Solar PV Analysis of Patos De Minas, Brazil
Patos de Minas, Brazil, situated at latitude -18.6078 and longitude -46.5012, is a favorable location for solar power generation due to its consistent sunlight exposure throughout the year. The average daily energy production per kW of installed solar capacity in each season is as follows: 6.22 kWh in Summer, 5.99 kWh in Autumn, 5.56 kWh in Winter, and 6.24 kWh in Spring. These figures indicate that Summer and Spring are the most productive seasons for solar power generation at this location.
Nonetheless, certain weather conditions such as heavy rainfall or cloudy days could potentially impact the efficiency of solar PV systems at this site by reducing available sunlight or blocking direct sunlight from reaching photovoltaic cells on panels. To mitigate these effects and ensure optimal energy production, it is essential to consider proper panel installation techniques and maintenance practices.
For fixed-panel installations at Patos de Minas, an ideal tilt angle of 18 degrees North should be used to maximize sun exposure throughout the year without requiring tracking systems.
In addition to weather-related factors that may impede solar production at this location, high winds can also pose challenges by causing physical damage to panels or inverters and reducing their efficiency due to dust accumulation on panel surfaces over time. To address these concerns during installation:
1) Ensure that panels are securely mounted using robust mounting structures designed to withstand local wind speeds.
2) Install protective barriers around inverters if necessary.
3) Regularly inspect and clean panel surfaces to remove dust buildup.
By taking these preventative measures into account when installing solar PV systems in Patos de Minas, Brazil, it is possible to optimize energy production while minimizing potential disruptions caused by environmental factors or local topography issues.
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 Patos De Minas
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: -18.6078, Longitude: -46.5012 (Patos De Minas, 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 18° North in Patos De Minas, Brazil
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Patos De Minas, Brazil (Lat/Long -18.6078, -46.5012) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 18° 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 Patos De Minas, 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 Patos De Minas, Brazil. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 18° North tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3° North in Summer | 24° North in Autumn | 34° North in Winter | 13° 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 Patos De Minas, 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 Patos De Minas, 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 Patos De Minas, Brazil
The topography around Patos de Minas is generally flat with some rolling hills. Areas near the city that would be most suitable for large-scale solar PV installations include flat, open areas with minimal cloud cover and consistent sunlight exposure. Areas to the north and east of the city, such as in the rural municipalities of Pratinha, São João do Paraíso and Santa Juliana, are particularly well suited for this purpose due to their high levels of sunshine and low levels of cloud cover.
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 27th of August 2022
Last Updated: Monday 21st of July 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.
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.
