Jardim, Brazil presents a moderately favorable location for year-round solar energy generation, though it experiences notable seasonal variations in output. Located in the tropical region at coordinates -21.645, -56.2317, this area benefits from consistent sunlight throughout most of the year, with seasons typically defined by wet and dry periods rather than dramatic temperature changes.

Seasonal Solar Performance

The solar energy output at Jardim varies significantly across the seasons. Summer delivers the highest productivity at 6.97 kWh per day per kW of installed capacity, making it the peak generation period. Spring follows as the second-best season with 6.21 kWh per day per kW, while autumn produces 5.43 kWh per day per kW. Winter represents the lowest output period at 4.27 kWh per day per kW of installed solar capacity. The most productive months for solar generation occur during summer and spring, when the combination of favorable sun angles and typically drier weather conditions optimize energy production. Even during the lowest-performing winter season, the location still maintains reasonable solar output levels.

Optimal Panel Configuration

For maximum year-round energy production at this location, solar panels should be installed at a fixed tilt angle of 19 degrees facing north. This angle has been calculated to optimize total annual solar output by accounting for the sun's varying elevation throughout the year and weighting these angles based on solar irradiance data and daily photovoltaic potential.

Environmental and Weather Challenges

Several local factors could potentially impact solar energy production at Jardim. The tropical climate brings distinct wet and dry seasons, with the rainy period likely coinciding with reduced solar output during certain months. Heavy rainfall and increased cloud cover during wet seasons can significantly diminish energy generation. High humidity levels common in tropical regions may lead to moisture-related issues with solar equipment, potentially causing corrosion or reducing panel efficiency over time. The area may also experience occasional severe weather events typical of tropical climates, including intense storms or hail, which could damage solar installations. Dust and debris accumulation on panels can be problematic, particularly during dry seasons when wind-blown particles settle on panel surfaces. In tropical environments, rapid vegetation growth might create shading issues if not properly managed during installation planning.

Preventative Measures for Optimal Performance

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

• Install panels with adequate drainage systems and proper sealing to prevent moisture infiltration
• Use corrosion-resistant mounting hardware and electrical components rated for high-humidity environments
• Implement regular cleaning schedules to remove dust, debris, and any organic matter that accumulates on panel surfaces
• Design installations with appropriate clearances from vegetation and plan for ongoing landscape maintenance
• Consider protective measures against severe weather, such as reinforced mounting systems designed for high wind loads

Proper site selection during the planning phase should account for potential shading from existing or future vegetation growth, while ensuring adequate ventilation around panels to prevent overheating in the tropical climate. Regular maintenance and monitoring systems can help identify and address performance issues before they significantly impact energy production.

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 Jardim, Mato Grosso do Sul

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: -21.645, Longitude: -56.2317 (Jardim, Mato Grosso do Sul, 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 19° North in Jardim, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Jardim, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil (Lat/Long -21.645, -56.2317) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 19° 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 Jardim, Mato Grosso do Sul, 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 Jardim, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 19° North tilt angle throughout the year.

Overall Best Summer Angle	Overall Best Autumn Angle	Overall Best Winter Angle	Overall Best Spring Angle
6° North in Summer	27° North in Autumn	37° North in Winter	15° 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 Jardim, Mato Grosso do Sul, 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 Jardim, Mato Grosso do Sul, 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 Jardim, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil

Topographical Features Around Jardim, Brazil

The region surrounding Jardim in Mato Grosso do Sul state sits within the Pantanal's eastern margins, where the landscape transitions from the world's largest tropical wetland into the Brazilian Highlands. This area features predominantly flat to gently rolling terrain, with elevations typically ranging from 200 to 400 meters above sea level. The topography is characterized by broad, open plains interspersed with low hills and scattered limestone outcroppings that create subtle variations in the otherwise relatively uniform landscape.

The terrain becomes slightly more undulating as it moves eastward away from the main Pantanal depression. These gentle rises and falls in elevation are remnants of ancient geological formations, creating a mosaic of slightly elevated plateaus and shallow valleys. The limestone bedrock underlying much of the region has been shaped by centuries of weathering, resulting in karst features including sinkholes, underground drainage systems, and occasional exposed rock formations that punctuate the grasslands and cerrado vegetation.

Water features play a significant role in shaping the local topography, with numerous seasonal streams and permanent waterways creating natural drainage patterns across the landscape. During the wet season, some lower-lying areas experience temporary flooding, while the higher ground remains well-drained throughout the year. This creates distinct microclimates and vegetation zones that correspond closely with elevation differences of just a few meters.

Optimal Areas for Large-Scale Solar Development

The elevated plateaus and gentle ridges east and northeast of Jardim present the most favorable conditions for large-scale solar photovoltaic installations. These areas combine several advantageous characteristics: they remain above seasonal flood zones, offer relatively stable ground conditions, and provide extensive flat or gently sloping surfaces that minimize the need for significant land grading or complex mounting systems.

The limestone-based plateaus approximately 10 to 25 kilometers east of Jardim are particularly well-suited for solar development. These elevated areas maintain good drainage year-round and feature firm bedrock relatively close to the surface, providing excellent foundations for solar infrastructure. The terrain's gentle slopes, typically less than 5 degrees, align well with optimal panel positioning while allowing for efficient site layout and maintenance access.

Areas with sparse cerrado vegetation on higher ground offer additional advantages, as they require minimal clearing while avoiding the more sensitive wetland ecosystems. The natural grasslands and scattered shrub areas on these elevated sites can be developed with relatively low environmental impact compared to forested regions. The consistent topography across large areas also enables the construction of extensive solar arrays without the complications that steeper terrain or frequent elevation changes would introduce.

The region's well-established transportation network, including highways connecting to major population centers, makes these elevated areas accessible for construction and ongoing maintenance operations. The proximity to existing electrical transmission infrastructure further enhances the viability of these locations for utility-scale solar development, as the stable terrain facilitates both the installation of solar equipment and the construction of necessary grid connections.

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.