El Progreso, Yoro Department, Honduras, located at latitude 15.3948 and longitude -87.8062, offers a generally favorable environment for solar energy production throughout the year. This tropical location benefits from consistent sunlight, with seasons primarily distinguished by wet and dry periods rather than significant temperature variations.

Seasonal Solar Performance

The solar energy output at this location shows relatively stable performance across the year, with some seasonal fluctuations: Spring and Summer: These seasons demonstrate the highest solar energy production, with 6.27 kWh/day and 6.26 kWh/day respectively per kW of installed solar capacity. This period, typically from March to August, represents the peak time for solar energy generation in El Progreso. Autumn and Winter: While slightly lower, the energy output remains substantial during these seasons, with 5.14 kWh/day in Autumn and 4.92 kWh/day in Winter per kW of installed solar. This slight decrease is likely due to increased cloud cover during the rainy season, which typically occurs from September to February in this region.

Optimal Panel Installation

For fixed panel installations in El Progreso, Yoro Department, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round solar production is 13 degrees facing South. This angle has been calculated to optimize energy capture throughout the year, taking into account the location's latitude and the sun's position across seasons.

Environmental Considerations

While El Progreso's tropical climate is generally conducive to solar energy production, there are some environmental factors to consider: 1. Rainfall: The region experiences a distinct rainy season, which can temporarily reduce solar output due to cloud cover. However, the impact is relatively minor, as evidenced by the still-substantial energy production during autumn and winter months. 2. Humidity: High humidity levels can lead to condensation on solar panels, potentially reducing efficiency. Regular cleaning and maintenance can mitigate this issue. 3. Tropical storms: Honduras is susceptible to tropical storms and hurricanes, particularly during the Atlantic hurricane season (June to November). While not a constant threat, these events can temporarily disrupt solar production and potentially damage equipment if not properly secured. To address these factors, several preventative measures can be implemented: 1. Use high-quality, weather-resistant solar panels and mounting systems designed to withstand tropical conditions. 2. Implement a regular cleaning schedule to remove dust, debris, and any salt deposits that may accumulate on the panels. 3. Install a robust mounting system capable of withstanding high winds associated with tropical storms. 4. Consider incorporating a backup energy storage system to ensure power availability during periods of reduced solar output. By taking these precautions, solar installations in El Progreso can maximize energy production and longevity, taking full advantage of the location's generally favorable conditions for solar energy generation.

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

Link: Solar PV potential in Honduras by location

Solar output per kW of installed solar PV by season in El Progreso

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 15.3948, Longitude: -87.8062 (El Progreso, Honduras), 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 13° South in El Progreso, Honduras

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in El Progreso, Honduras (Lat/Long 15.3948, -87.8062) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 13° 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 El Progreso, Honduras

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 El Progreso, Honduras. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 13° South tilt angle throughout the year.

Overall Best Summer Angle	Overall Best Autumn Angle	Overall Best Winter Angle	Overall Best Spring Angle
1° North in Summer	20° South in Autumn	31° South in Winter	9° 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 El Progreso, Honduras

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 El Progreso, Honduras.

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 El Progreso, Honduras

The topography around El Progreso, Honduras is characterized by a mix of flat lowlands and gently rolling hills. The city itself is situated in the Sula Valley, a broad and fertile plain that stretches from the Caribbean coast inland. This valley is surrounded by mountain ranges on both sides, creating a diverse landscape in the region.

To the north and east of El Progreso, the terrain is primarily flat, with expansive agricultural lands and some wetland areas as you approach the coast. This lowland area is part of the larger Sula Valley system, which is known for its rich soils and is extensively used for farming.

As you move south and west from the city, the landscape gradually becomes more hilly. These hills are the foothills of the Cordillera Nombre de Dios mountain range, which runs parallel to the coast. The hills in this area are generally not very steep, but they do provide some elevation changes compared to the valley floor.

For large-scale solar PV installations, the areas most suited would likely be found in the flatter regions to the north and east of El Progreso. These areas offer several advantages for solar energy production:

1. Large, open spaces with minimal shading from geographical features
2. Relatively flat terrain, which simplifies construction and reduces costs
3. Proximity to existing infrastructure, including roads and power lines
4. Less competition for land use compared to the fertile valley floor, which is prime agricultural land

The gently rolling hills to the south and west could also be suitable for solar installations, particularly on south-facing slopes that receive more direct sunlight throughout the day. However, these areas might require more extensive site preparation and could be more challenging for large-scale projects.

It's important to note that while the topography is favorable in many areas around El Progreso for solar PV, other factors such as local climate conditions, land ownership, environmental considerations, and proximity to the power grid would also need to be carefully evaluated when selecting specific sites for solar energy development.

Honduras solar PV Stats as a country

Honduras ranks 47th in the world for cumulative solar PV capacity, with 514 total MW's of solar PV installed. This means that 12.90% of Honduras's total energy as a country comes from solar PV (that's 1st in the world). Each year Honduras is generating 53 Watts from solar PV per capita (Honduras ranks 52nd in the world for solar PV Watts generated per capita). [source]

Are there incentives for businesses to install solar in Honduras?

Yes, there are incentives for businesses wanting to install solar energy in Honduras. The Honduran government has implemented a number of policies and programs to promote the use of renewable energy sources such as solar power. These include tax exemptions, subsidies, and other financial incentives for businesses that invest in solar energy projects. Additionally, the government has established a Renewable Energy Fund which provides grants and loans to support renewable energy projects.

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