Solar PV Analysis of Cambra, Portugal
Cambra, Viseu, Portugal, situated at latitude 40.682 and longitude -8.1571, offers a promising location for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. This Northern Temperate Zone location experiences significant seasonal variations in solar energy production, which is typical for regions at similar latitudes.
Seasonal Solar Energy Production
The solar energy output in Cambra varies considerably across the four meteorological seasons. Summer stands out as the most productive period, with an impressive 7.47 kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely, generating 6.07 kWh/day/kW. Autumn sees a noticeable decrease to 4.09 kWh/day/kW, while winter experiences the lowest output at 2.35 kWh/day/kW.
These figures indicate that Cambra is particularly well-suited for solar energy production during the warmer months, from late spring through early autumn. This period offers extended daylight hours and typically clearer skies, maximizing solar panel efficiency.
Optimal Panel Installation
To maximize year-round solar energy production in Cambra, Viseu, fixed solar panels should be installed at a tilt angle of 35 degrees facing south. This angle is calculated to optimize the panels' exposure to sunlight throughout the year, taking into account the Earth's elliptical orbit and Cambra's specific latitude.
Environmental and Weather Considerations
While Cambra generally offers favorable conditions for solar energy production, there are a few factors to consider:
- Occasional fog or mist, especially during autumn and winter mornings, may temporarily reduce solar panel efficiency.
- Dust and pollen accumulation on panels can slightly decrease their performance, particularly during spring and summer.
To mitigate these issues, regular cleaning of the solar panels is recommended, especially after prolonged dry periods. Additionally, installing panels at the optimal angle helps prevent water and debris accumulation, maintaining efficiency.
Overall, Cambra presents a highly suitable location for solar PV energy generation, with ample sunlight throughout most of the year and no significant environmental or weather-related impediments to solar production.
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 Cambra
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 40.682, Longitude: -8.1571 (Cambra, 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 35° South in Cambra, Portugal
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Cambra, Portugal (Lat/Long 40.682, -8.1571) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 35° 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 Cambra, 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 Cambra, Portugal. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 35° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25° South in Summer | 45° South in Autumn | 56° South in Winter | 33° 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 Cambra, 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 Cambra, Portugal.
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 Cambra, Portugal
The area around Cambra, Portugal, which is located at approximately 40.682 degrees north latitude and 8.1571 degrees west longitude, features a diverse and hilly topography typical of central Portugal. This region is characterized by rolling hills, small valleys, and scattered plateaus, creating a picturesque landscape that transitions between coastal and inland areas.
The terrain in this part of Portugal is generally undulating, with elevations ranging from about 200 to 600 meters above sea level. The area is part of the Beira Litoral region, which is known for its mix of agricultural lands, forests, and small urban centers. The nearby Serra do Caramulo mountain range adds to the varied topography, with some higher elevations to the east of Cambra.
Rivers and streams cut through the landscape, creating fertile valleys between the hills. These waterways have shaped the terrain over time, resulting in a patchwork of different elevations and slopes. The combination of hills and valleys creates a diverse microclimate in the region, influencing local weather patterns and vegetation.
Areas Suitable 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 for solar farms in this region would have the following characteristics:
1. South-facing slopes: Gentle hills with southern exposure would be optimal for capturing maximum sunlight throughout the day. These areas would likely be found on the northern sides of valleys or on the southern flanks of hills.
2. Open plateaus: Any relatively flat, elevated areas without significant tree cover would be well-suited for solar installations. These locations would offer unobstructed access to sunlight and easier construction conditions.
3. Agricultural land: Some of the less productive agricultural areas or fallow fields could be repurposed for solar farms, provided they meet other criteria such as good sun exposure and accessibility.
4. Areas near existing infrastructure: Locations close to roads and electrical grid connections would be more cost-effective for large-scale solar projects. The region around Cambra has a network of smaller roads that could potentially serve this purpose.
5. Lower elevation sites: While the entire area receives good solar radiation, lower elevation sites might be preferable to avoid potential issues with wind exposure and to simplify construction and maintenance.
It's important to note that detailed site surveys and environmental impact assessments would be necessary to determine the most suitable locations for large-scale solar PV installations in the area. Additionally, local regulations and land use policies would need to be considered before any development could take place.
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!
Citation Guide
Article Details for Citation
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Saturday 3rd of August 2024
Last Updated: Monday 21st of July 2025
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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.
