Solar PV Analysis of Ermesinde, Portugal
Ermesinde, Porto, Portugal, located at latitude 41.2236 and longitude -8.5519, offers a moderate potential for solar energy generation throughout the year. This Northern Temperate Zone location experiences significant seasonal variations in solar output, which impacts the effectiveness of photovoltaic (PV) systems.
Seasonal Solar Performance
The solar energy production in Ermesinde varies considerably across the seasons. Summer stands out as the most productive period, with an average daily output of 7.43 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely, generating 6.09 kWh/day. Autumn sees a noticeable decline to 3.97 kWh/day, while winter experiences the lowest output at 2.19 kWh/day.
These figures indicate that Ermesinde's location is particularly favorable for solar energy generation during the warmer months, from late spring through early autumn. This period offers longer daylight hours and more direct sunlight, maximizing the efficiency of solar panels.
Optimal Panel Installation
To maximize year-round solar energy production in Ermesinde, Porto, 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 location's latitude and the Earth's elliptical orbit.
Environmental Considerations
While Ermesinde's climate is generally conducive to solar energy production, there are some factors that could potentially impact system performance:
- Rainfall: The region experiences moderate rainfall, particularly in autumn and winter. Regular cleaning of panels may be necessary to maintain optimal efficiency.
- Fog: Coastal fog can occasionally reduce solar irradiance, especially in the morning hours.
To mitigate these factors, consider installing self-cleaning panels or implementing a regular maintenance schedule. Additionally, using high-quality, weather-resistant materials for the installation can help ensure longevity and consistent performance of the solar PV system.
In conclusion, while Ermesinde's location presents some challenges for year-round solar energy production, particularly in winter, it still offers substantial potential, especially during the warmer months. With proper installation and maintenance, a solar PV system in this area can provide a significant contribution to renewable energy generation.
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 Ermesinde
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 41.2236, Longitude: -8.5519 (Ermesinde, 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 Ermesinde, Portugal
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Ermesinde, Portugal (Lat/Long 41.2236, -8.5519) 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 Ermesinde, 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 Ermesinde, 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 | 46° South in Autumn | 56° South in Winter | 34° 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 Ermesinde, 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 Ermesinde, 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 Ermesinde, Portugal
The area around Ermesinde, Portugal, is characterized by a diverse and gently undulating topography. Located in the northern part of the country, this region features a mix of low hills, shallow valleys, and relatively flat areas. The landscape is typical of the transition zone between the coastal plains and the more mountainous interior of northern Portugal.
Ermesinde itself sits at an elevation of about 140 meters (460 feet) above sea level. As you move outward from the town, you'll find a patchwork of agricultural fields, small forests, and residential areas interspersed with gentle slopes and minor elevations. The terrain gradually becomes more hilly as you head east towards the Douro Valley, while to the west, it tends to flatten out as it approaches the Atlantic coast.
Several small rivers and streams crisscross the region, contributing to the varied topography. The Leça River, for instance, flows near Ermesinde, carving shallow valleys in the landscape. These waterways have, over time, shaped the local terrain, creating a series of rolling hills and plateaus.
Regarding areas nearby that would be most suited for large-scale solar PV (photovoltaic) installations, there are a few factors to consider:
The most promising locations would be the flatter, open areas to the west and southwest of Ermesinde. These regions, closer to the coast, tend to have more expansive, level terrain that could accommodate large solar arrays. The municipalities of Maia and Matosinhos, for example, have areas that might be suitable.
Some of the gently sloping hillsides facing south or southwest could also be good candidates for solar installations. These areas receive more direct sunlight throughout the day, potentially increasing the efficiency of solar panels. However, care would need to be taken to avoid steep slopes or areas prone to shadowing from nearby hills.
It's important to note that while the topography is favorable in many areas, other factors such as land use, proximity to power infrastructure, and environmental considerations would also play crucial roles in determining the best locations for large-scale solar projects. Additionally, as Portugal has a strong agricultural sector, balancing the need for renewable energy with preserving farmland would be an important consideration in this region.
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: Wednesday 9th of October 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.
