Upanema, Brazil represents an excellent location for year-round solar energy generation. Located in the tropical region of Rio Grande do Norte state, this area benefits from consistent sunlight throughout most of the year, with seasons characterized more by wet and dry periods rather than dramatic temperature variations.

Solar Energy Production Performance

The solar energy output data for Upanema demonstrates remarkably consistent performance across all seasons. Spring emerges as the peak production period, generating 7.43 kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed solar capacity. Summer and autumn maintain strong production levels at 6.59 kWh/day and 6.44 kWh/day respectively, while winter shows the lowest but still substantial output at 6.24 kWh/day per installed kilowatt. This seasonal variation of only about 1.2 kWh between the highest and lowest producing seasons indicates exceptional stability for solar energy generation. The relatively modest dip in winter production makes this location highly suitable for consistent year-round energy supply.

Optimal Installation Configuration

For fixed solar panel installations at Upanema, the ideal tilt angle to maximize total year-round production is 5 degrees facing North. This shallow angle reflects the location's proximity to the equator, where the sun remains relatively high in the sky throughout the year.

Environmental and Weather Factors

Several local factors could potentially impact solar energy production in Upanema:

• Dust and Sand Accumulation: The semi-arid climate of the region can lead to significant dust buildup on solar panels, particularly during dry seasons and periods of strong winds
• Heavy Rainfall During Wet Season: Intense tropical downpours can temporarily reduce solar output, though they also help clean panels naturally
• High Humidity Levels: Elevated moisture content in the air can create haze that slightly reduces solar irradiance

Preventative Measures for Optimal Performance

To maximize energy production despite these challenges, several installation strategies prove effective:

• Regular Cleaning Schedule: Implement monthly panel cleaning during dry seasons, with particular attention after dust storms or extended periods without rain
• Proper Drainage Design: Install panels with adequate spacing and drainage to prevent water pooling during heavy rains
• Anti-Soiling Coatings: Apply specialized coatings that help panels shed dust and dirt more easily
• Monitoring Systems: Install performance monitoring to quickly identify when cleaning or maintenance is needed

Despite these considerations, Upanema's consistent tropical climate and strong year-round solar production make it an highly favorable location for solar energy investment, with spring representing the optimal period for peak energy generation.

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 Upanema

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: -5.6958, Longitude: -37.2661 (Upanema, 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 5° North in Upanema, Brazil

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Upanema, Brazil (Lat/Long -5.6958, -37.2661) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 5° 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 Upanema, 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 Upanema, Brazil. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 5° North tilt angle throughout the year.

Overall Best Summer Angle	Overall Best Autumn Angle	Overall Best Winter Angle	Overall Best Spring Angle
10° South in Summer	12° North in Autumn	21° North in Winter	0° 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 Upanema, 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 Upanema, 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 Upanema, Brazil

Topographical Features of Upanema Region

Upanema sits within the semi-arid interior of Rio Grande do Norte state in northeastern Brazil, positioned on the relatively flat terrain characteristic of the Caatinga biome. The surrounding landscape consists primarily of gently rolling plains with elevations ranging from approximately 150 to 300 meters above sea level. This region forms part of the Brazilian Highlands plateau, though the local topography remains remarkably level with only modest undulations across the terrain.

The area experiences a classic semi-arid climate with well-defined wet and dry seasons. During the dry season, which extends for much of the year, the landscape takes on a distinctive appearance with sparse vegetation and clear skies. The Caatinga vegetation that dominates this region consists of drought-resistant shrubs, small trees, and cacti that have adapted to the challenging climatic conditions.

Water features in the immediate vicinity are limited, with seasonal streams and small reservoirs scattered throughout the region. The Apodi-Mossoró river system flows roughly 50 kilometers to the north, while smaller tributaries and intermittent watercourses traverse the local landscape during the rainy season.

Optimal Areas for Large-Scale Solar Development

The flat to gently rolling topography surrounding Upanema presents excellent opportunities for large-scale solar photovoltaic installations. The most suitable areas lie on the broad plateaus and gentle slopes within a 20-kilometer radius of the town center, where the terrain requires minimal grading and earthwork for solar panel installation.

Particularly promising locations include the expansive flatlands extending northeast and southeast of Upanema, where large contiguous areas of relatively unused land offer ideal conditions for utility-scale solar farms. These areas benefit from consistent elevation profiles that minimize shading issues between panel rows and allow for efficient installation of tracking systems if desired.

The sparse vegetation cover in these semi-arid zones reduces environmental clearing requirements compared to more densely forested regions. The hardy Caatinga vegetation, while ecologically important, typically grows to modest heights and can be more easily managed around solar installations than tropical forests found in other parts of Brazil.

Areas with slight southern-facing slopes, particularly those found 10 to 15 kilometers southwest of Upanema, offer additional advantages for solar panel positioning. These gentle gradients provide natural drainage while maintaining optimal solar exposure throughout the day.

Access to existing infrastructure represents another crucial factor in site selection. The proximity to the BR-405 highway and regional road networks makes several large parcels of suitable land readily accessible for construction equipment and ongoing maintenance operations. Areas within 5 kilometers of existing electrical transmission lines would further reduce development costs and complexity.

The relatively low population density throughout the region means that large tracts of land remain available for development without significant displacement of communities or agricultural operations. This factor, combined with the favorable topographical conditions, positions the Upanema area as highly suitable for major solar energy projects that could serve both regional and national electricity demands.

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.