Mosquera, Cundinamarca, Colombia, situated in the tropics, offers a promising location for solar energy generation throughout the year. This area experiences consistent sunlight and is characterized more by wet and dry seasons rather than traditional meteorological seasons.

The solar energy potential in Mosquera is relatively stable across the year, with only minor fluctuations between seasons. Autumn sees the highest average daily output at 5.43 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity, followed closely by winter at 5.25 kWh/day. Summer and spring produce 5.11 kWh/day and 4.96 kWh/day, respectively.

Optimal Solar Panel Installation

For fixed panel installations in Mosquera, Cundinamarca, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round solar production is 5 degrees facing South. This slight tilt helps optimize energy capture throughout the year, accounting for the location's proximity to the equator and the Earth's elliptical orbit.

Peak Production Periods

While solar energy generation is consistent year-round in Mosquera, Cundinamarca, the slightly higher output during autumn and winter suggests these seasons may be marginally more favorable for solar production. However, the differences are minimal, making this location suitable for solar energy harvesting throughout the year.

Environmental Considerations

The primary environmental factor that could impact solar production in Mosquera is the region's wet season. Heavy rainfall and increased cloud cover during this period may temporarily reduce solar panel efficiency. To mitigate this:

• Install panels at the optimal angle to promote water runoff
• Use high-quality, weather-resistant solar panels
• Implement regular cleaning and maintenance schedules

Additionally, the tropical climate may lead to faster accumulation of dust and debris on panels. Installing a simple cleaning system or scheduling regular maintenance can help maintain optimal performance. Overall, with proper installation and maintenance, Mosquera presents an excellent location for year-round solar 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 65 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 Mosquera

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 4.7027, Longitude: -74.2324 (Mosquera, 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 5° South in Mosquera, Colombia

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Mosquera, Colombia (Lat/Long 4.7027, -74.2324) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 5° 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 Mosquera, 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 Mosquera, Colombia. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 5° South tilt angle throughout the year.

Overall Best Summer Angle	Overall Best Autumn Angle	Overall Best Winter Angle	Overall Best Spring Angle
11° North in Summer	11° South in Autumn	21° South in Winter	2° 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 Mosquera, 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 Mosquera, 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 Mosquera, Colombia

The topography around Mosquera, Colombia, is characterized by a diverse landscape that reflects its location in the Eastern Cordillera of the Andes Mountains. Situated on the Bogotá savanna, Mosquera is part of a high-altitude plateau known as the Altiplano Cundiboyacense. This area features a mix of flat plains and gently rolling hills, with an average elevation of approximately 2,500 meters (8,200 feet) above sea level. To the east of Mosquera, the terrain gradually rises towards the mountains, creating a picturesque backdrop of rugged peaks and steep slopes. These mountains play a significant role in shaping the local climate and hydrology. In contrast, to the west and southwest, the land becomes flatter, transitioning into the expansive savanna that stretches towards the Magdalena River valley. The region surrounding Mosquera is dotted with numerous small lakes, wetlands, and streams, which are remnants of an ancient lake that once covered much of the Bogotá savanna. These water bodies contribute to the area's biodiversity and provide important ecological services to the local communities.

Potential for Large-Scale Solar PV

When considering areas nearby that would be most suited for large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations, several factors come into play. The ideal locations would combine favorable topography, high solar irradiance, and minimal environmental impact. The flat to gently sloping areas of the savanna to the west and southwest of Mosquera present promising opportunities for solar PV development. These areas offer large, open spaces with relatively uniform terrain, which is advantageous for the installation and maintenance of solar panels. The lack of significant natural obstacles or steep gradients in these regions would simplify construction and reduce associated costs. Additionally, the higher elevation of the Bogotá savanna contributes to clearer skies and potentially higher solar radiation levels, which could enhance the efficiency of solar PV systems. However, it's important to note that while the savanna areas may be suitable from a topographical perspective, careful consideration must be given to land use, as much of this region is currently dedicated to agriculture and livestock farming. Areas slightly to the north and south of Mosquera, where the terrain remains relatively flat but may be less intensively farmed, could also be potential candidates for solar PV installations. These locations would need to be evaluated for their proximity to existing power infrastructure and their impact on local ecosystems, particularly wetlands and water bodies that are crucial to the region's environmental balance. It's worth noting that while the mountainous areas to the east offer some flat surfaces on plateaus or gentler slopes, they may present challenges in terms of accessibility and grid connection. Therefore, the flatter savanna regions are generally more suitable for large-scale solar PV projects in the vicinity of Mosquera.

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.