Solar PV Analysis of Conde, Bahia, Brazil
Conde, Brazil represents an excellent location for year-round solar energy generation. Located in the tropics where sunlight remains consistent throughout most of the year, this coastal town in Bahia state experiences seasons characterized more by wet and dry periods rather than dramatic temperature variations.
Solar Energy Production Potential
The solar energy output data reveals consistently strong performance across all seasons. Spring delivers the highest production at 6.78 kWh per day per kW of installed solar capacity, closely followed by summer at 6.74 kWh/day. Even during the lowest-producing winter months, the location still generates a respectable 5.11 kWh/day per kW, while autumn provides 6.00 kWh/day.
For optimal year-round energy collection, solar panels should be installed at a fixed tilt angle of 11 degrees facing north. This angle maximizes total annual production by accounting for the sun's path throughout the year and the location's proximity to the equator.
Environmental and Weather Challenges
Despite the excellent solar potential, several local factors could impact solar panel performance in Conde:
- High humidity and salt air from the coastal Atlantic location can cause corrosion and reduce panel efficiency over time
- Heavy rainfall during wet seasons may temporarily reduce solar output and accelerate equipment wear
- Dust and debris accumulation from tropical vegetation and occasional sand from coastal winds
- Intense heat and UV exposure typical of tropical climates can degrade panel materials faster
Preventative Installation Measures
To maximize energy production and system longevity, several protective measures should be implemented. Choose marine-grade mounting systems and electrical components specifically rated for coastal environments to resist salt corrosion. Ensure panels have robust weatherproof sealing and use corrosion-resistant aluminum or stainless steel mounting hardware.
Install adequate drainage systems to handle heavy tropical rainfall and prevent water pooling around equipment. Regular cleaning schedules become essential to remove salt buildup, dust, and organic debris that can significantly reduce panel efficiency.
Consider panels with higher temperature coefficients that perform better in intense heat, and ensure proper ventilation spacing behind panels to allow cooling airflow. These measures will help maintain the location's strong solar energy potential while protecting the substantial investment in solar infrastructure.
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 Conde, Bahia
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: -11.7997, Longitude: -37.6492 (Conde, 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 11° North in Conde, Bahia, Brazil
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Conde, Bahia, Brazil (Lat/Long -11.7997, -37.6492) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 11° 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 Conde, 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 Conde, Bahia, Brazil. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 11° North tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4° South in Summer | 17° North in Autumn | 27° North in Winter | 6° 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 Conde, 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 Conde, Bahia, Brazil.
Our calculation method
- Solar Position:
We determine the Sun's position on the Winter solstice using the location's latitude and solar declination. - Shadow Projection:
We calculate the shadow length cast by panels using trigonometry, considering panel tilt and the Sun's elevation angle. - 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 Conde, Bahia, Brazil
Topographical Overview of Conde, Brazil
Conde is situated in the northeastern state of Sergipe, Brazil, positioned along the coastal plains near the Atlantic Ocean. The region is characterized by relatively flat terrain with gentle undulations, typical of Brazil's northeastern coastal lowlands. The landscape consists primarily of sedimentary formations that have been shaped by coastal processes over millennia, creating a predominantly level topography with minimal elevation changes.
The immediate area around Conde features expansive flat to gently rolling plains that extend inland from the coast. These coastal tablelands, known locally as tabuleiros, are composed of tertiary sediments and present broad, stable surfaces with gradual slopes. The elevation in the region rarely exceeds 100 meters above sea level, with most of the surrounding terrain maintaining elevations between 20 and 80 meters.
The local drainage system consists of small rivers and streams that flow eastward toward the Atlantic, creating shallow valleys that interrupt the otherwise uniform landscape. These waterways have carved modest depressions in the terrain, but the overall topographical profile remains remarkably consistent across large areas.
Optimal Areas for Large-Scale Solar Development
The extensive flat plains stretching westward and southward from Conde present exceptional opportunities for large-scale solar photovoltaic installations. These areas offer the dual advantages of minimal topographical obstacles and reduced construction costs associated with ground preparation and infrastructure development.
The tabuleiro formations extending inland provide particularly suitable conditions for solar development. These elevated coastal plains offer stable geological foundations while maintaining the flat topography essential for efficient solar panel deployment. The consistent elevation and gentle gradients across these areas minimize the need for extensive earthwork or specialized mounting systems.
Areas located approximately 10 to 30 kilometers inland from the immediate coastal zone represent the most promising locations for solar development. These regions maintain the favorable flat terrain while being sufficiently removed from coastal salt spray and humidity that could affect equipment longevity. The interior plains also offer greater land availability and potentially lower acquisition costs compared to areas closer to population centers.
The southern and southwestern directions from Conde are particularly advantageous, as these areas feature expansive open spaces with minimal existing development. The terrain in these directions maintains consistent flatness over large areas, allowing for the development of utility-scale solar installations with optimal panel orientation and spacing.
Transportation infrastructure access is another critical factor favoring certain areas around Conde. Regions with proximity to existing roads and transmission infrastructure, particularly those accessible via the BR-101 highway corridor, offer significant advantages for solar development due to reduced costs for equipment transport and grid connection.
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!
Citation Guide
Article Details for Citation
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Saturday 19th of July 2025
Last Updated: Thursday 7th of August 2025
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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.
