Metepec, Mexico presents a very good location for year-round solar energy generation. Located in the tropics at coordinates 20.2994, -98.3339, this area benefits from consistent sunlight throughout most of the year, with seasons typically defined by wet and dry periods rather than dramatic temperature variations.

Solar Energy Production Potential

The solar energy output data shows that Metepec offers reliable electricity generation throughout all seasons. Spring emerges as the most productive period, generating 6.63 kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed solar capacity. Summer follows closely with 5.76 kWh/day per kW, while autumn and winter show more modest but still substantial outputs of 5.07 and 5.04 kWh/day per kW respectively. This seasonal pattern indicates that the dry season months (typically spring and early summer) provide optimal conditions for solar generation, while the wet season months show slightly reduced but still commercially viable production levels.

Optimal Panel Installation

For maximum year-round energy production at this Metepec location, solar panels should be installed at a fixed tilt angle of 19 degrees facing south. This angle has been calculated to optimize total annual solar output by accounting for the sun's varying position throughout the year and weighting these positions against actual solar irradiance data.

Environmental and Weather Factors

Several local factors could potentially impact solar energy production in Metepec and require consideration during installation:

• Seasonal rainfall: The wet season brings increased cloud cover and atmospheric moisture, which can reduce solar irradiance reaching the panels
• Dust and particulate matter: Mexico's central plateau region can experience dust storms and air pollution that accumulate on panel surfaces
• Hail potential: Tropical regions occasionally experience severe weather including hail that could damage solar installations
• High humidity: Tropical humidity levels may affect electrical components and connections over time

Preventative Measures

To maximize energy production and system longevity in Metepec's environment, several installation strategies should be implemented. Regular cleaning schedules become essential, particularly during dry periods when dust accumulation is highest and following the wet season when organic matter may collect on panels. Installing panels with adequate ventilation spacing helps combat humidity-related issues and prevents overheating. Using marine-grade electrical components and weatherproof enclosures protects against moisture infiltration during heavy rainfall periods. Hail protection can be achieved through impact-resistant glass panels or protective screening systems. Additionally, proper drainage systems around the installation prevent water pooling that could lead to electrical issues or structural problems. Monitoring systems prove particularly valuable in this environment, allowing for quick identification of performance drops that might indicate cleaning needs or weather-related damage requiring attention.

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, Hidalgo

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 20.2994, Longitude: -98.3339 (Metepec, Hidalgo, 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, Hidalgo, Mexico

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Metepec, Hidalgo, Mexico (Lat/Long 20.2994, -98.3339) 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, Hidalgo, 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, Hidalgo, 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
5° South in Summer	26° South in Autumn	36° South in Winter	14° 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, Hidalgo, 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, Hidalgo, 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, Hidalgo, Mexico

Topographic Features Around Metepec

Metepec sits in the central highlands of Mexico within the State of Mexico, positioned at an elevation of approximately 2,600 meters above sea level in the Toluca Valley. This location places it on the Mexican Plateau, a vast elevated region that characterizes much of central Mexico. The surrounding landscape is predominantly mountainous, with the area nestled between significant volcanic peaks and ridges that form part of the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt.

The immediate terrain around Metepec features rolling hills and gentle slopes that gradually transition into steeper mountainous areas. To the south and southwest, the landscape rises toward the Nevado de Toluca, an extinct stratovolcano that dominates the regional topography. The northern areas tend to be somewhat flatter, extending toward the broader Toluca Valley floor, while eastern and western directions show more varied elevation changes with a mix of hills and small valleys.

The region experiences a temperate highland climate typical of Mexico's central plateau, with the elevation contributing to cooler temperatures than might be expected at this latitude. The topography creates natural drainage patterns that flow generally northward toward the Lerma River system, with several small streams and seasonal watercourses cutting through the landscape.

Optimal Areas for Large-Scale Solar Development

The most promising locations for extensive solar photovoltaic installations lie in the flatter portions of the Toluca Valley, particularly to the north and northeast of Metepec. These areas offer relatively level terrain that minimizes grading and construction costs while providing adequate space for large arrays. The valley floor extends for considerable distances in these directions, creating opportunities for utility-scale developments without the complications of steep slopes or significant elevation changes.

The gentle rolling hills to the northwest also present excellent potential, especially south-facing slopes that can maximize solar exposure throughout the day. These elevated positions often experience fewer issues with fog and atmospheric moisture that can occasionally affect the valley floor, while still maintaining reasonable accessibility for construction and maintenance equipment.

Areas closer to existing infrastructure corridors would be particularly advantageous, as the region benefits from proximity to major transportation routes connecting to Mexico City and other urban centers. The relatively stable geology of the volcanic plateau provides good foundation conditions for solar mounting systems, though proper geological surveys would be essential given the volcanic nature of the underlying bedrock.

Locations with minimal existing agricultural use or those on marginal lands would be preferable to avoid conflicts with food production. The higher elevation of the region actually works in favor of solar panel efficiency, as photovoltaic systems typically perform better in cooler temperatures despite the strong solar irradiance available at this latitude and elevation.

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.