Solar Energy Potential in Azcapotzalco, Mexico

Azcapotzalco, Mexico, situated at coordinates 19.3946, -99.1178, presents a compelling location for solar photovoltaic (PV) energy generation throughout the year. This tropical location benefits from relatively consistent sunlight patterns that make solar energy a viable option in all seasons. The solar energy production potential varies across the meteorological seasons, with spring showing the highest output at 7.24 kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed capacity. Winter follows with a respectable 5.89 kWh/day, while summer and autumn produce 5.73 kWh/day and 5.49 kWh/day respectively. This pattern indicates that contrary to what might be expected, spring is actually the most productive season for solar generation in Azcapotzalco, with autumn being the least productive. For fixed solar panel installations in this location, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round energy production is 19 degrees facing South. This specific angle has been calculated to optimize the capture of solar radiation throughout the year, taking into account the location's latitude and the sun's position across seasons.

Environmental and Weather Considerations

Several local factors could potentially impact solar production in Azcapotzalco:

• Air pollution from the Mexico City metropolitan area can reduce solar radiation reaching panels, particularly during winter months when thermal inversions are common
• The rainy season (typically June through October) may temporarily reduce solar output due to cloud cover
• Dust and urban particulate matter accumulation on panels can gradually decrease efficiency

To mitigate these challenges, solar installations in Azcapotzalco should incorporate regular cleaning schedules, especially before and after the rainy season. Installing panels at a slightly steeper angle than the recommended 19 degrees might help with natural cleaning during rainfall. Additionally, high-quality inverters with good low-light performance can help maximize energy harvest during periods of atmospheric pollution or cloud cover. The location's elevation (approximately 2,240 meters above sea level) actually provides an advantage, as the thinner atmosphere allows more solar radiation to reach the panels. This partially offsets some of the negative effects of urban pollution, making Azcapotzalco a generally favorable location for solar energy production despite these environmental challenges.

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 Azcapotzalco

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 19.3946, Longitude: -99.1178 (Azcapotzalco, 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 Azcapotzalco, Mexico

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Azcapotzalco, Mexico (Lat/Long 19.3946, -99.1178) 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 Azcapotzalco, 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 Azcapotzalco, 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 Azcapotzalco, 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 Azcapotzalco, 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 Azcapotzalco, Mexico

Azcapotzalco is situated in the northwestern part of Mexico City, nestled within the Valley of Mexico, a large highland basin surrounded by mountains and volcanic features. This area was once part of the ancient Lake Texcoco before drainage projects transformed the landscape. The topography of Azcapotzalco and its surrounding regions is characterized by relatively flat terrain with a gentle slope, as it sits on what was historically lakebed. The elevation of Azcapotzalco is approximately 2,240 meters (7,350 feet) above sea level, typical of Mexico City's high-altitude plateau setting. While the immediate area around Azcapotzalco is predominantly urbanized with minimal elevation changes, the broader Valley of Mexico features significant topographical contrasts.

Surrounding Topographical Features

To the west and southwest of Azcapotzalco rise the Sierra de las Cruces mountains, creating a natural boundary for the Valley of Mexico. These mountains reach heights of over 3,500 meters (11,500 feet) and influence local weather patterns. To the east, the landscape gradually slopes toward what remains of Lake Texcoco. The southern parts of Mexico City encounter more varied terrain, with hills and valleys becoming more pronounced. The iconic volcanoes Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl dominate the southeastern horizon, though they are some distance from Azcapotzalco itself.

Potential Areas for Solar PV Development

For large-scale solar photovoltaic installations, several nearby regions offer favorable conditions based on topographical considerations: The eastern portions of the Valley of Mexico, particularly the former lakebed areas near Texcoco, present extensive flat terrain ideal for solar array deployment. These areas receive consistent solar exposure due to minimal shadowing from topographical features. The gently sloping terrain to the north of Azcapotzalco, extending toward Tlalnepantla and Ecatepec, offers substantial undeveloped spaces with favorable orientation for solar collection. The gradual south-facing slopes in these regions would maximize solar energy capture throughout the day. The higher elevation plateaus to the southwest, in less densely populated areas approaching the State of Mexico, combine advantageous flat terrain with cooler temperatures that can improve photovoltaic efficiency. These areas benefit from reduced urban heat island effects while maintaining the excellent solar radiation characteristics of the region's high altitude. It's worth noting that while the immediate vicinity of Azcapotzalco is heavily urbanized, limiting opportunities for large-scale installations, the broader metropolitan periphery offers numerous suitable locations where topography and land availability converge favorably for solar energy development. The high-altitude characteristics of the entire Valley of Mexico region generally provide excellent conditions for solar energy production, with the thinner atmosphere allowing more intense solar radiation to reach ground-level installations. This natural advantage compensates for any topographical limitations in specific areas.

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.