Tasso Fragoso, Maranhão, Brazil presents an excellent location for year-round solar energy generation. Located in the tropical region at coordinates -8.286, -45.8529, this area benefits from consistent sunlight throughout most of the year, with seasons typically defined by wet and dry periods rather than dramatic temperature variations.

Solar Energy Production Potential

The solar energy output data for Tasso Fragoso demonstrates strong and consistent performance across all seasons. Winter emerges as the peak production period, generating 6.63 kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely with 6.34 kWh/day, while autumn produces 5.89 kWh/day. Summer shows the lowest output at 5.26 kWh/day, though this remains a respectable figure for solar generation. This seasonal pattern is typical for tropical locations in the Southern Hemisphere, where winter months often provide clearer skies and optimal sun angles. The relatively modest variation between seasons - ranging from 5.26 to 6.63 kWh/day - indicates reliable year-round solar potential. For optimal performance, solar panels at this location should be installed at a fixed tilt angle of 9 degrees North. This angle maximizes total annual energy production by accounting for the sun's path throughout the year and the area's specific latitude.

Environmental and Weather Considerations

Several factors could potentially impact solar energy production in Tasso Fragoso, Maranhão, primarily related to its tropical climate characteristics. Seasonal Rainfall Patterns The wet season brings increased cloud cover and rainfall, which can reduce solar irradiance and create shading issues. Rain and moisture can also leave residue on solar panels, reducing their efficiency. However, regular rainfall can also provide natural cleaning of dust and debris. Dust and Atmospheric Particles During dry periods, dust accumulation on solar panels can significantly reduce energy output. The semi-arid characteristics of this region of Brazil mean that fine particles can settle on panel surfaces, creating a barrier to sunlight absorption. High Humidity and Temperature Tropical climates typically feature high humidity levels and elevated temperatures, which can affect solar panel efficiency. Most photovoltaic panels experience reduced output as temperatures rise above optimal operating conditions.

Preventative Measures for Optimal Performance

Several installation strategies can help maximize solar energy production despite these environmental challenges:

• Install panels with adequate spacing and ventilation underneath to promote air circulation and cooling
• Implement regular cleaning schedules, particularly during dry seasons when dust accumulation is highest
• Consider automated cleaning systems or easy-access panel mounting for maintenance
• Use anti-soiling coatings on panel surfaces to reduce dust and debris adhesion
• Install monitoring systems to track performance and identify when cleaning or maintenance is needed

Drainage and Structural Considerations Proper drainage around solar installations prevents water pooling during heavy rains. Mounting systems should be designed to withstand both wet season storms and the thermal expansion that occurs during hot, dry periods. Overall, Tasso Fragoso offers favorable conditions for solar energy generation, with the winter and spring months providing peak production opportunities. With appropriate installation techniques and maintenance practices, solar installations can perform reliably year-round despite the tropical climate challenges.

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 Tasso Fragoso

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: -8.286, Longitude: -45.8529 (Tasso Fragoso, 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 Tasso Fragoso, Brazil

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Tasso Fragoso, Brazil (Lat/Long -8.286, -45.8529) 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 Tasso Fragoso, 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 Tasso Fragoso, 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
7° South in Summer	15° North in Autumn	24° North in Winter	3° 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 Tasso Fragoso, 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 Tasso Fragoso, 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 Tasso Fragoso, Brazil

Topographical Features of the Tasso Fragoso Region

Tasso Fragoso sits in the southern portion of Maranhão state, positioned within Brazil's expansive Cerrado biome. This region represents part of the Brazilian Plateau, characterized by gently rolling terrain with modest elevation changes. The landscape consists primarily of broad, undulating plains interspersed with low hills and shallow valleys that drain toward the Parnaíba River basin.

The terrain around Tasso Fragoso typically ranges from approximately 200 to 500 meters above sea level, creating a relatively stable topographical foundation. The area features extensive tablelands known locally as chapadas, which provide large expanses of relatively flat terrain. These elevated plateaus are separated by gentle slopes and occasional escarpments, though dramatic elevation changes are uncommon in this part of the Cerrado.

The region's drainage patterns follow the natural topography, with numerous seasonal streams and small rivers carving shallow channels through the landscape. During the wet season, these waterways become more prominent, while many smaller tributaries may dry up completely during the extended dry period. The soil composition varies from sandy to clay-rich areas, with lateritic soils being common throughout the region.

Optimal Areas for Large-Scale Solar Development

The chapada formations surrounding Tasso Fragoso present exceptional opportunities for large-scale solar photovoltaic installations. These elevated tablelands offer extensive areas of relatively flat terrain with minimal slope variations, reducing construction and installation costs significantly. The stable geological foundation of these plateaus provides excellent support for mounting systems and infrastructure development.

Areas to the north and northeast of Tasso Fragoso contain some of the most promising sites, where the chapadas extend for considerable distances with minimal topographical interruption. These locations benefit from reduced shading concerns due to their elevated position and the absence of significant natural obstructions. The consistent elevation across these plateaus eliminates the need for extensive grading or terrain modification.

The southeastern portions of the region also offer substantial potential, particularly where the terrain transitions into broader valley floors with gentle gradients. These areas combine the advantages of stable ground conditions with excellent accessibility for construction equipment and ongoing maintenance operations. The natural drainage patterns in these locations help prevent water accumulation issues that could affect solar installations.

Transportation infrastructure considerations favor areas closer to existing road networks, particularly those with access to BR-230 and other regional highways. The relatively flat terrain throughout much of the region facilitates the development of access roads to more remote sites, making previously inaccessible areas viable for large-scale development. The absence of significant environmental obstacles such as steep slopes, rocky outcroppings, or unstable soils further enhances the region's suitability for solar projects.

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.