winter	11° 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 Itiquira, 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 Itiquira, 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 Itiquira, Brazil

Topographical Features Around Itiquira

The region surrounding Itiquira in Mato Grosso state sits within the Cerrado biome, characterized by gently rolling plains and plateaus that form part of Brazil's vast central highland region. The landscape consists primarily of extensive flatlands interspersed with low hills and shallow valleys, creating an undulating terrain that rarely exceeds significant elevation changes. This area represents the transition zone between the Pantanal wetlands to the west and the more elevated Cerrado plateau extending eastward. The immediate vicinity features broad, open savannas with scattered gallery forests along waterways and seasonal streams. The terrain slopes very gradually toward the southwest, where it eventually drains into the Paraguay River basin. Rocky outcrops and small escarpments occasionally punctuate the otherwise gentle topography, but these features are relatively uncommon and do not dominate the landscape.

Soil and Surface Conditions

The underlying geology consists mainly of sedimentary rocks covered by deep, well-drained soils typical of the Cerrado region. These soils, while often acidic and nutrient-poor for traditional agriculture without amendments, provide stable foundations for infrastructure development. The surface is generally firm and well-consolidated, with good drainage characteristics that prevent waterlogging during the rainy season. Natural vegetation in undeveloped areas includes sparse trees and shrubs adapted to the seasonal climate, with extensive grasslands dominating the landscape. Much of the surrounding region has been converted to agricultural use, particularly cattle ranching and soybean cultivation, resulting in large cleared areas with minimal vegetation cover.

Optimal Areas for Large-Scale Solar Development

The most suitable locations for extensive solar photovoltaic installations lie on the broad, flat plains extending north and east of Itiquira. These areas offer several key advantages including minimal topographical obstacles, excellent drainage, and extensive open spaces that would require minimal grading or site preparation. The gentle slopes in these directions provide natural drainage while maintaining optimal panel positioning. Areas with slight southern exposure on the shallow ridges and elevated plains would be particularly favorable, as they combine stable ground conditions with advantageous positioning. The relatively uniform elevation across large areas would allow for efficient installation of tracking systems and simplified electrical infrastructure layout. The western approaches toward the Pantanal become progressively less suitable due to increasing moisture levels and seasonal flooding risks. Similarly, areas with steeper slopes or rocky outcrops, while limited in extent, would require more extensive site preparation and are generally less economical for large-scale development. Agricultural areas that have been previously cleared and leveled present excellent opportunities, as the land has already been prepared and access roads often exist. The stable, compacted soils in former pastureland provide particularly good foundations for solar mounting systems while minimizing environmental disruption during construction.

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.