Mata Roma, Maranhão, Brazil offers exceptionally favorable conditions for year-round solar energy generation. Located in the tropical region at coordinates -3.5822, -43.2318, this area benefits from consistent sunlight throughout the year, with seasonal variations defined more by wet and dry periods rather than dramatic temperature changes.

Solar Energy Production Potential

The solar energy output data for Mata Roma demonstrates remarkably strong and consistent performance across all seasons. Solar panels installed at this location can expect to generate between 5.56 and 6.58 kWh per day for every kilowatt of installed capacity, depending on the season. Spring emerges as the most productive season, delivering 6.58 kWh/day per kW of installed solar capacity. Winter follows closely behind at 6.08 kWh/day, while autumn produces 5.85 kWh/day. Even summer, the lowest-producing season, still generates a robust 5.56 kWh/day per kW. The relatively small variation between seasons - only about 18% difference between the highest and lowest production periods - makes this location exceptionally reliable for solar energy planning and investment.

Optimal Panel Configuration

For maximum year-round energy production at Mata Roma, Maranhão, solar panels should be installed at a fixed tilt angle of 4 degrees facing North. This shallow angle is calculated to optimize total annual solar collection by accounting for the sun's path throughout the year, Earth's elliptical orbit, and the location's proximity to the equator.

Environmental and Weather Challenges

Despite the excellent solar potential, several environmental factors could impact solar panel performance at this tropical location:

• High humidity and moisture: The tropical climate brings elevated humidity levels that can cause corrosion of electrical components and reduce panel efficiency over time
• Heavy rainfall during wet season: Intense tropical downpours can temporarily reduce solar output and may cause water damage if systems aren't properly sealed
• Dust and debris accumulation: The combination of dry periods followed by wet seasons can lead to dust buildup and organic growth on panel surfaces
• Extreme heat: High ambient temperatures can reduce solar panel efficiency, as photovoltaic cells perform less effectively when overheated

Preventative Measures for Optimal Performance

Several installation strategies can help maximize solar energy production despite these environmental challenges:

• Enhanced weatherproofing: Use marine-grade electrical components and ensure all connections are properly sealed against moisture infiltration
• Improved ventilation: Install panels with adequate spacing beneath for air circulation to reduce operating temperatures
• Regular cleaning systems: Implement automated cleaning systems or establish routine manual cleaning schedules to remove dust, debris, and organic growth
• Corrosion-resistant materials: Select aluminum frames and stainless steel mounting hardware specifically designed for tropical environments
• Proper drainage: Design mounting systems with adequate drainage to prevent water pooling around electrical components

With proper installation techniques and regular maintenance, Mata Roma represents an excellent location for solar energy generation, offering consistent and substantial energy production 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 Mata Roma

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: -3.5822, Longitude: -43.2318 (Mata Roma, 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 4° North in Mata Roma, Brazil

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Mata Roma, Brazil (Lat/Long -3.5822, -43.2318) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 4° 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 Mata Roma, 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 Mata Roma, Brazil. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 4° North tilt angle throughout the year.

Overall Best Summer Angle	Overall Best Autumn Angle	Overall Best Winter Angle	Overall Best Spring Angle
12° South in Summer	10° North in Autumn	19° North in Winter	2° 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 Mata Roma, 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 Mata Roma, 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 Mata Roma, Brazil

Topographical Features of Mata Roma

Mata Roma is situated in the northeastern state of Maranhão, Brazil, within a region characterized by gently rolling terrain and relatively modest elevation changes. The landscape around this municipality features a mix of low hills and broad valleys, with elevations typically ranging from 50 to 200 meters above sea level. The topography is part of the larger Maranhão Plateau system, which creates a transitional zone between the Amazon Basin to the west and the more arid interior regions to the east. The terrain around Mata Roma consists primarily of sedimentary formations that have been weathered over millions of years, resulting in relatively stable geological conditions. The area displays characteristics of both cerrado savanna and caatinga vegetation zones, with open grasslands interspersed with patches of scrub forest and occasional gallery forests along watercourses. The landscape is generally well-drained, with seasonal streams and small rivers creating shallow valleys that cut through the otherwise gently undulating terrain.

Soil and Surface Conditions

The surface geology around Mata Roma is dominated by lateritic soils and weathered sandstone formations, which provide good drainage and stable foundation conditions. These soils, while not particularly fertile for intensive agriculture, offer excellent characteristics for large-scale infrastructure development. The region experiences distinct wet and dry seasons, which have shaped the landscape into broad, open areas with minimal dense vegetation cover in many locations. Rock outcroppings are relatively uncommon in the immediate vicinity, and where they do occur, they tend to be low-lying formations that do not significantly interrupt the generally smooth topographical profile. The absence of major geological instabilities, combined with the region's position away from seismic zones, creates favorable conditions for long-term infrastructure projects.

Optimal Areas for Large-Scale Solar Development

The most suitable areas for large-scale solar photovoltaic installations around Mata Roma would be the broad, gently sloping plateaus located to the south and southeast of the municipality. These areas offer several key advantages including minimal elevation variation, excellent drainage, and relatively sparse vegetation that would require minimal clearing. The southern plateaus, in particular, benefit from optimal orientation for solar collection while maintaining easy access to existing transportation infrastructure. The elevated plains extending eastward from Mata Roma also present excellent opportunities for solar development. These areas feature stable, well-drained soils and gentle slopes that would facilitate both construction and maintenance activities. The terrain in these locations is sufficiently elevated to avoid seasonal flooding concerns while remaining accessible for heavy equipment and materials transport. Areas immediately north of the municipality, while topographically suitable, may present some challenges due to slightly denser vegetation and proximity to seasonal watercourses. However, the elevated ridges in this direction could still accommodate solar installations with appropriate site preparation. The western approaches to Mata Roma, while relatively flat, may be less ideal due to their proximity to more densely forested areas and slightly higher moisture retention in the soils. The most promising locations remain the southern and eastern elevated plains, where the combination of stable geology, appropriate drainage, minimal vegetation, and favorable topographical orientation creates optimal conditions for large-scale solar photovoltaic development.

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.