Sonora, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil presents an excellent location for year-round solar photovoltaic energy generation. Located in the tropical region at coordinates -17.674, -54.4533, this area benefits from the consistent sunlight characteristic of tropical zones, where seasonal variations are primarily defined by wet and dry periods rather than dramatic changes in solar availability.

Solar Energy Production Throughout the Year

The solar energy output at Sonora demonstrates strong performance across all seasons. Summer delivers the highest production at 6.49kWh per day per kW of installed solar capacity, making it the peak generation period. Spring follows as the second-best season with 6.12kWh/day per kW, while autumn produces 5.73kWh/day per kW. Even during winter, the lowest production period, the location still generates a respectable 5.48kWh/day per kW. This seasonal pattern shows that Sonora experiences relatively modest fluctuations in solar output throughout the year, with only about an 18% difference between the best and worst performing seasons. Such consistency makes it highly suitable for solar installations that require reliable energy production year-round.

Optimal Panel Configuration

For maximum solar energy production at this location, solar panels should be installed at a fixed tilt angle of 17 degrees facing north. This angle has been calculated to optimize total annual energy output by accounting for the sun's path throughout the year and the location's specific latitude.

Environmental and Weather Factors

Several local factors in Sonora could potentially impact solar energy production and should be considered during installation planning:

• Tropical rainfall patterns: The wet season brings heavy rains that can reduce solar irradiance and create cloud cover, temporarily decreasing energy output
• High humidity: Tropical humidity can lead to moisture accumulation on panels and potentially cause corrosion over time
• Dust and debris: During dry periods, dust accumulation on panels can significantly reduce their efficiency
• Intense UV exposure: Consistent strong tropical sunlight, while beneficial for energy production, can accelerate degradation of solar panel materials

Preventative Measures for Optimal Performance

To maximize solar energy production and system longevity in Sonora's tropical environment, several preventative measures should be implemented: Regular cleaning schedules are essential, particularly during and after the dry season when dust accumulation is highest. Installing panels with adequate spacing allows for proper air circulation, helping to reduce moisture buildup and improve cooling efficiency. Choosing solar panels and mounting systems specifically rated for tropical climates ensures better resistance to humidity, temperature fluctuations, and UV degradation. Anti-corrosive coatings and materials should be prioritized for all mounting hardware and electrical connections. Proper drainage systems around the installation site help prevent water pooling during heavy rains, while strategic positioning can take advantage of natural rainfall for panel cleaning. Installing monitoring systems allows for quick identification of performance issues that may arise from environmental factors. Despite these considerations, Sonora's consistent tropical sunlight and strong year-round solar output make it a highly favorable location for solar PV installations when proper environmental precautions are taken.

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 Sonora

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: -17.674, Longitude: -54.4533 (Sonora, 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 17° North in Sonora, Brazil

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Sonora, Brazil (Lat/Long -17.674, -54.4533) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 17° 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 Sonora, 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 Sonora, Brazil. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 17° North tilt angle throughout the year.

Overall Best Summer Angle	Overall Best Autumn Angle	Overall Best Winter Angle	Overall Best Spring Angle
2° North in Summer	24° North in Autumn	33° North in Winter	12° 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 Sonora, 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 Sonora, 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 Sonora, Brazil

Topographical Features of the Sonora Region

The area surrounding Sonora in Brazil sits within the expansive Cerrado biome, characterized by relatively flat to gently rolling terrain that forms part of the Brazilian Central Plateau. This region features a predominantly savanna landscape with scattered patches of woodland and grassland stretching across vast distances. The topography consists of broad, open plains interspersed with low hills and gentle undulations that rarely present significant elevation changes. The landscape around Sonora displays the typical characteristics of the Pantanal's eastern margins, where the terrain gradually transitions from the wetland basin to higher ground. Much of the surrounding area maintains consistent elevations with minimal steep gradients, creating an environment dominated by expansive flatlands that extend toward the horizon. These plains are punctuated by occasional low ridges and shallow depressions that contribute to the region's subtle topographical variation.

Drainage and Landform Patterns

The regional drainage system consists of meandering rivers and seasonal streams that flow through broad, shallow valleys carved into the plateau surface. These waterways create gentle depressions in the landscape without forming deep gorges or significant elevation drops. The surrounding interfluves remain relatively level, providing extensive areas of stable ground between the drainage corridors. Seasonal flooding affects certain low-lying areas, particularly those closer to major river systems, but much of the elevated terrain remains well-drained throughout the year. The soil composition typically includes deep, weathered profiles that have developed over long periods of geological stability, contributing to the region's generally level topography.

Optimal Areas for Large-Scale Solar Development

The most suitable locations for extensive solar photovoltaic installations would be found on the elevated plains and gentle slopes that dominate the landscape east and southeast of Sonora. These areas offer the dual advantages of stable, well-drained ground and minimal topographical obstacles that could create shading or complicate installation procedures. The consistent terrain allows for efficient panel placement across large continuous areas without requiring significant grading or earthwork. Areas situated on the slightly elevated interfluves between drainage systems present particularly favorable conditions, as they remain above seasonal flood zones while maintaining the flat to gently sloping profiles ideal for solar array construction. The open savanna environment in these locations typically features sparse vegetation that would require minimal clearing, reducing development costs and environmental impact. The northern and western approaches to Sonora also contain suitable terrain, though careful site selection would be necessary to avoid areas subject to seasonal inundation. The broad, stable platforms found throughout much of this region provide excellent foundations for large-scale solar installations, with the added benefit of good accessibility for construction and maintenance activities due to the generally level terrain and existing transportation networks that serve the agricultural areas of the Central Plateau.

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.