Fátima, Brazil represents an excellent location for year-round solar energy generation, with its tropical climate providing consistent sunlight throughout most of the year. Located in the tropics where seasons are typically characterized by wet and dry periods rather than traditional temperature variations, this location offers reliable solar energy potential across all seasons.

Solar Energy Output Performance

The solar energy production at Fátima shows strong performance throughout the year, with output ranging from 5.00 kWh/day per kW of installed solar capacity during winter months to 6.50 kWh/day during spring. Summer production reaches 6.49 kWh/day, while autumn generates 5.71 kWh/day per kW of installed capacity. Spring and summer represent the peak solar generation periods at this location, offering the highest energy output potential. Even during the lowest production season (winter), the location still maintains a respectable 5.00 kWh/day output, demonstrating the consistent solar resource available year-round. For fixed panel installations at this location, the ideal angle to tilt panels to maximize total year-round production is 9 degrees North. This optimal angle is calculated by finding daily solar elevation angles at the latitude, calculating daily optimal panel tilt, weighting angles by daily photovoltaic potential using solar irradiance data, and summing weighted angles for the annual average while accounting for Earth's elliptical orbit.

Environmental and Weather Challenges

Several significant environmental factors could impact solar production at this tropical location and require careful consideration during installation planning. The wet season presents the most substantial challenge to solar energy generation. During these periods, increased cloud cover and frequent rainfall can reduce solar irradiance reaching the panels. Heavy rains, while beneficial for cleaning panels, can also create periods of significantly reduced energy output. High humidity levels throughout much of the year can lead to moisture-related issues with electrical components and may contribute to faster degradation of certain solar panel materials if not properly managed. Tropical storms and intense weather events, while not necessarily frequent, can pose risks to solar installations through high winds and heavy precipitation when they do occur.

Preventative Measures and Installation Strategies

To maximize energy production and system longevity at this location, several preventative measures should be implemented during installation:

• Install panels with proper drainage systems and adequate spacing to prevent water accumulation and ensure efficient runoff during heavy rains
• Use marine-grade or tropical-rated electrical components and wiring that can withstand high humidity and moisture exposure
• Implement robust mounting systems designed to withstand tropical wind loads and potential storm conditions
• Apply anti-corrosion treatments and use stainless steel or aluminum mounting hardware to prevent deterioration in the humid environment

Regular maintenance becomes particularly important in this tropical environment. Periodic cleaning of panels may be less necessary due to frequent rainfall, but regular inspection of electrical connections and components for moisture damage or corrosion is essential. Despite these environmental considerations, Fátima's consistent solar resource and strong year-round production numbers make it a highly suitable location for solar energy generation, provided that installations are properly designed and maintained for the tropical climate conditions.

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 Fátima, Bahia

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: -10.5454, Longitude: -38.2265 (Fátima, Bahia, 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 Fátima, Bahia, Brazil

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Fátima, Bahia, Brazil (Lat/Long -10.5454, -38.2265) 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 Fátima, Bahia, 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 Fátima, Bahia, 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	5° 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 Fátima, Bahia, 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 Fátima, Bahia, 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 Fátima, Bahia, Brazil

Topographical Features Around Fátima, Brazil

The region surrounding Fátima in northeastern Brazil is characterized by relatively flat to gently rolling terrain typical of the Caatinga biome. This area sits within the semi-arid interior of Bahia state, where the landscape consists primarily of low-lying plains punctuated by occasional small hills and ridges. The elevation changes are generally modest, creating an overall terrain that is neither mountainous nor completely level. The local topography features broad, open expanses of scrubland and sparse vegetation, with the characteristic thorny shrubs and drought-resistant plants of the Caatinga ecosystem. Small seasonal streams and dry creek beds, known locally as riachos, create subtle depressions in the landscape during the dry season, though these rarely present significant obstacles to development. Rocky outcroppings and small escarpments occasionally break up the otherwise gentle terrain, but these geological features are typically isolated and do not dominate the landscape. The soil composition varies between sandy and clay-based surfaces, with areas of exposed bedrock appearing in some locations.

Optimal Areas for Large-Scale Solar Development

The expansive flat and gently sloping areas to the south and southeast of Fátima present the most promising opportunities for large-scale solar photovoltaic installations. These zones offer extensive tracts of relatively unused land with minimal elevation changes, reducing the need for significant grading or terrain modification during construction. The open plains extending toward the east provide another excellent option for solar development, as they combine favorable topographical conditions with sparse existing development. These areas benefit from minimal shading obstacles due to the low-growing native vegetation and absence of significant hills or ridges. Areas with gentle south-facing slopes throughout the region would be particularly well-suited for solar arrays, as they naturally optimize panel positioning for maximum sun exposure. The consistent terrain in these locations would allow for efficient installation of tracking systems and simplified maintenance access. The relatively stable geological conditions and good drainage characteristics of the higher, flatter areas would minimize foundation challenges and reduce the risk of water accumulation around solar installations. These zones also typically have better access to existing transportation infrastructure, facilitating construction and ongoing operations.

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.