Granada, Meta Department, Colombia, located in the tropical region at coordinates 3.5457°N, -73.7019°W, presents a favorable environment for year-round solar photovoltaic energy generation. The consistent sunlight typical of tropical locations provides reliable solar energy potential throughout all seasons.

Solar Energy Production Performance

The solar energy output data reveals that Granada experiences relatively strong and consistent solar generation capacity across all meteorological seasons. Autumn emerges as the peak production period, delivering 5.50 kWh per day per kW of installed solar capacity. Winter follows closely with 5.45 kWh/day per kW, making these two seasons the most productive for solar energy generation. Spring and summer show slightly lower but still substantial output levels, with spring producing 4.67 kWh/day per kW and summer generating 4.58 kWh/day per kW. This seasonal variation of less than 1 kWh between peak and minimum production periods demonstrates the location's excellent year-round solar reliability.

Optimal Installation Configuration

For fixed panel installations at Granada, Meta Department, the ideal tilt angle to maximize total year-round solar production is 4 degrees facing south. This shallow angle reflects the location's proximity to the equator, where panels perform best when positioned nearly flat to capture the high-angle tropical sun throughout the year.

Environmental and Weather Challenges

Several local factors could potentially impact solar production efficiency in Granada and require consideration during installation planning. Tropical Weather Patterns: The region's tropical climate brings intense rainfall during wet seasons, which can reduce solar irradiance when heavy cloud cover persists. Additionally, high humidity levels common in tropical areas can affect panel efficiency and create condensation issues. Dust and Debris Accumulation: Granada's location may subject solar panels to dust accumulation from agricultural activities or unpaved roads, while tropical vegetation can contribute organic debris that settles on panel surfaces.

Preventative Installation Measures

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

• Install panels with adequate drainage systems and slight tilting to allow rainwater to naturally wash away dust and debris
• Use high-quality mounting systems with proper ventilation to prevent moisture buildup and ensure air circulation behind panels
• Select panels with anti-reflective coatings and robust weatherproofing designed for tropical climates
• Implement regular cleaning schedules, particularly during dry seasons when dust accumulation peaks
• Consider micro-inverters or power optimizers to minimize the impact of partial shading from occasional cloud cover

Overall Assessment

Despite potential weather-related challenges, Granada represents a highly suitable location for solar PV installations. The consistent year-round production levels, with autumn and winter showing peak performance, make it an excellent choice for solar energy projects. The relatively minor seasonal variation ensures reliable energy generation throughout the year, while proper installation techniques can effectively mitigate most environmental 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 173 locations across Colombia. This analysis provides insights into each city/location's potential for harnessing solar energy through PV installations.

Link: Solar PV potential in Colombia by location

Solar output per kW of installed solar PV by season in Granada

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 3.5457, Longitude: -73.7019 (Granada, Colombia), 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 4° South in Granada, Colombia

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Granada, Colombia (Lat/Long 3.5457, -73.7019) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 4° South 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 Granada, Colombia

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 Granada, Colombia. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 4° South tilt angle throughout the year.

Overall Best Summer Angle	Overall Best Autumn Angle	Overall Best Winter Angle	Overall Best Spring Angle
12° North in Summer	9° South in Autumn	20° South 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 Granada, Colombia

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 Granada, Colombia.

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 Granada, Colombia

Topographical Features Around Granada, Colombia

Granada sits in the Meta department of Colombia, positioned within the vast Orinoco River basin that characterizes much of eastern Colombia. The terrain around this municipality is predominantly flat to gently rolling plains, typical of the Colombian Llanos region. These expansive grasslands stretch eastward toward Venezuela and represent some of the most level terrain found anywhere in South America.

The elevation around Granada remains relatively consistent, sitting at approximately 400 meters above sea level. This creates a stable platform with minimal elevation changes across large areas. The landscape consists primarily of natural savannas interspersed with gallery forests along waterways and occasional palm groves. The Ariari River system flows through the region, creating fertile floodplains and seasonal wetlands that support both agriculture and cattle ranching.

To the west of Granada, the terrain begins a gradual ascent toward the eastern foothills of the Cordillera Oriental, one of Colombia's three main mountain ranges. However, the immediate surroundings remain within the plains ecosystem, characterized by gentle undulations rather than steep slopes or significant topographical barriers.

Optimal Areas for Large-Scale Solar Development

The expansive plains surrounding Granada present excellent opportunities for large-scale solar photovoltaic installations. The most suitable areas lie to the north and east of the municipality, where vast stretches of relatively unused grassland provide ample space for solar arrays without competing significantly with existing agricultural activities.

These northern and eastern zones offer several advantages for solar development. The terrain remains consistently flat with minimal grading requirements, reducing construction costs and complexity. The absence of significant vegetation or forest cover eliminates the need for extensive land clearing, while the stable soil conditions typical of the Llanos provide solid foundations for mounting systems.

Areas located away from the main river corridors would be particularly well-suited for solar installations, as they avoid seasonal flooding patterns that can affect the Ariari River system and its tributaries. The higher, well-drained sections of the plains, typically found between waterways, offer the most reliable ground conditions throughout the year.

The proximity to existing road infrastructure connecting Granada to larger population centers also makes certain areas more attractive for development. Zones with reasonable access to transmission lines or potential grid connection points would be prioritized, particularly those areas within 10-15 kilometers of the main transportation corridors that link Granada to Villavicencio and other regional centers.

Colombia solar PV Stats as a country

Colombia ranks 74th in the world for cumulative solar PV capacity, with 184 total MW's of solar PV installed. Each year Colombia is generating 4 Watts from solar PV per capita (Colombia ranks 81st in the world for solar PV Watts generated per capita). [source]

Are there incentives for businesses to install solar in Colombia?

Yes, there are several incentives for businesses wanting to install solar energy in Colombia. The Colombian government offers a range of financial incentives and tax breaks for businesses that invest in renewable energy projects. These include grants, loans, and subsidies for the purchase of equipment and installation costs. Additionally, businesses can benefit from net metering policies which allow them to sell excess electricity generated by their solar systems back to the grid at a premium rate. Finally, businesses may also be eligible for additional benefits such as reduced import duties on solar equipment or accelerated depreciation allowances on investments in renewable energy projects.

Do you have more up to date information than this on incentives towards solar PV projects in Colombia? 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.