Alverca do Ribatejo, Portugal, situated at coordinates 38.8979, -9.035 in the Northern Temperate Zone, presents a promising location for solar PV energy generation with notable seasonal variations in output potential.

Seasonal Solar Production

The solar energy production at this location follows a predictable seasonal pattern. Summer stands out as the most productive period, generating an impressive 7.69kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed capacity. Spring follows as the second most productive season with 6.38kWh/day, while autumn yields a moderate 4.46kWh/day. Winter, as expected, produces the least energy at 2.60kWh/day per kilowatt installed.

This seasonal variation creates a nearly 3:1 ratio between the best and worst producing months, which is significant but not extreme compared to locations further north in Europe.

Optimal Panel Installation

For fixed panel installations in Alverca do Ribatejo, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round energy production is 33 degrees facing South. This angle has been calculated to optimize annual solar capture based on the location's specific solar elevation patterns and weighted by daily PV potential.

Environmental and Weather Considerations

Several factors may affect solar production at this location. Portugal's Mediterranean climate brings hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters. The proximity to the Atlantic Ocean and the Tagus River might introduce morning fog or mist in certain seasons, temporarily reducing morning production.

Dust accumulation is another consideration in this region, particularly during the drier summer months when agricultural activity and occasional Saharan dust events can deposit particulate matter on panels. Additionally, the area experiences occasional heatwaves during summer, which can slightly reduce panel efficiency when temperatures exceed 25°C.

Preventative Measures

To maximize solar production at this location, consider implementing these strategies:

• Install panels with self-cleaning properties or implement a regular cleaning schedule, especially before peak production seasons
• Use temperature-resistant panels with good heat dissipation capabilities to minimize efficiency losses during summer heat
• Consider elevated mounting systems that allow air circulation beneath panels to reduce operating temperatures
• Implement a monitoring system to track performance and quickly identify any unexpected drops in production

Overall, Alverca do Ribatejo offers favorable conditions for solar energy production, with particularly strong generation potential from late spring through early autumn. While winter months produce significantly less energy, the annual average remains attractive for solar PV investments.

Note: The Northern Temperate Zone extends from 35° latitude North up to 66.5° latitude.

So far, we have conducted calculations to evaluate the solar photovoltaic (PV) potential in 179 locations across Portugal. This analysis provides insights into each city/location's potential for harnessing solar energy through PV installations.

Link: Solar PV potential in Portugal by location

Solar output per kW of installed solar PV by season in Alverca Do Ribatejo

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 38.8979, Longitude: -9.035 (Alverca Do Ribatejo, Portugal), 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 33° South in Alverca Do Ribatejo, Portugal

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Alverca Do Ribatejo, Portugal (Lat/Long 38.8979, -9.035) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 33° 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 Alverca Do Ribatejo, Portugal

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 Alverca Do Ribatejo, Portugal. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 33° South tilt angle throughout the year.

Overall Best Summer Angle	Overall Best Autumn Angle	Overall Best Winter Angle	Overall Best Spring Angle
23° South in Summer	43° South in Autumn	54° South in Winter	31° 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 Alverca Do Ribatejo, Portugal

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 Alverca Do Ribatejo, Portugal.

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 Alverca Do Ribatejo, Portugal

Topography of Alverca do Ribatejo

Alverca do Ribatejo is situated in a geographically diverse region of Portugal, approximately 15 kilometers northeast of Lisbon. The area showcases a transitional landscape between the Tagus River valley and the rolling hills that gradually rise toward the interior of Portugal. The town itself sits at a modest elevation of around 20-30 meters above sea level, positioned on the right bank of the Tagus River (Rio Tejo). This proximity to Portugal's longest river significantly influences the local topography. The immediate surroundings of Alverca feature relatively flat alluvial plains that were historically important for agriculture, particularly rice cultivation. Moving eastward from Alverca, the terrain begins to undulate more noticeably, with gentle hills rising to elevations between 100-200 meters. These hills form part of the broader transition zone between the coastal lowlands and the more rugged interior of Portugal. The landscape in this direction becomes increasingly characterized by Mediterranean scrubland vegetation interspersed with olive groves and cork oak forests. To the west of Alverca lies the Tagus estuary, with its expansive wetlands and marshes. This estuarine environment creates a distinct flat topography at essentially sea level, with some areas actually requiring drainage systems to remain dry. The northern vicinity of Alverca features more pronounced relief, with hills becoming progressively higher as one moves toward the Serra de Montejunto mountain range, which reaches heights of over 600 meters some distance from Alverca.

Solar PV Potential in the Region

The topographical characteristics of the Alverca region create several promising zones for large-scale solar photovoltaic installations. The most suitable areas for solar PV development include: The elevated plateaus east of Alverca offer excellent potential for solar energy capture. These areas benefit from good sun exposure throughout the day due to their elevated position and generally south-facing aspects. The gentle slopes in this zone also minimize the engineering challenges associated with installation while still providing sufficient drainage during rainfall events. The flat agricultural plains north and northeast of Alverca present another viable option for large-scale solar development. These expanses of relatively level ground would require minimal grading for installation, reducing construction costs. However, potential flood risk from the Tagus River would need careful assessment for installations in the lowest-lying areas. The gradually rising terrain to the southeast of Alverca, approaching Vila Franca de Xira, combines favorable topography with good solar exposure angles. These areas are sufficiently elevated to avoid flooding concerns while still being accessible for construction and maintenance vehicles. Some of the higher hills approximately 5-10 kilometers east of Alverca could support smaller but highly efficient solar installations. Their elevated position reduces morning fog effects that sometimes occur near the river valley, potentially increasing overall energy production efficiency. The least suitable areas for solar PV development would be the immediate wetlands of the Tagus estuary due to their ecological sensitivity and flood risk, as well as the steepest slopes of hills where installation would be technically challenging and potentially disruptive to natural drainage patterns. The moderate Mediterranean climate of the region, combined with its varied but generally favorable topography, makes the broader Alverca area a promising location for solar energy development, with multiple suitable sites available depending on specific project requirements and environmental considerations.

Portugal solar PV Stats as a country

Portugal ranks 32nd in the world for cumulative solar PV capacity, with 1,801 total MW's of solar PV installed. This means that 3.40% of Portugal's total energy as a country comes from solar PV (that's 23rd in the world). Each year Portugal is generating 174 Watts from solar PV per capita (Portugal ranks 29th in the world for solar PV Watts generated per capita). [source]

Are there incentives for businesses to install solar in Portugal?

Yes, there are several incentives for businesses wanting to install solar energy in Portugal. The Portuguese government offers a range of financial incentives and tax breaks for businesses that invest in renewable energy sources such as solar power. These include grants, loans, and tax credits. Additionally, the government has set up a feed-in tariff system which guarantees a fixed price for electricity generated from renewable sources such as solar power. This helps to make investing in solar energy more attractive to businesses.

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