Solar PV Analysis of Recife, Brazil
Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil, located at latitude -8.0091 and longitude -34.9498, is a highly suitable location for solar photovoltaic (PV) generation given its consistent sunlight exposure throughout the year. Its position within the tropical zone ensures relatively stable seasonal variations in solar energy production: 7.21 kWh/day per kW of installed capacity in Summer, 6.27 kWh/day in Autumn, 5.63 kWh/day in Winter and 7.27 kWh/day in Spring.
The city's tropical climate translates into distinct wet and dry periods instead of the traditional four seasons experienced by temperate regions; this implies that there are no significant weather conditions that would drastically hinder solar power generation.
However, it is worth noting that Recife experiences high rainfall during its wet season which may potentially reduce solar irradiance levels temporarily but not significantly enough to compromise overall annual output due to the high intensity of sunlight received during other periods.
The ideal tilt angle for fixed panel installations at this location is 7 degrees towards the North which allows for maximum exposure to direct sunlight throughout the day thereby optimizing energy production.
While considering installation measures to enhance energy production efficiency, it would be beneficial to incorporate rainwater drainage systems or self-cleaning technology on panels as a preventive measure against potential reduction in performance due to heavy rainfall or accumulation of dust particles respectively.
In conclusion, Recife's geographical positioning combined with strategic installation practices make it an advantageous location for harnessing solar energy effectively throughout the year.
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 Recife
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: -8.0091, Longitude: -34.9498 (Recife, 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 7° North in Recife, Brazil
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Recife, Brazil (Lat/Long -8.0091, -34.9498) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 7° 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 Recife, 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 Recife, Brazil. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 7° North tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8° South in Summer | 14° North in Autumn | 23° North in Winter | 2° 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 Recife, 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 Recife, 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 Recife, Brazil
The topography around Recife, Brazil is generally flat. The area is situated in the coastal plains of northeastern Brazil and has an elevation of only about 6 meters above sea level. This makes it a great location for large-scale solar PV installations due to its abundant sunshine and relatively low wind speeds. Areas near the coast would be best suited for solar PV installations as they receive more direct sunlight throughout the day than inland areas. Additionally, these coastal locations are often less prone to extreme weather events such as hurricanes and tropical storms which can damage or destroy solar panels.
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: Thursday 9th of November 2023
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.
