Solar PV Analysis of Sogamoso, Colombia
Sogamoso, Departamento de Boyaca, Colombia, with its geographical coordinates of 5.7147 latitude and -72.9278 longitude, is a prime location for the installation of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems due to its year-round sunlight exposure. The average daily energy yield per kilowatt (kW) of installed solar capacity varies by season: 4.53 kilowatt-hours (kWh) in Summer, 5.29 kWh in Autumn, 5.62 kWh in Winter and 4.71 kWh in Spring.
Interestingly, despite the tropical climate usually associated with consistent sunlight throughout the year, there is a noticeable increase in solar energy production during Autumn and Winter seasons compared to Spring and Summer.
The ideal angle for fixed-panel installations at this location is a tilt towards the South at an inclination of seven degrees which maximizes exposure to direct sunlight across all seasons.
However given Sogamoso's mountainous topography as part of the Andean region could potentially cause shading issues that may affect solar production efficiency if not carefully considered during installation planning phase.
To mitigate potential shading issues caused by local topography or surrounding structures when installing PV panels at this location it would be advisable to conduct thorough site analysis or use advanced tools like digital elevation models or sun path diagrams before determining final panel placement and orientation.
Overall Sogamoso's geographical positioning combined with its tropical climate make it an excellent location for harnessing solar power throughout the year barring few environmental factors which can be mitigated through careful planning prior to installation.
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 Sogamoso
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 5.7147, Longitude: -72.9278 (Sogamoso, 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 7° South in Sogamoso, Colombia
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Sogamoso, Colombia (Lat/Long 5.7147, -72.9278) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 7° 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 Sogamoso, 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 Sogamoso, Colombia. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 7° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10° North in Summer | 12° South in Autumn | 22° South in Winter | 1° 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 Sogamoso, 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 Sogamoso, Colombia.
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 Sogamoso, Colombia
The topography around Sogamoso, Colombia is mostly flat with some rolling hills. The nearby areas that would be most suited to large-scale solar PV are the open plains and flat lands surrounding the city. These areas are free of obstructions such as trees and buildings, allowing for optimal sun exposure and ideal conditions for large-scale solar installations.
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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Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Tuesday 22nd of August 2023
Last Updated: Monday 21st of July 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.
