Passa e Fica, Brazil presents excellent conditions for year-round solar energy generation, with consistently strong electricity output throughout all seasons. Located in the tropics at coordinates -6.4568, -35.6254, this region benefits from reliable sunlight patterns typical of tropical climates where seasons are defined more by wet and dry periods rather than dramatic temperature variations.

Seasonal Solar Performance

The solar energy output at Passa e Fica shows impressive consistency across the year. Spring emerges as the peak season, delivering 7.14 kWh per day for each kW of installed solar capacity. Summer follows closely with 6.36 kWh/day, while autumn maintains strong performance at 5.95 kWh/day. Even winter, the lowest-producing season, still generates a substantial 5.41 kWh/day per kW installed. This seasonal pattern makes Passa e Fica particularly attractive for solar installations, as the variation between the best and worst performing seasons is relatively modest. The location experiences its optimal solar generation during spring and summer months, making it an ideal time for maximum energy harvest.

Optimal Panel Configuration

For fixed panel installations at this location, the ideal angle to tilt solar panels is 6 degrees North to maximize total year-round production. This relatively shallow angle reflects the location's proximity to the equator, where the sun maintains a high position in the sky throughout the year.

Environmental Factors and Mitigation Strategies

Several environmental factors could potentially impact solar production at Passa e Fica, though the region's tropical location offers generally favorable conditions. The most significant concern is the tropical wet season, which brings increased cloud cover and heavy rainfall. During these periods, reduced sunlight can temporarily decrease energy output. However, the frequent rain also provides a natural cleaning mechanism for solar panels, helping to maintain their efficiency by washing away dust and debris. Humidity levels in tropical regions can be consistently high, potentially affecting electrical components over time. This moisture can lead to corrosion of metal parts and degradation of electrical connections if not properly managed. Dust accumulation during dry periods represents another challenge, as airborne particles can settle on panel surfaces and reduce their ability to capture sunlight effectively. To address these environmental challenges, several preventative measures can be implemented:

• Install panels with robust weatherproofing and corrosion-resistant materials specifically designed for tropical climates
• Use high-quality electrical components with proper sealing to protect against humidity infiltration
• Design mounting systems with adequate drainage to prevent water accumulation
• Implement regular cleaning schedules during dry periods to remove dust buildup
• Consider anti-reflective coatings that also provide self-cleaning properties

Despite these considerations, Passa e Fica's consistent solar output across all seasons demonstrates that it remains an excellent location for solar energy generation. The natural advantages of its tropical location, combined with proper installation techniques and maintenance practices, make it well-suited for reliable renewable 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 Passa E Fica

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: -6.4568, Longitude: -35.6254 (Passa E Fica, 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 6° North in Passa E Fica, Brazil

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Passa E Fica, Brazil (Lat/Long -6.4568, -35.6254) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 6° 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 Passa E Fica, 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 Passa E Fica, Brazil. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 6° North tilt angle throughout the year.

Overall Best Summer Angle	Overall Best Autumn Angle	Overall Best Winter Angle	Overall Best Spring Angle
9° South in Summer	12° North in Autumn	22° North in Winter	0° 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 Passa E Fica, 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 Passa E Fica, 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 Passa E Fica, Brazil

Topography Around Passa e Fica

Passa e Fica is located in the northeastern region of Brazil, within the state of Rio Grande do Norte. The area sits in the heart of the Caatinga biome, characterized by relatively flat to gently rolling terrain typical of the Brazilian semi-arid region. The landscape features low-lying plains with occasional small hills and undulating terrain, creating a predominantly open and accessible environment.

The elevation around Passa e Fica is generally modest, ranging from approximately 100 to 300 meters above sea level. The terrain consists mainly of crystalline basement rock formations covered by thin soils, with intermittent rocky outcrops and sparse vegetation. The region experiences a semi-arid climate with distinct wet and dry seasons, which has shaped the landscape into broad, open spaces with minimal forest cover.

Water features in the area include seasonal streams and small reservoirs, though permanent water bodies are relatively scarce due to the semi-arid conditions. The topography is generally well-drained, with gentle slopes that direct rainfall toward lower-lying areas during the brief rainy periods.

Optimal Areas for Large-Scale Solar Development

The flat to gently sloping terrain surrounding Passa e Fica presents excellent opportunities for large-scale solar photovoltaic installations. The most suitable areas are the extensive plains located to the north and east of the municipality, where the land is relatively level and free from significant topographical obstacles. These areas offer minimal grading requirements and can accommodate large arrays of solar panels with optimal spacing and orientation.

The slightly elevated plateaus scattered throughout the region also represent prime locations for solar development. These areas benefit from good natural drainage and are typically free from the flooding risks that can affect lower-lying areas during intense rainfall events. The elevated positions also provide excellent exposure to solar radiation with minimal shading from surrounding terrain features.

Areas with gentle south-facing slopes are particularly well-suited for solar installations, as they can be oriented to maximize solar collection throughout the day. The sparse vegetation and relatively poor agricultural potential of much of the surrounding land means that large tracts are available for development without competing significantly with food production or requiring extensive land clearing.

The region's accessibility is another advantage, with existing road networks providing reasonable access to potential development sites. The proximity to transmission infrastructure, while limited in this rural area, is sufficient to support utility-scale solar projects with appropriate planning for grid connection points.

Rocky or heavily eroded areas should generally be avoided due to increased foundation costs and construction challenges. Similarly, areas near seasonal watercourses or in natural drainage channels present higher risks during flood events and may face environmental restrictions that could complicate development approval processes.

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.