Cartaxo, Santarém, Portugal, located at 39.1586° N, -8.7876° W, offers a promising location for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. Situated in the Northern Temperate Zone, this area experiences distinct seasonal variations in solar energy production.

Seasonal Solar Output

Solar energy production in Cartaxo peaks during the summer months, with an impressive average daily output of 7.87 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows as the second most productive season, generating 6.02 kWh/day. Autumn sees a moderate decrease in output at 4.28 kWh/day, while winter experiences the lowest production at 2.43 kWh/day.

The substantial difference between summer and winter output highlights the region's seasonal variability. However, even during the least productive winter months, the area still maintains a reasonable level of solar energy generation.

Optimal Panel Placement

For fixed panel installations in Cartaxo, Santarém, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round solar production is 33 degrees facing South. This angle has been calculated considering various factors, including daily solar elevation angles, optimal panel tilt, and weighted by daily PV potential using NASA's solar irradiance data.

Environmental Considerations

While Cartaxo generally provides favorable conditions for solar energy production, there are a few environmental factors to consider:

• Dust and pollen: The region's agricultural activities may lead to increased dust and pollen in the air, potentially affecting panel efficiency.
• Occasional fog: Being relatively close to the Atlantic coast, Cartaxo may experience fog, particularly in the cooler months.

To mitigate these factors, regular panel cleaning and maintenance should be implemented. Additionally, installing panels at the optimal angle helps maximize exposure and minimize the impact of morning fog. Overall, with proper installation and maintenance, Cartaxo presents an excellent location for year-round solar energy 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 Cartaxo

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 39.1586, Longitude: -8.7876 (Cartaxo, 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:

Average 7.87kWh/day in Summer.

Average 4.28kWh/day in Autumn.

Average 2.43kWh/day in Winter.

Average 6.02kWh/day in Spring.

Ideally tilt fixed solar panels 33° South in Cartaxo, Portugal

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Cartaxo, Portugal (Lat/Long 39.1586, -8.7876) 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.

At Latitude: 39.1586, Longitude: -8.7876, the ideal angle to tilt panels is 33° South

Seasonally adjusted solar panel tilt angles for Cartaxo, 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 Cartaxo, Portugal. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 33° South tilt angle throughout the year.

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 Cartaxo, 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 Cartaxo, 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 Cartaxo, Portugal

The area around Cartaxo, Portugal, is characterized by a diverse and gently undulating landscape. Located in the Ribatejo region, this part of central Portugal features a mix of low-lying plains and rolling hills. The town itself sits on relatively flat terrain, but as you move outward, the landscape becomes more varied.

To the east of Cartaxo, the land gradually slopes down towards the Tejo (Tagus) River, forming a broad, fertile valley known as the Lezíria do Tejo. This alluvial plain is predominantly flat and is extensively used for agriculture. The western side of Cartaxo sees a gradual increase in elevation, with gentle hills and small valleys creating a more textured landscape.

The region's climate is Mediterranean, with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. This climate, combined with the topography, has shaped the land use patterns, with a mix of vineyards, olive groves, and other agricultural activities dominating the rural areas.

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

1. The flat terrain of the Tejo Valley provides ample space for large solar arrays without the need for significant land modification.
2. The open nature of the landscape means there are fewer natural obstacles that could cast shadows on solar panels.
3. The region receives abundant sunshine throughout the year, making it ideal for solar energy production.
4. The proximity to the Tejo River could potentially provide water resources needed for panel cleaning and maintenance.

However, it's important to note that much of this land is currently used for agriculture, so any large-scale solar development would need to be balanced against agricultural needs. The gently rolling hills to the west of Cartaxo could also be suitable for solar PV, although they might require more careful planning and potentially more expensive installation due to the varied terrain.

Before any development, detailed site-specific studies would be necessary to determine the most appropriate locations, taking into account factors such as local zoning laws, grid connection possibilities, 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.

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