Los Reyes, Veracruz, Mexico presents an excellent location for year-round solar energy generation. Located in the tropical zone at coordinates 18.6744° N, -97.0375° W, this area benefits from consistent sunlight throughout the year, with seasons characterized more by wet and dry periods rather than significant temperature variations.

Solar Energy Production Potential

The solar energy output at Los Reyes shows strong performance across all seasons. Spring emerges as the most productive period, generating 7.35 kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed solar capacity. Summer follows closely with 6.29 kWh/day per kW, while autumn and winter maintain steady production at 5.86 kWh/day and 5.81 kWh/day respectively. This consistent performance throughout the year makes Los Reyes highly suitable for solar installations, with only about a 26% difference between the best and worst performing seasons. The relatively high winter production is particularly advantageous compared to locations at higher latitudes.

Optimal Panel Configuration

For maximum year-round energy production at Los Reyes, Veracruz, solar panels should be installed at a fixed tilt angle of 18 degrees facing south. This angle is calculated by analyzing daily solar elevation angles at this latitude, determining optimal panel positioning, and weighting these angles according to solar irradiance data while accounting for Earth's elliptical orbit around the sun.

Environmental and Weather Challenges

Several local factors could potentially impact solar energy production at this tropical location:

• Seasonal rainfall and humidity: The wet season brings increased cloud cover, high humidity, and frequent precipitation that can reduce solar irradiance and create moisture-related issues
• Dust and debris accumulation: Dry periods can lead to significant dust buildup on panels, while the tropical environment may cause organic matter like leaves and bird droppings to accumulate
• Extreme weather events: The region may experience tropical storms or hurricanes that could damage solar installations
• High temperatures and UV exposure: Intense tropical sun and heat can accelerate equipment degradation and reduce panel efficiency

Preventative Measures for Optimal Performance

To maximize solar energy production despite these challenges, several installation strategies should be implemented:

• Enhanced mounting systems: Use robust, corrosion-resistant mounting hardware designed to withstand high winds and potential storm conditions
• Improved drainage design: Ensure proper panel spacing and mounting angles that promote water runoff and prevent standing water
• Regular maintenance scheduling: Implement frequent cleaning protocols, especially during dust-heavy dry periods and after storms
• Quality component selection: Choose panels and inverters specifically rated for high-temperature, high-humidity tropical environments with appropriate IP ratings for moisture protection

Despite these potential challenges, Los Reyes remains an excellent location for solar energy generation. With proper installation techniques and regular maintenance, solar systems can achieve optimal performance year-round while withstanding the local environmental conditions.

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 Los Reyes

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 18.6744, Longitude: -97.0375 (Los Reyes, 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 18° South in Los Reyes, Mexico

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Los Reyes, Mexico (Lat/Long 18.6744, -97.0375) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 18° 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 Los Reyes, 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 Los Reyes, Mexico. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 18° South tilt angle throughout the year.

Overall Best Summer Angle	Overall Best Autumn Angle	Overall Best Winter Angle	Overall Best Spring Angle
3° South in Summer	24° South in Autumn	34° South in Winter	12° 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 Los Reyes, 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 Los Reyes, 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 Los Reyes, Mexico

Topographical Features of Los Reyes

Los Reyes sits in the central Mexican state of Puebla, positioned within a region characterized by dramatic elevation changes and diverse landforms. The area lies on the southern slopes of the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt, a geological formation that creates a complex landscape of volcanic peaks, valleys, and plateaus across central Mexico. The immediate vicinity around Los Reyes features rolling hills and moderate slopes, with elevations that vary significantly across relatively short distances. The terrain exhibits a mix of mountainous areas to the north and more gently sloping land toward the south and east. Ancient volcanic activity has shaped much of the landscape, creating both steep-sided hills and broader, flatter areas that were formed by volcanic deposits and subsequent erosion. The region experiences a transition zone between higher mountain terrain and lower valley floors, resulting in varied microclimates and soil conditions across different elevations.

Drainage Patterns and Land Use

Several seasonal streams and small rivers flow through the area, generally following north-to-south drainage patterns as water moves from the higher elevations toward lower valleys. These waterways have carved modest valleys and created alluvial deposits in some areas, contributing to variations in soil depth and composition. Agricultural use dominates much of the landscape, with fields of corn, beans, and other crops occupying both hillside terraces and valley floors. The existing land use patterns reflect the topographical constraints, with steeper slopes often left in natural vegetation or used for grazing, while flatter areas have been converted to cropland. Small rural communities are scattered throughout the region, typically positioned on elevated sites that avoid flood-prone valley bottoms while remaining accessible to agricultural areas.

Optimal Areas for Large-Scale Solar Development

The most suitable locations for large-scale solar photovoltaic installations would be found on the broader, relatively flat plateau areas and gentle slopes that exist southeast and southwest of Los Reyes. These areas offer several advantages including stable ground conditions, minimal grading requirements, and reduced risk of shading from adjacent terrain features. The volcanic soils in these flatter areas typically provide good drainage while maintaining sufficient stability for solar mounting systems. Areas with south-facing slopes of five to fifteen degrees would be particularly well-suited, as they can maximize solar exposure while remaining economically feasible for construction and maintenance access. The region's existing agricultural areas on flatter terrain could potentially be repurposed for solar development, especially fields that are currently underutilized or marginally productive. The plateau areas located within a few kilometers of Los Reyes present the best combination of suitable topography, accessibility, and proximity to existing infrastructure. These locations avoid the steeper mountainous terrain to the north while staying clear of the more dissected valley areas where irregular topography would complicate large-scale installation layouts. The moderate elevation of these sites also provides benefits in terms of equipment performance and maintenance accessibility throughout the year.

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!

Citation Guide

Article Details for Citation

Tell Us About Your Work

We love seeing how our research helps others! If you've cited this article in your work, we'd be delighted to hear about it. Drop us a line via our Contact Us page or on X, to share where you've used our information - we may feature a link to your work on our site. This helps create a network of valuable resources for others in the solar energy community and helps us understand how our research is contributing to the field. Plus, we occasionally highlight exceptional works that reference our research on our social media channels.

Feeling generous?

Share this with your friends!

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.