Aritao, Cagayan Valley, Philippines, situated in the tropics at coordinates 16.2964, 121.0426, offers a promising location for solar energy generation throughout the year. The consistent sunlight in this region, characterized more by wet and dry seasons than traditional seasons, provides a favorable environment for solar PV installations.

Seasonal Solar Performance

The solar energy output at this location varies across the meteorological seasons. Spring yields the highest production at 6.71 kWh per day for each kW of installed solar capacity. Summer follows closely with 6.02 kWh/day, while autumn sees a slight decrease to 4.74 kWh/day. Winter experiences the lowest output at 3.69 kWh/day, but still maintains a reasonable level of production.

Optimal Installation Angle

For fixed panel installations in Aritao, Cagayan Valley, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round solar production is 13 degrees facing South. This angle has been calculated considering various factors, including daily solar elevation angles, optimal panel tilt, and NASA's solar irradiance data, while accounting for the Earth's elliptical orbit.

Peak Generation Periods

The most productive times for solar energy generation in Aritao are during spring and summer. These seasons offer extended daylight hours and typically clearer skies, allowing for maximum solar exposure and energy production. However, the relatively high output during autumn and winter suggests that solar PV systems can remain effective throughout the year.

Environmental Considerations

While Aritao's tropical location is generally favorable for solar energy, there are some environmental factors to consider: 1. Typhoons: The Philippines is prone to tropical cyclones, which can potentially damage solar installations. 2. Heavy rainfall: The wet season may lead to reduced sunlight and increased cloud cover. To mitigate these risks, it's crucial to use high-quality, weather-resistant solar panels and mounting systems designed to withstand strong winds and heavy rain. Regular maintenance and cleaning of panels, especially during the wet season, can help maintain optimal performance. Additionally, implementing a robust monitoring system can help quickly identify and address any issues that may arise due to weather conditions. In conclusion, Aritao, Cagayan Valley, Philippines presents a highly suitable location for year-round solar energy production, with some seasonal variations. By addressing potential environmental challenges through proper installation and maintenance practices, solar PV systems in this area can provide a reliable and sustainable source of energy.

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

Link: Solar PV potential in Philippines by location

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

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 16.2964, Longitude: 121.0426 (Aritao, Philippines), 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 13° South in Aritao, Philippines

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Aritao, Philippines (Lat/Long 16.2964, 121.0426) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 13° 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 Aritao, Philippines

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 Aritao, Philippines. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 13° South tilt angle throughout the year.

Overall Best Summer Angle	Overall Best Autumn Angle	Overall Best Winter Angle	Overall Best Spring Angle
0° in Summer	22° South in Autumn	31° South in Winter	9° 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 Aritao, Philippines

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 Aritao, Philippines.

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 Aritao, Philippines

The topography around Aritao, Philippines, is characterized by a diverse landscape that combines rolling hills, expansive valleys, and mountainous terrain. Located in the province of Nueva Vizcaya on the island of Luzon, Aritao sits at the foothills of the Cordillera Central mountain range. The area is predominantly rural, with a mix of agricultural lands and forested regions. To the west of Aritao, the land gradually rises into the Cordillera mountains, creating a picturesque backdrop of rugged peaks and steep slopes. These mountains are covered in lush vegetation, including tropical rainforests and pine forests at higher elevations. The eastern side of Aritao opens up into broader valleys and gentler hills, where much of the agricultural activity takes place. The Magat River, a major waterway in the region, flows near Aritao, contributing to the area's fertile soil and providing water for irrigation. The river valley creates a relatively flat expanse amidst the surrounding hilly terrain, with some areas prone to flooding during the rainy season.

Potential for Large-Scale Solar PV

When considering areas nearby that would be most suited to large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations, several factors come into play. The ideal locations would have ample sunlight exposure, relatively flat terrain, and minimal environmental impact. The eastern valleys near Aritao present promising opportunities for solar PV development. These areas offer more level ground, which is crucial for the efficient installation and maintenance of solar panels. The open spaces in the agricultural regions could potentially accommodate large solar arrays without significant land clearing or disruption to natural habitats. Some of the gently sloping hillsides to the east and southeast of Aritao might also be suitable for solar farms. These locations could benefit from good sun exposure throughout the day, although careful planning would be necessary to address potential erosion and drainage issues. It's important to note that while the mountainous regions to the west receive ample sunlight, their steep slopes and dense forests make them less practical for large-scale solar installations. The costs and environmental impact of clearing these areas would likely outweigh the benefits. Any solar PV project in the region would need to consider the local climate, including the frequency of typhoons and heavy rainfall, which could affect the durability and efficiency of solar panels. Additionally, proximity to existing power infrastructure and local communities should be taken into account to maximize the benefits of such installations. In conclusion, while the varied topography around Aritao presents some challenges, the eastern valleys and gentler slopes offer promising locations for potential large-scale solar PV development, balancing the need for suitable terrain with environmental considerations and energy distribution practicalities.

Philippines solar PV Stats as a country

Philippines ranks 40th in the world for cumulative solar PV capacity, with 1,370 total MW's of solar PV installed. Each year Philippines is generating 13 Watts from solar PV per capita (Philippines ranks 71st in the world for solar PV Watts generated per capita). [source]

Are there incentives for businesses to install solar in Philippines?

Yes, there are several incentives for businesses wanting to install solar energy in the Philippines. These include:

1. The Feed-in Tariff (FiT) program, which provides a guaranteed rate of return on investments in renewable energy projects;

2. Tax credits and exemptions from certain taxes;

3. Net metering programs that allow businesses to sell excess electricity back to the grid;

4. Grants and loans from government agencies such as the Department of Energy and the Philippine Solar Power Alliance;

5. Technical assistance from organizations like USAID’s Clean Energy Program; and

6. Access to financing through banks, venture capital firms, or other sources of private capital.

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