Solar PV Analysis of Periquito, Brazil
Periquito, Minas Gerais, Brazil represents an excellent location for year-round solar energy generation, with consistently strong solar output throughout all seasons. Located in the tropics at coordinates -19.047, -42.2161, this area benefits from reliable sunlight patterns that make it highly suitable for solar photovoltaic installations.
Seasonal Solar Performance
The solar energy output at Periquito demonstrates impressive consistency across the year. Summer delivers the highest production at 5.97 kWh per day per kW of installed solar capacity, followed closely by autumn at 5.51 kWh/day. Even during the lowest-producing season of winter, the location still generates a respectable 4.47 kWh/day per kW, while spring rebounds to 5.18 kWh/day.
This performance pattern makes Periquito particularly attractive for solar installations, as the variation between seasons is relatively modest compared to locations at higher latitudes. The summer and autumn months represent the ideal times for maximum solar generation, though the year-round output remains consistently viable for energy production.
Optimal Panel Configuration
For fixed panel installations at this location, the ideal tilt angle to maximize total year-round solar production is 18 degrees facing north. This angle has been calculated by analyzing daily solar elevation angles throughout the year, determining optimal panel positioning for each day, and weighting these angles according to solar irradiance data while accounting for Earth's elliptical orbit around the sun.
Environmental and Weather Considerations
As a tropical location, Periquito faces several environmental factors that could potentially impact solar production efficiency:
- High humidity and moisture: The tropical climate brings elevated humidity levels that can affect equipment performance and longevity
- Heavy rainfall during wet seasons: Intense precipitation can temporarily reduce solar output and may cause water damage if systems aren't properly sealed
- Dust and debris accumulation: Tropical environments often generate significant dust, pollen, and organic matter that can coat solar panels
- Extreme heat: High temperatures can reduce solar panel efficiency and stress electrical components
Preventative Installation Measures
To maximize energy production and system longevity in Periquito's tropical environment, several preventative measures should be implemented during installation. Proper drainage systems and waterproof sealing of all electrical connections are essential to handle the intense rainfall typical of tropical wet seasons.
Installing panels with adequate ventilation space underneath helps manage the heat buildup that can reduce efficiency in high-temperature conditions. Regular cleaning schedules become particularly important in this environment, so designing systems with safe access for maintenance crews is crucial.
Using marine-grade or tropical-rated electrical components and inverters specifically designed for high-humidity environments will help ensure reliable long-term operation. Additionally, implementing robust grounding systems becomes even more critical in areas prone to intense thunderstorms during wet seasons.
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 Periquito
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: -19.047, Longitude: -42.2161 (Periquito, 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 Periquito, Brazil
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Periquito, Brazil (Lat/Long -19.047, -42.2161) 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 Periquito, 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 Periquito, 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 | 25° North in Autumn | 35° 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 Periquito, 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 Periquito, 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 Periquito, Brazil
Topographical Features Around Periquito
Periquito sits within the rolling hills and valleys characteristic of southeastern Minas Gerais state in Brazil. The landscape around this small municipality features a combination of gentle slopes, moderate elevation changes, and relatively open terrain that transitions between agricultural lands and patches of Atlantic Forest remnants. The region lies within the broader context of the Brazilian Highlands, though at a more moderate elevation compared to the highest peaks found elsewhere in the state.
The immediate vicinity of Periquito displays undulating topography with hills that rise and fall in a pattern typical of weathered crystalline basement rock formations. These geological foundations have created a landscape of rounded hilltops separated by broad valleys, many of which have been cleared for cattle ranching and crop cultivation over the decades. The terrain generally slopes toward drainage systems that eventually feed into larger river networks flowing toward the Atlantic Ocean.
Vegetation in the area reflects both the natural climate patterns and extensive human modification of the landscape. While some steeper slopes and ridge areas retain native forest cover, much of the gentler terrain has been converted to pastureland and agricultural use. This land use pattern has created a mosaic of open areas interspersed with woodland patches, providing varied microclimates and exposure conditions across the region.
Optimal Areas for Large-Scale Solar Development
The most promising locations for extensive solar photovoltaic installations around Periquito would be the broad, gently sloping areas that have already been cleared for agricultural purposes. These zones offer several advantages including relatively flat or south-facing slopes that maximize solar exposure throughout the day, existing access infrastructure from farming operations, and minimal environmental impact since the land has already been modified from its natural state.
The rolling pastureland that extends across much of the region presents particularly suitable conditions for solar development. These areas typically feature gentle gradients that allow for efficient panel arrangement and maintenance access while avoiding the complications associated with steep terrain. The existing road network serving agricultural operations provides a foundation for the infrastructure needed to support large solar installations and connect them to electrical transmission systems.
Ridge areas and elevated plateaus in the vicinity also merit consideration for solar development, as these locations often experience less atmospheric interference and provide natural drainage for weather events. However, the trade-off involves potentially higher development costs due to access challenges and the need for more robust foundation systems on sloping terrain.
Areas to avoid for large-scale solar development include the steeper hillsides where remaining forest cover provides important environmental services, low-lying zones prone to seasonal water accumulation, and locations with significant rock outcroppings that would complicate installation procedures. The most economically viable solar development opportunities exist where topographical conditions align with existing land use patterns and infrastructure availability.
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: Sunday 20th of July 2025
Last Updated: Thursday 7th of August 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
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