Solar PV Analysis of Macau, Brazil
Macau, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil presents a highly favorable location for year-round solar energy generation through photovoltaic panels. Located in the tropical region at coordinates -5.1515, -36.589, this area benefits from consistent sunlight throughout most of the year, with seasonal variations characterized primarily by wet and dry periods rather than dramatic temperature changes.
Solar Energy Production Performance
The solar energy output at this location demonstrates excellent consistency across all seasons. Winter produces the lowest output at 6.06 kWh per day per kW of installed solar capacity, while spring delivers the highest performance at 7.52 kWh per day per kW. Summer and autumn fall in between, generating 6.69 kWh and 6.37 kWh respectively per kW of installed capacity.
Spring emerges as the ideal season for solar generation at this location, producing nearly 25% more energy than the winter months. However, even the lowest-performing season still delivers substantial solar output, making this location excellent for year-round solar energy production.
Optimal Panel Installation
For maximum year-round energy production, solar panels should be installed at a fixed tilt angle of 5 degrees facing North. This optimal angle is calculated by analyzing daily solar elevation angles throughout the year, determining optimal panel positioning for each day, and weighting these angles based on solar irradiance data while accounting for Earth's elliptical orbit around the sun.
Environmental and Weather Challenges
Several local factors could potentially impact solar energy production at this Brazilian location:
- Heavy rainfall during wet season: Extended periods of rain and cloud cover can significantly reduce solar output during certain months
- High humidity levels: Tropical humidity can cause moisture buildup on panels, reducing efficiency
- Dust and debris accumulation: Dry season conditions may lead to dust coating panels, blocking sunlight
- Intense UV exposure: Tropical sun intensity can accelerate panel degradation over time
Preventative Measures for Maximum Production
Installing a regular cleaning system or schedule becomes crucial in this environment. Automated cleaning systems or monthly manual cleaning can remove dust, debris, and moisture buildup that accumulates on panel surfaces.
Choosing high-quality panels with superior weather resistance ratings will help withstand the intense tropical conditions and humidity. Panels specifically rated for tropical climates typically feature better moisture sealing and UV-resistant materials.
Proper ventilation spacing between panels and mounting surfaces allows air circulation, reducing heat buildup and moisture retention. This spacing also makes cleaning and maintenance more accessible.
Installing monitoring systems enables quick identification of performance drops, allowing for prompt maintenance when weather-related issues affect 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 Macau
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: -5.1515, Longitude: -36.589 (Macau, 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 5° North in Macau, Brazil
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Macau, Brazil (Lat/Long -5.1515, -36.589) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 5° 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 Macau, 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 Macau, Brazil. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 5° North tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11° South in Summer | 11° 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 Macau, 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 Macau, 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 Macau, Brazil
Topographical Features of Macau, Brazil
Macau, located in the state of Rio Grande do Norte in northeastern Brazil, sits within a predominantly flat to gently rolling landscape characteristic of the semi-arid Caatinga region. The terrain around this municipality features relatively low elevation variations, with the area positioned on what geographers describe as part of the Borborema Plateau's northern extension. The landscape consists primarily of sedimentary formations that have been weathered over millennia, creating broad, undulating plains interspersed with occasional low hills and mesas.
The region displays typical semi-arid topography, with scattered inselbergs - isolated rocky outcrops that rise abruptly from the surrounding plains. These granite and gneiss formations, while visually striking, occupy relatively small portions of the overall landscape. The majority of the terrain remains remarkably flat, with gentle slopes that rarely exceed gradients of more than a few degrees. This topographical characteristic makes the area particularly well-suited for large-scale infrastructure development.
Drainage patterns in the region are defined by seasonal watercourses that flow primarily during the rainy season. These intermittent streams have carved shallow valleys into the landscape, but the overall relief remains modest. The soil composition varies from sandy to clay-rich deposits, with areas of exposed bedrock appearing sporadically across the terrain.
Optimal Areas for Large-Scale Solar Development
The expansive flat plains surrounding Macau present exceptional opportunities for large-scale solar photovoltaic installations. The most suitable areas lie to the west and southwest of the municipality, where vast stretches of relatively unused land offer minimal topographical obstacles. These areas feature consistent, gentle slopes that facilitate efficient panel installation while providing natural drainage for maintenance access.
The northern and eastern sectors also demonstrate strong potential for solar development, particularly where the terrain maintains its characteristic flatness over extensive areas. These zones benefit from minimal vegetation coverage, reducing land clearing requirements and environmental impact concerns. The sparse population density in these areas further enhances their attractiveness for utility-scale solar projects.
Areas with slight southern-facing slopes present additional advantages for solar installations, as these orientations can optimize energy capture throughout the day. The region's geological stability, evidenced by the ancient rock formations underlying much of the area, provides solid foundations for large-scale infrastructure projects. The absence of significant elevation changes means that shading between panel arrays would be minimal, allowing for efficient land use and maximum energy generation potential.
Transportation infrastructure accessibility also favors certain areas for solar development. Locations near existing road networks, particularly those with connections to major transmission lines, offer practical advantages for project implementation and ongoing maintenance operations. The flat terrain facilitates the construction of access roads and the installation of supporting infrastructure required for large-scale solar facilities.
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: Saturday 5th of July 2025
Last Updated: Wednesday 6th of August 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.
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Calculate Your Optimal Solar Panel Tilt Angle: A Comprehensive Guide
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