Urubamba, Cuzco Department, Peru, situated at latitude -13.3114 and longitude -72.1167, offers a promising 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 changes in daylight hours.

Year-Round Solar Performance

The solar energy potential in Urubamba remains relatively stable across all seasons, with only minor fluctuations in daily electricity output per kilowatt of installed solar capacity:

• Spring: 5.75 kWh/day
• Summer: 5.51 kWh/day
• Autumn: 5.24 kWh/day
• Winter: 5.70 kWh/day

This consistency makes Urubamba an ideal location for year-round solar energy production. The slight variations between seasons suggest that energy generation remains robust throughout the year, with spring and winter offering marginally higher outputs.

Optimal Panel Placement

For fixed solar panel installations in Urubamba, Cuzco Department, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round energy production is 14 degrees facing North. This angle has been calculated to optimize solar capture across all seasons, taking into account the Earth's elliptical orbit and the location's specific latitude.

Environmental Considerations

While Urubamba's climate is generally favorable for solar energy production, there are some environmental factors to consider. The region experiences a rainy season, typically from November to March, which could potentially impact solar efficiency. To mitigate this, installers should ensure proper waterproofing and drainage systems for the solar panels.

Additionally, Urubamba's location in the Andes mountains means it can experience occasional cloud cover and fog, particularly in the mornings. To maximize energy production, consider installing panels with high performance in diffuse light conditions and implement a robust cleaning schedule to prevent dust and debris accumulation.

Overall, Urubamba presents an excellent opportunity for solar energy generation, with its consistent year-round sunlight and minimal seasonal variations. By addressing the few environmental challenges through proper installation techniques and maintenance, solar PV systems in this location can achieve optimal performance throughout the year.

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 47 locations across Peru. This analysis provides insights into each city/location's potential for harnessing solar energy through PV installations.

Link: Solar PV potential in Peru by location

Solar output per kW of installed solar PV by season in Urubamba

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: -13.3114, Longitude: -72.1167 (Urubamba, Peru), 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:

Average 5.51kWh/day in Summer.

Average 5.24kWh/day in Autumn.

Average 5.70kWh/day in Winter.

Average 5.75kWh/day in Spring.

Ideally tilt fixed solar panels 14° North in Urubamba, Peru

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Urubamba, Peru (Lat/Long -13.3114, -72.1167) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 14° North 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.

At Latitude: -13.3114, Longitude: -72.1167, the ideal angle to tilt panels is 14° North

Seasonally adjusted solar panel tilt angles for Urubamba, Peru

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 Urubamba, Peru. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 14° North tilt angle throughout the year.

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 Urubamba, Peru

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 Urubamba, Peru.

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 Urubamba, Peru

The topography around Urubamba, Peru is characterized by dramatic and varied landscapes typical of the Sacred Valley region. Urubamba sits at an elevation of about 2,870 meters (9,420 feet) above sea level, nestled in a wide valley surrounded by towering mountains.

The Urubamba River flows through the center of the valley, creating a lush, fertile area that has been cultivated for centuries. The valley floor is relatively flat, with gentle slopes rising from the river. This area is primarily used for agriculture, with fields of corn, quinoa, and other crops stretching across the landscape.

As you move away from the river, the terrain becomes more rugged and steep. The valley is flanked on both sides by the impressive Andes Mountains, with some peaks in the vicinity reaching heights of over 5,000 meters (16,400 feet). These mountains feature steep, rocky slopes, often covered in hardy vegetation adapted to the high-altitude environment.

For large-scale solar PV installations, the most suitable areas would likely be found on the valley floor and lower slopes surrounding Urubamba. These areas offer several advantages:

1. They receive ample sunlight throughout the year, as the high-altitude location means clearer skies and less atmospheric interference.
2. The relatively flat terrain of the valley floor would make construction and maintenance of solar arrays easier and more cost-effective.
3. Lower slopes of the surrounding mountains, particularly those facing south (in the Southern Hemisphere, north-facing slopes receive more direct sunlight), could also be suitable if they are not too steep.

However, it's important to note that the Sacred Valley is an area of immense cultural and historical significance, home to numerous Incan ruins and traditional communities. Any large-scale solar development would need to be carefully planned to minimize impact on these important sites and the local ecosystem. Additionally, the agricultural importance of the valley floor might limit the available land for solar installations, potentially making the lower mountain slopes a more viable option despite the more challenging terrain.

Peru solar PV Stats as a country

Peru ranks 62nd in the world for cumulative solar PV capacity, with 336 total MW's of solar PV installed. Each year Peru is generating 10 Watts from solar PV per capita (Peru ranks 74th in the world for solar PV Watts generated per capita). [source]

Are there incentives for businesses to install solar in Peru?

Yes, there are several incentives for businesses wanting to install solar energy in Peru. The Peruvian government offers a range of financial incentives and tax breaks for businesses that invest in renewable energy projects. These include grants, loans, and tax credits. Additionally, the government has established a Renewable Energy Promotion Fund (FIPER) which provides subsidies to companies investing in renewable energy projects. Furthermore, the Ministry of Energy and Mines has created an incentive program called “Solar Peru” which provides additional funding for solar projects. Finally, the National Photovoltaic Program (PNV) provides technical assistance and training to businesses interested in installing solar systems.

Do you have more up to date information than this on incentives towards solar PV projects in Peru? 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.

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