Murici dos Portelas, Brazil presents an excellent location for year-round solar energy generation. Located in the tropical region at coordinates -3.365, -42.0022, this area benefits from consistent sunlight throughout the year, with seasonal variations characterized more by wet and dry periods rather than significant changes in daylight duration.

Solar Energy Output Performance

The solar energy production data for this location shows remarkably consistent and high performance across all seasons. During summer months, solar panels generate 5.85 kWh per day for each kW of installed capacity. Autumn production increases slightly to 5.95 kWh/day per kW, while winter sees further improvement at 6.29 kWh/day per kW. Spring emerges as the optimal season for solar generation at Murici dos Portelas, producing an impressive 6.80 kWh/day per kW of installed solar capacity. This seasonal pattern makes spring and winter the most productive periods for solar energy harvesting at this location.

Optimal Panel Configuration

For maximum year-round solar production at Murici dos Portelas, fixed solar panels should be tilted at 4 degrees toward the north. This angle has been calculated using weighted daily solar elevation angles and NASA solar irradiance data to optimize total annual energy output.

Environmental and Weather Challenges

Several local factors could potentially impact solar energy production at this tropical Brazilian location:

• High humidity and frequent rainfall: The tropical climate brings intense wet seasons that can reduce solar irradiance and create moisture-related issues for solar equipment
• Dust and debris accumulation: Dry seasons may lead to dust buildup on panels, while wet seasons can deposit organic matter and sediment
• Extreme heat: High temperatures can reduce solar panel efficiency and accelerate equipment degradation
• Potential for severe weather events: Tropical storms or heavy rainfall could damage installations or create temporary outages

Preventative Installation Measures

To maximize solar energy production despite these challenges, several installation strategies should be implemented. Panels should be mounted with adequate ventilation space underneath to promote air circulation and heat dissipation, helping maintain optimal operating temperatures. A robust cleaning and maintenance schedule becomes essential in this environment. Installing panels at the recommended 4-degree tilt will help with natural rainwater cleaning, but regular manual cleaning during dry periods will be necessary to remove accumulated dust and debris. Weather-resistant mounting systems designed for tropical conditions should be used, with materials that can withstand high humidity, temperature fluctuations, and potential storm conditions. Proper drainage around the installation site will prevent water accumulation that could damage equipment or create safety hazards. Investing in high-quality inverters and electrical components with appropriate weatherproofing ratings will ensure system longevity. Additionally, installing monitoring systems will help identify performance issues quickly, allowing for prompt maintenance that keeps the system operating at peak efficiency 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 Murici Dos Portelas

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: -3.365, Longitude: -42.0022 (Murici Dos Portelas, 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 Murici Dos Portelas, Brazil

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Murici Dos Portelas, Brazil (Lat/Long -3.365, -42.0022) 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 Murici Dos Portelas, 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 Murici Dos Portelas, 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
13° 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 Murici Dos Portelas, 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 Murici Dos Portelas, 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 Murici Dos Portelas, Brazil

Topographical Features of the Murici dos Portelas Region

The area around Murici dos Portelas in Brazil is characterized by relatively flat to gently rolling terrain typical of the northeastern Brazilian landscape. This region sits within the broader Maranhão state geography, where the topography consists primarily of low-lying plains and subtle undulations rather than dramatic elevation changes. The terrain features gentle slopes and modest hills that create a varied but manageable landscape for development projects. The local geography is dominated by expansive open areas with scattered vegetation typical of the transition zone between different Brazilian biomes. Natural drainage patterns have carved shallow valleys and created slightly elevated ridges throughout the region, though these elevation changes are generally modest. The soil composition varies from sandy to clay-rich areas, with some rocky outcroppings appearing intermittently across the landscape.

Optimal Areas for Large-Scale Solar Development

The most suitable locations for large-scale solar photovoltaic installations would be the flatter, more elevated plateaus that dot the region. These areas offer several advantages including stable ground conditions, minimal risk of flooding, and reduced grading requirements for construction. The elevated plains provide natural drainage while maintaining relatively level surfaces that minimize the complexity and cost of solar panel mounting systems. Areas with gentle southern-facing slopes would be particularly beneficial, as they can naturally optimize panel positioning without requiring extensive earthwork. The open grassland areas with minimal tree coverage present excellent opportunities for development, as they require less clearing and environmental disruption compared to more densely vegetated zones. The region's natural ridgelines and broader plateau areas would be ideal candidates for solar farms, as they typically feature stable geological conditions and good accessibility for construction equipment and maintenance vehicles. These elevated areas also tend to have better wind circulation, which helps maintain optimal operating temperatures for solar panels throughout the day. Developers should focus on areas with consistent elevation and minimal micro-topographical variations, as these locations allow for standardized mounting systems and more efficient construction processes. The relatively dry climate and stable geological conditions of the higher ground make these locations particularly attractive for long-term solar installations.

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.