Pocrane, Minas Gerais, Brazil, situated at latitude -19.5767 and longitude -41.5664, presents a promising location for solar energy generation throughout the year. This tropical locale benefits from consistent sunlight, with seasons primarily distinguished by wet and dry periods rather than significant temperature variations.

Seasonal Solar Performance

The solar energy potential in Pocrane demonstrates a favorable year-round profile. Summer yields the highest output at 6.10 kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed solar capacity. Autumn follows closely with 5.56 kWh/day, while spring produces 5.19 kWh/day. Even during winter, the least productive season, the output remains respectable at 4.44 kWh/day. This data indicates that Pocrane is well-suited for solar energy production throughout the year, with only a moderate dip in winter months. The relatively small variation between seasons suggests a reliable and consistent energy supply, which is advantageous for both residential and commercial applications.

Optimal Panel Positioning

For fixed solar panel installations in Pocrane, Minas Gerais, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round energy production is 18 degrees facing North. This orientation takes into account the location's latitude and the sun's path throughout the year, ensuring optimal exposure to sunlight across all seasons.

Environmental Considerations

While Pocrane's climate is generally favorable for solar energy production, there are a few environmental factors to consider: 1. Rainfall: The region experiences a wet season, typically from October to March. Heavy rain can temporarily reduce solar panel efficiency. 2. Dust and pollen: During dry periods, accumulation of dust or pollen on panels may slightly decrease their performance. To mitigate these issues, regular cleaning of solar panels is recommended, especially after the wet season and during prolonged dry spells. Additionally, installing panels at the suggested 18-degree tilt helps with natural cleaning during rainfall. In conclusion, Pocrane, Minas Gerais, Brazil offers an excellent location for solar PV installations. With consistent sunlight throughout the year and only minor seasonal variations in output, it presents a reliable option for sustainable energy production. By adhering to the recommended panel angle and maintaining regular cleaning routines, solar energy systems in this area can operate at high efficiency 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 Pocrane

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: -19.5767, Longitude: -41.5664 (Pocrane, 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 Pocrane, Brazil

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Pocrane, Brazil (Lat/Long -19.5767, -41.5664) 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 Pocrane, 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 Pocrane, 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
4° 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 Pocrane, 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 Pocrane, 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 Pocrane, Brazil

The topography around Pocrane, Brazil, located at latitude -19.5767 and longitude -41.5664, is characterized by a diverse and undulating landscape. This region is part of the Atlantic Forest biome and features a mix of rolling hills, valleys, and small mountains. The area is marked by varying elevations, with some peaks reaching several hundred meters above sea level. The terrain surrounding Pocrane is predominantly hilly, with numerous small streams and rivers cutting through the landscape. These waterways have carved out shallow valleys over time, creating a patchwork of elevated areas and lower-lying regions. The natural vegetation in this area consists of a mixture of tropical and subtropical forests, although much of the original forest cover has been cleared for agriculture and pastureland.

Potential for Large-Scale Solar PV

When considering areas nearby that would be most suited to large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations, several factors come into play. The ideal locations for solar farms in this region would be relatively flat or gently sloping areas with good sun exposure throughout the day. These sites should also have minimal shading from surrounding hills or vegetation. Some of the most promising areas for solar PV development near Pocrane would likely be found on the tops of broader hills or on plateaus where the land is more level. These elevated areas often receive more consistent sunlight and are less prone to morning fog or mist that can sometimes gather in the valleys. Additionally, areas that have already been cleared for agriculture or grazing might be suitable for solar installations, as they would require less land preparation and have fewer environmental impacts compared to clearing new forest areas. However, it's important to note that any large-scale solar project would need to carefully consider local environmental regulations, land use policies, and the potential impact on the remaining Atlantic Forest ecosystem. While specific site selection would require detailed surveys and environmental assessments, the general topography of the region suggests that there are likely to be suitable locations for solar PV development within a reasonable distance from Pocrane. The combination of varied terrain and partially cleared land offers potential for finding sites that balance the need for optimal solar exposure with minimal environmental disruption.

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.