Tepeapulco, Hidalgo, Mexico, situated at latitude 19.8169 and longitude -98.4962, presents a favorable location for solar energy generation throughout the year. This tropical setting benefits from consistent sunlight, with seasonal variations primarily characterized by wet and dry periods rather than significant temperature fluctuations.

Seasonal Solar Performance

The solar energy output in Tepeapulco demonstrates remarkable consistency across seasons, with a notable peak during spring. In summer, the average daily electricity generation is 5.83 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Autumn sees a slight dip to 5.63 kWh/day, while winter performance improves to 5.91 kWh/day. The most productive season is spring, with an impressive 7.23 kWh/day output. This pattern indicates that Tepeapulco is an excellent location for year-round solar energy production, with spring being the optimal time for maximum energy generation. The relatively small variations between seasons suggest a reliable and steady energy supply throughout the year, making it an ideal site for solar PV installations.

Optimal Panel Orientation

For fixed solar panel installations in Tepeapulco, Hidalgo, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round energy production is 19 degrees facing south. This angle is calculated based on the location's latitude and takes into account the Earth's elliptical orbit and daily solar elevation angles. By setting panels at this optimal angle, owners can ensure they capture the maximum amount of solar energy throughout the year.

Environmental Considerations

While Tepeapulco's climate is generally favorable for solar energy production, there are a few environmental factors to consider: 1. Dust and pollution: The region may experience periods of increased dust, particularly during dry seasons. Regular cleaning of solar panels is recommended to maintain optimal efficiency. 2. Rainfall: During the wet season, heavy rains could temporarily reduce solar output. Installing panels with good drainage and using water-resistant components can mitigate this issue. To address these factors, implementing a regular maintenance schedule, including panel cleaning and system checks, is crucial. Additionally, using high-quality, weather-resistant solar equipment designed for tropical climates can help ensure consistent energy production throughout the year. In conclusion, Tepeapulco's location offers excellent potential for solar energy generation, with minimal seasonal fluctuations and a high average daily output. By optimizing panel orientation and addressing minor environmental challenges, solar PV systems in this area can provide a reliable and sustainable energy source year-round.

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 Tepeapulco

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 19.8169, Longitude: -98.4962 (Tepeapulco, 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 Tepeapulco, Mexico

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Tepeapulco, Mexico (Lat/Long 19.8169, -98.4962) 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 Tepeapulco, 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 Tepeapulco, 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	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 Tepeapulco, 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 Tepeapulco, 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 Tepeapulco, Mexico

The area around Tepeapulco, Mexico, is characterized by a diverse and interesting topography. Located in the eastern part of the state of Hidalgo, Tepeapulco sits at an elevation of approximately 2,500 meters (8,200 feet) above sea level. The surrounding landscape is part of the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt, which gives the region its distinctive features.

To the north and east of Tepeapulco, you'll find relatively flat plains and rolling hills. These areas are part of the Apan Plains, a high plateau region known for its agricultural activities. The terrain here is generally open and gently undulating, with occasional small hills and shallow valleys.

As you move towards the west and southwest, the landscape becomes more rugged and mountainous. The nearby Sierra de Tepotzotlán mountain range dominates this part of the region, with peaks reaching heights of over 3,000 meters (9,800 feet). These mountains create a dramatic backdrop to the area and contribute to its varied climate and ecosystems.

To the south, you'll encounter a mix of hills and valleys, with some areas featuring more pronounced elevation changes. This transitional zone between the plains and the mountains offers a blend of different topographical features.

Regarding areas suitable for large-scale solar PV installations, the flat to gently sloping terrain of the Apan Plains to the north and east of Tepeapulco would be most appropriate. These areas offer several advantages for solar energy development:

1. The relatively level ground makes construction and installation easier and more cost-effective.
2. There are fewer natural obstacles that could cast shadows on solar panels, maximizing sun exposure throughout the day.
3. The open landscape allows for larger, uninterrupted arrays of solar panels.
4. The high elevation of the region means clearer air and potentially more intense sunlight, which can increase the efficiency of solar panels.

While the mountainous areas to the west and southwest might receive good sunlight due to their elevation, the steep and uneven terrain would make large-scale solar installations more challenging and expensive. The southern areas with mixed topography could potentially accommodate some solar projects, but careful site selection would be necessary to find sufficiently large, flat areas.

It's important to note that any large-scale solar PV project would require detailed site-specific studies, including solar radiation measurements, environmental impact assessments, and grid connection feasibility analyses, before proceeding with development.

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.