Les Abymes, Guadeloupe, situated at 16.2689° N, -61.5073° E, offers a promising location for solar energy generation throughout the year. This tropical setting benefits from consistent sunlight, with seasons characterized more by wet and dry periods rather than significant temperature variations.

Seasonal Solar Performance

Solar panel performance in Les Abymes demonstrates relatively stable output across all seasons. Spring sees the highest production at 6.96 kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed capacity. Summer follows closely with 6.66 kWh/day, while autumn and winter show slightly lower but still substantial outputs of 6.12 kWh/day and 5.57 kWh/day, respectively.

Optimal Installation Angle

For fixed panel installations in Les Abymes, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round solar production is 15 degrees facing South. This angle optimizes the panels' exposure to sunlight throughout the year, accounting for the location's latitude and the Earth's orbit.

Peak Generation Periods

While solar generation remains robust year-round, the most ideal times for production are during the spring and summer months. These seasons offer longer daylight hours and typically clearer skies, allowing for maximum solar energy capture.

Potential Challenges and Solutions

Despite the favorable conditions, there are some factors that could impact solar production in Les Abymes:

• Tropical storms and hurricanes: The Caribbean region is prone to these weather events, which can damage solar installations. To mitigate this risk, use sturdy mounting systems designed to withstand high winds and consider removable panels for extreme weather events.
• High humidity: The tropical climate brings high humidity, which can lead to corrosion of solar equipment. Opt for corrosion-resistant materials and ensure proper sealing of all components to protect against moisture.

By addressing these potential challenges with appropriate preventative measures, solar installations in Les Abymes can maintain high efficiency and longevity, making the most of the location's excellent solar potential.

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 4 locations across Guadeloupe. This analysis provides insights into each city/location's potential for harnessing solar energy through PV installations.

Link: Solar PV potential in Guadeloupe by location

Solar output per kW of installed solar PV by season in Les Abymes

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 16.2689, Longitude: -61.5073 (Les Abymes, Guadeloupe), 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 15° South in Les Abymes, Guadeloupe

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Les Abymes, Guadeloupe (Lat/Long 16.2689, -61.5073) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 15° 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 Les Abymes, Guadeloupe

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 Les Abymes, Guadeloupe. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 15° South tilt angle throughout the year.

Overall Best Summer Angle	Overall Best Autumn Angle	Overall Best Winter Angle	Overall Best Spring Angle
1° South in Summer	22° South in Autumn	32° South in Winter	10° South 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 Les Abymes, Guadeloupe

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 Les Abymes, Guadeloupe.

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 Les Abymes, Guadeloupe

The topography around Les Abymes, Guadeloupe, is characterized by a diverse landscape that reflects the island's volcanic origins and tropical climate. Les Abymes itself is situated on a relatively flat coastal plain, known locally as Grande-Terre. This area is primarily composed of limestone and coral formations, resulting in gently rolling terrain with occasional low hills. To the west of Les Abymes, the landscape transitions into the more mountainous region of Basse-Terre. This area is dominated by the imposing La Soufrière volcano, which rises to an elevation of approximately 1,467 meters (4,813 feet) above sea level. The slopes of La Soufrière and the surrounding mountains are covered in lush tropical rainforests, creating a stark contrast to the flatter areas of Grande-Terre. The coastline near Les Abymes features a mix of sandy beaches and rocky outcrops. Mangrove swamps can be found in some coastal areas, particularly in the northern parts of Grande-Terre. These diverse ecosystems contribute to the overall topographical complexity of the region.

Areas Suitable for Large-Scale Solar PV

When considering locations for large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations near Les Abymes, several factors must be taken into account, including available land, sun exposure, and environmental impact. The most suitable areas for such projects would likely be: The flat coastal plains of Grande-Terre, particularly to the east and northeast of Les Abymes, offer ideal conditions for solar PV installations. These areas provide ample space and receive consistent sunlight throughout the year. The relatively low elevation and lack of significant geographical obstacles make them attractive for large-scale solar projects. Some of the gently sloping hillsides in the northern parts of Grande-Terre could also be suitable for solar PV farms. These locations may offer good sun exposure while minimizing the impact on prime agricultural land. It's important to note that while the mountainous regions of Basse-Terre receive abundant sunlight, their steep terrain and dense forest cover make them less suitable for large-scale solar installations. Additionally, much of this area is protected as part of the Guadeloupe National Park, further limiting its potential for solar development. Any large-scale solar PV project in the region would need to carefully consider environmental impacts, particularly on local ecosystems and wildlife. The ideal locations would balance the need for renewable energy with the preservation of Guadeloupe's unique natural heritage.

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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.