Solar Energy Potential in Metepec, México, Mexico

Metepec, México, Mexico, located at latitude 19.2453° N and longitude 99.5911° W, offers excellent conditions for solar photovoltaic (PV) energy generation throughout the year. This tropical location benefits from consistent sunlight patterns that make it highly suitable for solar power installations. The seasonal solar production data reveals impressive energy generation potential across all four seasons. Spring stands out as the most productive period, with panels generating approximately 7.24 kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed capacity. Winter follows as the second most productive season with 5.89 kWh/day, while summer and autumn deliver 5.71 kWh/day and 5.48 kWh/day respectively.

Optimal Panel Positioning

For fixed solar panel installations in Metepec, México, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round energy production is 19 degrees facing South. This specific angle has been calculated based on the location's latitude and seasonal solar patterns, taking into account the Earth's elliptical orbit and the resulting variations in solar intensity throughout the year.

Environmental and Weather Considerations

Despite the favorable conditions, several factors could potentially affect solar production in Metepec:

• The region experiences a rainy season (typically June through September), which can temporarily reduce solar output due to cloud cover.
• Air pollution from nearby Mexico City can occasionally reduce solar irradiance, particularly during winter months when thermal inversions are more common.
• Dust accumulation is a concern in this semi-arid region, especially during the dry season.

Preventative Measures

To optimize solar production in Metepec, México, consider implementing these preventative measures:

• Install self-cleaning panels or establish a regular cleaning schedule, particularly during the dry season when dust accumulation is highest.
• Use microinverters or power optimizers to minimize production losses from partial shading caused by clouds or pollution.
• Consider a slight adjustment to the standard tilt angle during installation to account for the particularly productive spring months.
• Implement a robust mounting system that can withstand occasional heavy rainfall during the wet season.

Overall, Metepec offers excellent conditions for solar power generation with strong production across all seasons, making it an ideal location for year-round solar energy harvesting when proper installation practices are followed.

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 Metepec

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 19.2453, Longitude: -99.5911 (Metepec, 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 Metepec, Mexico

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Metepec, Mexico (Lat/Long 19.2453, -99.5911) 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 Metepec, 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 Metepec, 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	25° 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 Metepec, 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 Metepec, 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 Metepec, Mexico

Metepec, located in the State of Mexico, sits within the Valley of Toluca, part of the broader Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt. The topography of this region is characterized by a high-altitude plateau with an elevation of approximately 2,600 meters (8,530 feet) above sea level. This central Mexican highland area features a mix of flat valley floors surrounded by impressive volcanic features, including the nearby Nevado de Toluca volcano which dominates the southwestern horizon. The immediate terrain around Metepec is predominantly flat to gently rolling, making it part of the fertile agricultural basin that has supported human settlement for centuries. Moving outward from the urban center, the landscape gradually transitions to more undulating terrain, particularly toward the west and south where foothills begin to rise.

Surrounding Topographical Features

To the east of Metepec lies the expansive Valley of Mexico, separated by the Sierra de Las Cruces mountain range. This natural barrier creates distinct climatic and topographical zones between the Valley of Toluca and the Valley of Mexico. The northern areas remain relatively flat, extending toward Lerma and the industrial corridors that connect to Mexico City. The western and southwestern regions present more varied terrain, with increasing elevation as one approaches the Nevado de Toluca volcano. This dormant volcano, also known as Xinantécatl, reaches an altitude of 4,680 meters (15,354 feet) and significantly influences the regional landscape and climate patterns.

Solar PV Potential in the Region

For large-scale solar photovoltaic installations, the flat to gently sloping areas north and northeast of Metepec present the most favorable topographical conditions. These areas combine several advantageous features: relatively level terrain that minimizes construction challenges and costs, good solar exposure without significant mountain shadowing, and proximity to existing transmission infrastructure that connects to major urban centers. The agricultural plains extending toward Lerma and Toluca offer substantial contiguous land areas that could accommodate utility-scale solar developments. These northern zones benefit from reduced morning fog compared to areas closer to the volcanic slopes, where orographic effects can sometimes reduce early day insolation. Areas to avoid would include the western slopes with increasing elevation, where terrain becomes more complex and land preparation costs would rise significantly. Similarly, the densely populated urban corridors between Metepec and Toluca present obvious limitations for large-scale installations. The southeastern sectors beyond Metepec also show promise for solar development, featuring relatively flat terrain with good drainage characteristics. These areas receive consistent solar radiation throughout the year, benefiting from the high-altitude, clear-air environment that characterizes the central Mexican plateau. The reduced atmospheric interference at this elevation enhances direct solar radiation, potentially improving photovoltaic performance compared to lower-lying regions. Overall, the topographical setting of Metepec provides numerous viable options for solar PV development, with the most suitable areas being those that combine flat terrain, minimal shadowing from mountain features, and reasonable proximity to existing electrical infrastructure.

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.