Solar PV Analysis of Lagoinha, Brazil
Lagoinha, São Paulo, Brazil, located at latitude -23.0829 and longitude -45.2035, offers generally favorable conditions for solar PV energy production throughout the year. This location in the tropics benefits from relatively consistent sunlight patterns compared to regions at higher latitudes.
The solar energy production potential varies seasonally, with the highest output occurring during summer months when panels can generate approximately 6.24kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed capacity. Spring and autumn represent moderate production periods, yielding 5.20kWh/day and 5.10kWh/day respectively. Winter shows the lowest generation at 4.12kWh/day, though this still represents reasonable production compared to many non-tropical locations.
Seasonal Variation and Optimal Installation
For fixed panel installations in Lagoinha, São Paulo, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round energy production is 21 degrees facing North. This specific angle optimizes the capture of available sunlight across seasons, accounting for the location's position in the Southern Hemisphere.
The relatively modest seasonal variation in energy production (approximately 34% difference between peak summer and lowest winter output) makes Lagoinha a suitable location for year-round solar energy generation, without the extreme seasonal fluctuations experienced in locations farther from the equator.
Environmental Considerations
Several environmental factors could potentially impact solar production in Lagoinha. The region experiences a distinct wet season, typically during summer months, which can temporarily reduce solar efficiency through cloud cover and rainfall. While this coincides with the period of highest potential production, the installation of panels with good performance under diffuse light conditions can help mitigate these effects.
Dust and pollen accumulation may also affect panel efficiency, particularly during dry periods. Implementing regular cleaning schedules or installing automated cleaning systems can maintain optimal performance. Additionally, the tropical climate may accelerate degradation of system components, making weather-resistant equipment and proper sealing of electrical connections essential.
Heat-related efficiency losses are another consideration in this tropical location. Ensuring adequate airflow beneath panels through proper mounting configurations can help dissipate heat and maintain higher efficiency levels, particularly during the warmest months when production potential is highest.
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 Lagoinha
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: -23.0829, Longitude: -45.2035 (Lagoinha, 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 21° North in Lagoinha, Brazil
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Lagoinha, Brazil (Lat/Long -23.0829, -45.2035) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 21° 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 Lagoinha, 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 Lagoinha, Brazil. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 21° North tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7° North in Summer | 28° North in Autumn | 39° North in Winter | 16° 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 Lagoinha, 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 Lagoinha, 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 Lagoinha, Brazil
Topographical Features of Lagoinha Region
Lagoinha is situated in the mountainous region of São Paulo state, nestled within the Serra da Mantiqueira mountain range. This area is characterized by rolling hills, steep valleys, and elevated terrain that creates a complex landscape of ridges and depressions. The region sits at a considerable elevation, with the surrounding mountains rising to significant heights above sea level, creating dramatic changes in elevation across relatively short distances.
The topography here is typical of the Brazilian Highlands, featuring ancient geological formations that have been shaped by millions of years of erosion and weathering. The landscape includes numerous small valleys carved by seasonal streams and rivers, interspersed with rounded hilltops and steep-sided ridges. Dense Atlantic Forest vegetation covers much of the terrain, particularly on the steeper slopes and in the protected valley areas.
Terrain Challenges and Opportunities
The mountainous nature of the region presents both challenges and opportunities for development. The steep gradients and rocky outcrops that characterize much of the area can make construction and access difficult. However, the elevated position provides excellent exposure to prevailing weather patterns and reduces the likelihood of fog or mist that might affect visibility and atmospheric conditions.
Water drainage patterns in the region follow the natural contours of the mountains, with numerous small watersheds feeding into larger river systems. The terrain includes both forested areas and cleared agricultural land, with cattle pastures and small farms occupying some of the gentler slopes and valley floors.
Optimal Areas for Large-Scale Solar Development
For large-scale solar photovoltaic installations, the most suitable areas would be found on the broader ridgetops and plateau areas where the terrain is relatively flat or gently sloping. These elevated positions offer several advantages, including consistent exposure to sunlight throughout the day and minimal shading from surrounding topographical features.
The areas with south-facing slopes would be particularly valuable, as they receive optimal solar exposure in the Southern Hemisphere. Additionally, locations that have already been cleared for agricultural use, particularly cattle pastures on the higher elevations, would present fewer environmental concerns and easier access for construction equipment.
The gentler slopes found in some of the wider valleys could also accommodate solar installations, provided they are not prone to flooding during heavy rainfall periods. These areas often have the advantage of existing road access and proximity to electrical infrastructure, which would reduce development costs.
Areas to avoid would include the steepest mountainsides, heavily forested regions that would require significant clearing, and low-lying areas that might experience water accumulation or frequent fog formation. The rocky outcrops and areas with unstable soil conditions would also present engineering challenges that could make development economically unfeasible.
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: Monday 30th of June 2025
Last Updated: Tuesday 5th of August 2025
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.
