Penedo, Alagoas, Brazil represents an excellent location for year-round solar energy generation. Located in the tropics at coordinates -10.2454, -36.4671, this region benefits from consistent sunlight throughout most of the year, with seasons characterized more by wet and dry periods rather than the dramatic seasonal variations found in temperate climates.

Solar Energy Production Potential

The solar energy output data for Penedo demonstrates strong and reliable performance across all seasons. Spring delivers the highest production at 7.23 kWh per day per kW of installed solar capacity, closely followed by summer at 7.06 kWh per day. Even during the lowest production period in winter, the location still generates a respectable 5.37 kWh per day per kW, while autumn provides 6.07 kWh per day per kW. This seasonal variation of only 1.86 kWh between the best and worst performing seasons indicates exceptional consistency for solar energy generation. The peak production periods during spring and summer align well with typical energy demand patterns, making this location particularly attractive for solar installations.

Optimal Panel Configuration

For maximum year-round energy production at Penedo, Alagoas, solar panels should be installed at a fixed tilt angle of 9 degrees facing north. This relatively shallow angle is calculated to optimize total annual solar output by accounting for the sun's path throughout the year, daily solar elevation angles, and weighting these factors against actual solar irradiance data for the location.

Environmental and Weather Considerations

Several local factors could potentially impact solar energy production in Penedo and require careful consideration during installation planning. The tropical climate brings distinct wet and dry seasons, with the wet season potentially causing temporary reductions in solar output due to increased cloud cover and atmospheric moisture. Heavy rainfall during wet periods can also lead to dust and debris accumulation being washed away naturally, but may also create temporary shading from storm clouds. High humidity levels throughout much of the year can affect panel efficiency and may accelerate corrosion of metal components if not properly protected. The coastal proximity of this region may also introduce salt-laden air that can corrode electrical connections and mounting hardware over time.

Preventative Measures for Optimal Performance

Several installation strategies can help maximize solar energy production despite these environmental challenges:

• Use marine-grade or specially coated mounting hardware and electrical components designed to resist corrosion from humidity and salt air
• Install panels with adequate spacing to promote air circulation and cooling, which helps maintain efficiency in hot, humid conditions
• Implement proper drainage systems around ground-mounted installations to prevent water pooling during heavy rains
• Choose high-quality panel glass with anti-reflective coatings that perform well in high-humidity environments
• Establish regular cleaning schedules during dry periods to remove any accumulated dust or organic matter

Despite these considerations, Penedo's consistently high solar energy potential throughout the year makes it an ideal location for solar PV installations. The relatively minor seasonal variation and strong overall production numbers indicate that properly installed and maintained solar systems should provide excellent long-term energy generation performance at this location.

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 Penedo

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: -10.2454, Longitude: -36.4671 (Penedo, 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 9° North in Penedo, Brazil

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Penedo, Brazil (Lat/Long -10.2454, -36.4671) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 9° 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 Penedo, 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 Penedo, Brazil. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 9° North tilt angle throughout the year.

Overall Best Summer Angle	Overall Best Autumn Angle	Overall Best Winter Angle	Overall Best Spring Angle
5° South in Summer	16° North in Autumn	26° North in Winter	4° 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 Penedo, 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 Penedo, 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 Penedo, Brazil

Topographical Features Around Penedo

Penedo sits in the coastal lowlands of Alagoas state in northeastern Brazil, positioned along the São Francisco River approximately 35 kilometers inland from the Atlantic Ocean. The surrounding terrain is characterized by relatively flat to gently rolling hills with elevations typically ranging from sea level to about 200 meters above sea level. This region forms part of the broader Atlantic coastal plain, where the landscape gradually transitions from the river valley to slightly elevated plateaus moving inland.

The São Francisco River dominates the local geography, creating fertile floodplains and alluvial deposits that have shaped the surrounding topography over millennia. These river-influenced lowlands extend several kilometers on either side of the waterway, creating broad, relatively level areas with minimal elevation changes. The terrain becomes slightly more undulating as distance from the river increases, with gentle hills and shallow valleys creating a softly rolling landscape typical of this part of Brazil's northeast coast.

The region experiences a semi-arid to tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons, which has influenced the development of the local topography. Natural vegetation consists primarily of caatinga scrubland and Atlantic forest remnants, with agricultural areas concentrated in the more fertile river valley bottoms. The combination of moderate rainfall and the underlying geology has created a landscape with good drainage characteristics and stable soil conditions.

Optimal Areas for Large-Scale Solar Development

The most suitable locations for extensive solar photovoltaic installations around Penedo would be the elevated plateaus and gentle hills situated 10 to 30 kilometers inland from the São Francisco River. These areas offer several key advantages including stable, well-drained soils that provide excellent foundations for solar mounting systems, and terrain that slopes gently enough to allow for efficient panel arrangement while still providing natural drainage.

The slightly elevated areas to the west and northwest of Penedo present particularly favorable conditions. These locations feature consistent elevation profiles without significant obstacles such as deep valleys or steep ridges that could create shading issues or complicate installation logistics. The terrain in these areas typically consists of broad, open spaces with minimal existing infrastructure, making large-scale development more feasible from both technical and economic perspectives.

Areas closer to the São Francisco River, while flatter, may present challenges due to higher humidity levels, potential flooding concerns during wet seasons, and the presence of more valuable agricultural land. The coastal areas to the east, though receiving excellent solar exposure, could face complications from salt air corrosion and higher land values due to proximity to population centers and existing development.

The inland plateau regions offer the additional benefit of being situated on more stable geological formations, reducing concerns about ground settlement or soil movement that could affect solar panel alignment over time. These areas also tend to have lower population density and fewer competing land uses, making site acquisition and development approval processes more straightforward for large-scale renewable energy projects.

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.