Solar PV Analysis of Mexico, Philippines
The location in Mexico, Central Luzon, Philippines, situated at 15.0604 latitude and 120.7236 longitude, offers a favorable environment for solar energy production throughout the year. This tropical setting benefits from consistent sunlight, with seasons primarily distinguished by wet and dry periods rather than significant temperature fluctuations.
Solar energy generation at this location demonstrates remarkable consistency across meteorological seasons. Spring stands out as the most productive period, with an impressive daily output of 6.90 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. The other seasons maintain a steady performance, with Autumn yielding 5.37 kWh/day, Summer producing 5.33 kWh/day, and Winter generating 5.26 kWh/day.
For those considering a fixed panel installation at this site, the optimal tilt angle to maximize year-round solar production is 14 degrees facing South. This angle has been calculated to ensure the panels capture the maximum amount of sunlight throughout the year, taking into account the Earth's elliptical orbit and the location's specific latitude.
Environmental Considerations
While the location is generally ideal for solar energy production, there are a few environmental factors to consider:
- Typhoons: The Philippines is prone to tropical cyclones, which can potentially damage solar installations.
- Heavy rainfall: The wet season may lead to reduced sunlight and potential flooding.
To mitigate these risks, it's crucial to implement robust installation techniques. This includes using high-quality, weather-resistant solar panels and mounting systems designed to withstand strong winds. Additionally, ensuring proper drainage around the installation site can help prevent water accumulation during heavy rains.
Despite these considerations, the consistent solar output throughout the year makes this location in Mexico, Central Luzon, Philippines, an excellent choice for solar energy production. With appropriate preventative measures in place, the potential for generating clean, renewable energy remains high, contributing significantly to sustainable power solutions in the region.
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 Mexico
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 15.0604, Longitude: 120.7236 (Mexico, 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 14° South in Mexico, Philippines
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Mexico, Philippines (Lat/Long 15.0604, 120.7236) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 14° 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 Mexico, 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 Mexico, Philippines. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 14° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1° North in Summer | 21° South in Autumn | 31° South in Winter | 8° 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 Mexico, 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 Mexico, Philippines.
Our calculation method
- Solar Position:
We determine the Sun's position on the Winter solstice using the location's latitude and solar declination. - Shadow Projection:
We calculate the shadow length cast by panels using trigonometry, considering panel tilt and the Sun's elevation angle. - 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 Mexico, Philippines
The topography around Mexico and the specific location in the Philippines (15.0604, 120.7236) varies significantly, as these are two distinct regions separated by the Pacific Ocean.
Mexico
Mexico's topography is diverse and complex. The country is characterized by rugged mountains, expansive deserts, and coastal plains. The Sierra Madre mountain ranges run along both the eastern and western coasts, with a central plateau between them. This plateau, known as the Mexican Altiplano, gradually rises from north to south, reaching elevations of over 2,000 meters in some areas.
The northern part of Mexico features arid and semi-arid landscapes, including the Sonoran and Chihuahuan deserts. In contrast, the southern regions are more tropical, with dense rainforests in areas like Chiapas and the Yucatán Peninsula.
Philippines (15.0604, 120.7236)
The specified coordinates are located in the central part of Luzon, the largest island in the Philippines. This area is part of the Central Luzon region, which is characterized by a mix of plains, rolling hills, and mountains. The region is known for its extensive flatlands, particularly the Central Luzon Plain, which is one of the largest and most important agricultural areas in the country.
To the west of this location lies the Zambales Mountains, while to the east are the Sierra Madre Mountains. The area also features several rivers and is prone to occasional flooding during the rainy season.
Areas Suitable for Large-scale Solar PV
For large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations, areas with high solar irradiance, minimal cloud cover, and available land are ideal. In Mexico, the northern regions, particularly the Sonoran and Chihuahuan deserts, offer excellent conditions for solar PV. These areas receive abundant sunlight year-round and have vast expanses of relatively flat, unoccupied land.
In the Philippines, while the specified location in Central Luzon could potentially support solar PV installations, it may not be the most ideal due to its importance for agriculture and potential for cloud cover. However, other parts of the Philippines, such as the more arid regions in the Ilocos and Central Visayas, might be better suited for large-scale solar projects.
It's important to note that the suitability of an area for solar PV depends not only on topography and climate but also on factors such as land availability, grid connectivity, and local energy policies. A detailed site-specific assessment would be necessary to determine the most appropriate locations for large-scale solar PV projects in either country.
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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Article Details for Citation
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Monday 2nd of September 2024
Last Updated: Monday 2nd of September 2024
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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.
