Pedra Preta, Mato Grosso, Brazil presents a highly favorable location for year-round solar photovoltaic energy generation. Situated in the tropics at coordinates -16.7638, -54.1634, this location benefits from consistent sunlight throughout most of the year, with seasons characterized more by wet and dry periods rather than dramatic temperature variations.

Solar Energy Production Performance

The solar energy output data reveals excellent potential for consistent electricity generation throughout all seasons. Summer delivers the highest production at 6.43 kWh per day per kW of installed solar capacity, while winter shows the lowest output at 5.71 kWh per day per kW. Spring produces 6.13 kWh per day per kW, and autumn generates 5.78 kWh per day per kW. The relatively small variation between seasons - only about 12% difference between the highest and lowest production periods - demonstrates the location's reliability for solar energy systems. This consistency makes Pedra Preta an ideal location for solar installations that require predictable energy output year-round.

Optimal Installation Configuration

For fixed panel installations at this location, the ideal angle to tilt solar panels is 16 degrees North to maximize total year-round production. This angle calculation accounts for the location's latitude, daily solar elevation angles throughout the year, and weights these factors using solar irradiance data while considering Earth's elliptical orbit.

Environmental and Weather Challenges

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

• Seasonal rainfall and humidity: The wet season brings increased cloud cover, high humidity, and frequent precipitation that can reduce solar irradiance and create soiling issues on panel surfaces
• Dust and particulate matter: During dry seasons, dust accumulation from agricultural activities and natural sources can significantly reduce panel efficiency
• High temperatures: Tropical heat can reduce photovoltaic cell efficiency, as solar panels typically perform less efficiently at very high temperatures
• Vegetation growth: The tropical climate promotes rapid plant growth that could create shading issues if not properly managed

Preventative Measures for Optimal Performance

Several installation strategies can help maintain high energy production despite these environmental challenges:

• Regular cleaning systems: Install automated cleaning systems or establish frequent manual cleaning schedules to remove dust, pollen, and debris, particularly important during dry seasons
• Proper ventilation design: Ensure adequate airflow around panels to manage heat buildup and improve efficiency during hot periods
• Strategic site selection: Choose installation locations away from major dust sources and ensure clear sight lines free from potential vegetation interference
• Robust mounting systems: Use corrosion-resistant materials suitable for high humidity environments and design systems to handle potential wind loads during storm seasons
• Vegetation management: Implement regular landscaping maintenance to prevent shading from growing plants and trees

Despite these considerations, the consistently high solar output values throughout all seasons indicate that Pedra Preta remains an excellent location for solar energy generation, with proper installation and maintenance practices ensuring optimal performance year-round.

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 Pedra Preta

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: -16.7638, Longitude: -54.1634 (Pedra Preta, 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 16° North in Pedra Preta, Brazil

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Pedra Preta, Brazil (Lat/Long -16.7638, -54.1634) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 16° 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 Pedra Preta, 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 Pedra Preta, Brazil. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 16° North tilt angle throughout the year.

Overall Best Summer Angle	Overall Best Autumn Angle	Overall Best Winter Angle	Overall Best Spring Angle
1° North in Summer	23° North in Autumn	32° North in Winter	11° 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 Pedra Preta, 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 Pedra Preta, 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 Pedra Preta, Brazil

Topographical Features Around Pedra Preta

Pedra Preta is located in the state of Mato Grosso in central Brazil, positioned within the vast Cerrado biome that characterizes much of the Brazilian interior. The surrounding landscape consists primarily of gently rolling plains with relatively modest elevation changes, typical of the Brazilian Central Plateau region. The terrain features broad, undulating savannas interspersed with gallery forests along waterways and occasional isolated hills that rise modestly above the surrounding countryside.

The area sits at an elevation of approximately 400 to 500 meters above sea level, with the local topography characterized by gentle slopes and wide valleys. The region experiences a tropical savanna climate with distinct wet and dry seasons, which has shaped the landscape into expansive grasslands dotted with scattered trees and shrubs. Small streams and seasonal watercourses meander through the terrain, creating subtle depressions and slightly more pronounced valleys in an otherwise relatively flat environment.

The geological foundation consists primarily of sedimentary rocks and weathered crystalline basement, resulting in generally stable soils with good drainage characteristics. The landscape shows evidence of ancient erosional processes that have created a mature, relatively stable topographical profile with few steep gradients or dramatic elevation changes.

Optimal Areas for Large-Scale Solar Development

The expansive plains extending northward and eastward from Pedra Preta present excellent opportunities for large-scale solar photovoltaic installations. These areas offer vast stretches of relatively flat terrain with minimal topographical obstacles, making them ideal for the construction and maintenance of extensive solar arrays. The gentle slopes in these directions provide natural drainage while maintaining optimal angles for solar panel installation.

The southeastern quadrant of the surrounding region also shows strong potential, featuring broad plateaus with consistent elevations and minimal vegetation density. These areas benefit from stable geological conditions and relatively uniform terrain that would facilitate efficient construction and grid connectivity. The sparse tree coverage in these zones reduces the need for extensive land clearing while still providing adequate space for large installations.

Areas closer to existing transportation infrastructure, particularly those accessible via the regional road network, would be most practical for development. The flatter terrain to the north and east offers the additional advantage of being well-connected to regional power transmission systems, which is crucial for large-scale solar projects. These zones also tend to have lower population density, reducing potential land use conflicts.

The western areas, while topographically suitable, may present some challenges due to slightly more varied terrain and proximity to seasonal waterways. However, elevated areas within this zone could still accommodate smaller-scale installations or serve as alternative sites depending on specific project requirements and environmental considerations.

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.