Acolman, México, Mexico represents an excellent location for year-round solar photovoltaic energy generation. Located in the tropics at coordinates 19.6033, -98.9836, this area benefits from consistent sunlight throughout most of the year, with seasonal variations characterized more by wet and dry periods rather than dramatic temperature changes.

Solar Energy Production Throughout the Year

The solar energy output at Acolman shows strong performance across all seasons, with some notable seasonal variations:

• Spring: 7.25 kWh/day per kW installed (peak season)
• Summer: 5.88 kWh/day per kW installed
• Winter: 5.86 kWh/day per kW installed
• Autumn: 5.60 kWh/day per kW installed (lowest production)

Spring emerges as the ideal time for solar generation at this location, producing nearly 30% more energy than the lowest-performing autumn season. Even during autumn, however, the location maintains robust solar production levels that would be considered excellent by global standards.

Optimal Panel Configuration

For maximum year-round solar production at Acolman, México, fixed solar panels should be tilted at 19 degrees facing south. This angle has been calculated to optimize total annual energy output by accounting for the sun's changing position throughout the year and the location's specific latitude.

Environmental and Weather Challenges

Several local factors could potentially impact solar energy production at Acolman and require consideration during installation planning. Seasonal Rainfall and Cloud Cover: The tropical climate brings distinct wet and dry seasons. During the wet season, increased cloud cover and frequent rainfall can reduce solar irradiance and temporarily decrease energy production. The lower autumn production figures likely reflect this seasonal weather pattern. Dust and Particle Accumulation: Mexico's central plateau region, where Acolman is located, can experience dust storms and airborne particles that accumulate on solar panels, reducing their efficiency over time. The dry season may exacerbate this issue. High Altitude UV Exposure: While beneficial for solar production, the intense UV radiation at this elevation can accelerate degradation of solar panel materials if not properly protected.

Preventative Measures for Optimal Performance

To maximize solar energy production despite these challenges, several installation strategies should be implemented. Regular cleaning schedules become essential, particularly during and after the dry season when dust accumulation peaks. Installing panels with anti-soiling coatings can help reduce particle adhesion and make cleaning more effective. Proper drainage systems should be incorporated into the panel mounting structure to prevent water pooling during heavy rains, which could lead to corrosion or electrical issues over time. Selecting solar panels with enhanced UV-resistant materials and protective coatings will help maintain long-term performance under intense tropical sun exposure. Quality inverters with robust cooling systems are also crucial given the consistent heat levels. Installing monitoring systems allows for real-time performance tracking, enabling quick identification of any weather-related efficiency drops or maintenance needs. Overall, Acolman represents a highly favorable location for solar energy generation, with the potential challenges being manageable through proper installation techniques and maintenance practices.

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

Link: Solar PV potential in Mexico by location

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

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 19.6033, Longitude: -98.9836 (Acolman, Mexico), 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 19° South in Acolman, Mexico

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Acolman, Mexico (Lat/Long 19.6033, -98.9836) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 19° 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 Acolman, Mexico

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 Acolman, Mexico. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 19° South tilt angle throughout the year.

Overall Best Summer Angle	Overall Best Autumn Angle	Overall Best Winter Angle	Overall Best Spring Angle
4° South in Summer	26° South in Autumn	35° South in Winter	13° 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 Acolman, Mexico

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 Acolman, Mexico.

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 Acolman, Mexico

Topographical Features of Acolman and Surrounding Region

Acolman sits in the central Mexican plateau within the State of Mexico, positioned in a relatively flat to gently rolling landscape that characterizes much of the Basin of Mexico. The terrain around this historic town consists primarily of elevated plains and low hills, with elevations ranging from approximately 2,200 to 2,400 meters above sea level. The topography is generally favorable for development, featuring gradual slopes and expansive flat areas that extend across the region.

The surrounding landscape is dominated by agricultural fields and pasturelands, with the terrain becoming more undulating as one moves away from the immediate vicinity of Acolman. To the northeast, the land gradually rises toward the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountain range, while the western areas maintain relatively consistent elevations with gentle undulations. The region experiences minimal extreme topographical variations, making it accessible and suitable for various types of infrastructure development.

Natural drainage patterns in the area are generally well-defined, with small seasonal streams and arroyos cutting through the landscape. These waterways typically flow in a southwestern direction, eventually contributing to the larger hydrological systems of the central Mexican basin. The soil composition varies from clay-rich areas in lower elevations to more sandy and rocky compositions on slightly elevated terrain.

Optimal Areas for Large-Scale Solar Development

The most promising locations for extensive solar photovoltaic installations lie in the broad, flat agricultural areas extending north and northeast of Acolman. These zones offer several advantages including minimal grading requirements, excellent accessibility via existing rural roads, and sufficient space for large arrays without significant topographical constraints. The gentle slopes in these areas, typically less than five percent grade, would require minimal earthwork while still providing adequate drainage.

Areas approximately five to fifteen kilometers north of the town center present particularly attractive characteristics for solar development. The terrain in this zone consists of relatively uniform elevations with good southern exposure and minimal shading from natural features. The existing agricultural use of much of this land suggests that soil conditions are stable and that access infrastructure could be readily developed or enhanced.

The southwestern areas, while also topographically suitable, may present some challenges due to proximity to more densely populated zones and existing infrastructure. However, scattered parcels in this direction could still accommodate medium to large-scale installations, particularly on currently unused or underutilized agricultural land. The key advantage of these southwestern locations is their closer proximity to existing electrical transmission infrastructure.

Areas to avoid for large-scale solar development include the more elevated and rocky terrain to the east and southeast, where slopes become more pronounced and the ground becomes less stable. Additionally, the immediate vicinity of existing settlements and the numerous small arroyos that cross the landscape would require careful consideration during site selection to minimize environmental impact and installation costs.

Mexico solar PV Stats as a country

Mexico ranks 18th in the world for cumulative solar PV capacity, with 7,040 total MW's of solar PV installed. This means that 3.20% of Mexico's total energy as a country comes from solar PV (that's 28th in the world). Each year Mexico is generating 55 Watts from solar PV per capita (Mexico ranks 50th in the world for solar PV Watts generated per capita). [source]

Are there incentives for businesses to install solar in Mexico?

Yes, there are several incentives for businesses wanting to install solar energy in Mexico. The Mexican 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 programs which allow them to sell excess electricity 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 Mexico? 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.