The location in Barreiro, Setúbal, Portugal, situated at latitude 38.6661 and longitude -9.0759, offers a promising environment for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. This Northern Temperate Zone location experiences significant seasonal variations in solar energy production, with peak performance during the summer months.

Seasonal Solar Output

Solar energy production in Barreiro fluctuates considerably across the seasons. Summer stands out as the most productive period, with an impressive daily output of 7.69 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely, generating 6.41 kWh per day. Autumn sees a moderate decline to 4.52 kWh daily, while winter experiences the lowest output at 2.66 kWh per day. The substantial difference between summer and winter production highlights the importance of proper system sizing to ensure adequate energy supply during the less productive months. Despite the winter dip, Barreiro's location still allows for year-round solar energy generation, making it a viable option for renewable energy investment.

Optimal Panel Tilt

For fixed panel installations in Barreiro, Setúbal, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round solar production is 33 degrees facing South. This angle optimizes the panels' exposure to sunlight throughout the year, balancing the varying sun positions across seasons.

Environmental Considerations

While Barreiro's climate is generally favorable for solar energy production, there are a few environmental factors to consider: 1. Coastal proximity: Barreiro's location near the Atlantic coast may expose solar panels to salt air, potentially accelerating corrosion. Using corrosion-resistant materials and applying protective coatings can mitigate this issue. 2. Occasional fog: The region may experience fog, particularly in the mornings. While not a significant impediment, it can temporarily reduce solar output. Installing panels at the optimal angle helps maximize exposure once the fog clears. 3. Dust and pollen: The area's vegetation and occasional dry spells can lead to dust and pollen accumulation on panels. Regular cleaning and maintenance can prevent this from affecting energy production. These factors, while worth considering, are not major obstacles to solar energy production in Barreiro. With proper installation techniques and maintenance practices, solar PV systems in this location can operate efficiently and provide a substantial contribution to renewable energy needs.

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 Barreiro

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 38.6661, Longitude: -9.0759 (Barreiro, 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 Barreiro, Portugal

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Barreiro, Portugal (Lat/Long 38.6661, -9.0759) 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 Barreiro, 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 Barreiro, 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
22° 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 Barreiro, 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 Barreiro, 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 Barreiro, Portugal

The topography around Barreiro, Portugal is characterized by relatively flat terrain with some gentle undulations. Barreiro is located on the southern bank of the Tagus River estuary, opposite Lisbon. The area is part of a broader coastal plain that extends along much of Portugal's western coast.

The immediate vicinity of Barreiro is predominantly low-lying, with elevations generally ranging from sea level to about 30 meters above sea level. As you move slightly inland and to the south, the terrain becomes more varied, with small hills and shallow valleys. However, there are no significant mountains or steep slopes in the immediate area.

To the east and southeast of Barreiro, the landscape gradually transitions into the rolling hills of the Setúbal Peninsula. This area features a mix of agricultural land, cork oak forests, and some more rugged terrain, especially as you approach the Arrábida Natural Park further to the south.

For large-scale solar PV installations, the areas most suited would likely be found to the east and southeast of Barreiro. These regions offer several advantages:

1. They have slightly higher elevations, which can provide better exposure to sunlight throughout the day.
2. The gently rolling terrain offers more options for optimal panel placement and orientation.
3. These areas are less densely populated than Barreiro itself, potentially providing more available land for large installations.
4. The region already has some industrial development, which could mean easier access to necessary infrastructure.

Specifically, the areas around the towns of Palmela and Pinhal Novo, located about 15-20 kilometers southeast of Barreiro, could be promising locations. These areas have a good balance of open space, slightly elevated terrain, and proximity to existing infrastructure.

It's important to note that while the topography is favorable, any large-scale solar PV project would need to consider other factors such as local zoning laws, environmental regulations, grid connection possibilities, and potential impacts on local ecosystems or agricultural land use.

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.