Morrinhos, Goiás, Brazil is a location with strong potential for solar energy generation throughout the year. Situated at latitude -17.8026 and longitude -49.0935 in the tropical region of Brazil, this area benefits from relatively consistent sunlight patterns across seasons, with variations primarily driven by wet and dry periods rather than dramatic changes in daylight duration.

The solar energy production data shows impressive generation capacity across all seasons. During summer, panels can generate approximately 6.63kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed capacity, representing the peak production period. Spring follows with 6.30kWh/day, while autumn and winter show slightly reduced but still substantial outputs of 5.95kWh/day and 5.74kWh/day respectively.

This seasonal pattern indicates that Morrinhos experiences relatively balanced solar production throughout the year, with only about a 15% difference between the highest and lowest producing seasons. The minimal seasonal variation makes this location particularly advantageous for solar installations, as it provides more consistent energy generation compared to locations at higher latitudes where winter production can drop dramatically.

Optimal Panel Installation

For fixed solar panel installations in Morrinhos, Goiás, the ideal tilt angle is 17 degrees facing North. This specific angle has been calculated to maximize year-round energy production based on the location's position relative to the sun's path throughout the year. This moderate tilt helps optimize energy capture across seasons while accounting for the area's tropical latitude.

Environmental and Weather Considerations

Several environmental factors could potentially impact solar production in Morrinhos:

• Seasonal rainfall: The region experiences a distinct wet season which can reduce solar efficiency due to cloud cover and rainfall. Installing panels with high-efficiency ratings that perform better in diffuse light conditions can help mitigate these effects.
• Dust and pollen accumulation: The tropical environment may lead to dust and organic matter buildup on panels. Implementing regular cleaning schedules and possibly automated cleaning systems can maintain optimal performance.
• High temperatures: Tropical heat can actually reduce solar panel efficiency. Ensuring adequate airflow beneath panels through proper mounting systems can help dissipate heat and maintain efficiency.
• Potential for severe storms: Installing robust mounting systems that can withstand high winds and using quality panels with hail resistance can protect the investment during extreme weather events.

Despite these considerations, Morrinhos presents an excellent location for solar energy production with its consistent year-round solar resource. The relatively small seasonal variation in energy output makes it possible to size systems more efficiently without needing to significantly oversize to compensate for poor winter performance, as might be necessary in non-tropical locations.

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 Morrinhos

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: -17.8026, Longitude: -49.0935 (Morrinhos, 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 Morrinhos, Brazil

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Morrinhos, Brazil (Lat/Long -17.8026, -49.0935) 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 Morrinhos, 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 Morrinhos, 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	24° North in Autumn	33° North in Winter	12° 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 Morrinhos, 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 Morrinhos, 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 Morrinhos, Brazil

The region around Morrinhos, in the state of Goiás, Brazil, features predominantly gentle rolling hills and plateaus characteristic of the Brazilian Central Plateau (Planalto Central). This topography is defined by modest elevation changes typically ranging between 700 and 850 meters above sea level. The landscape presents a mix of open grasslands interspersed with patches of cerrado vegetation—Brazil's tropical savanna ecosystem—creating a varied but generally accessible terrain. The area's topography has been shaped by millennia of weathering and erosion processes, resulting in rounded hilltops and gradual slopes rather than steep mountains or deep valleys. Several water bodies, including the Meia Ponte River and its tributaries, traverse the region, creating natural drainage systems that have further influenced the local relief patterns.

Soil and Surface Characteristics

The soils around Morrinhos are predominantly latosols (oxisols), which are deeply weathered, well-drained soils typical of tropical regions. These soils often have a reddish or yellowish color due to their high iron and aluminum oxide content. While generally not the most fertile for agriculture without amendments, these stable soil conditions provide excellent foundations for infrastructure projects like solar installations. The natural vegetation has been significantly altered by agricultural development, with large portions converted to croplands and pastures. This human modification has created extensive open areas with minimal shading from natural vegetation, an advantageous factor for solar energy development.

Optimal Areas for Solar PV Development

For large-scale solar photovoltaic installations, the most suitable areas near Morrinhos would be the gently sloping north-facing hillsides, which receive consistent solar radiation throughout the year in the Southern Hemisphere. The elevated plateaus to the east and northeast of Morrinhos present particularly favorable conditions, as they combine good solar exposure with minimal flood risk and reasonable accessibility. The relatively flat terrain approximately 10-15 kilometers to the southeast of Morrinhos offers another promising zone for solar development. This area benefits from reduced morning fog compared to the lower-lying areas near water courses, ensuring more consistent solar exposure throughout the day. Areas to avoid would include the riparian zones along the Meia Ponte River and its tributaries, which may be subject to seasonal flooding and often have more restrictive environmental protections due to their ecological importance within the cerrado ecosystem.

Infrastructure Considerations

The existing road network around Morrinhos provides reasonable access to many of the topographically suitable areas, with the BR-153 highway passing nearby. This infrastructure advantage reduces the potential costs associated with developing new access routes for construction and maintenance of solar facilities. Additionally, the generally stable soil conditions mean that extensive ground preparation would likely not be necessary in many locations, further enhancing the economic viability of large-scale solar projects in this region. The combination of favorable topography, abundant open space, and existing infrastructure makes the areas surrounding Morrinhos particularly well-positioned for solar energy development within Brazil's growing renewable energy sector.

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

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.