Solar PV Analysis of Loule, Portugal
Located in the Northern Temperate Zone, Loule, Faro, Portugal offers a favorable environment for solar power generation. The city's geographical coordinates (latitude: 37.1415 and longitude: -8.02) enable it to receive substantial sunlight throughout the year, making it an advantageous spot for solar energy harvesting.
During summer, Loule can produce an average of 8.23 kWh per day per kW of installed solar capacity due to longer daylight hours and more direct sunlight. As autumn approaches, the average daily output decreases slightly to 4.78 kWh per kW due to shorter days and lower sun angles.
Winter sees a further reduction in solar output with an average production of 2.82 kWh per day per kW owing primarily to shorter daylight hours and less intense sunlight; however, this is still significant enough for practical use.
As spring emerges with its increased daylight hours and higher sun angles, the city's potential solar power production rebounds to an impressive average of 6.70 kWh per day per kW.
For optimal energy harvest at this location, fixed-panel installations should be tilted at an angle of approximately 32 degrees facing southward towards the equator where they can capture maximum sunlight throughout the year.
Loule does not experience extreme weather conditions such as heavy rain or snowfall that could hinder efficient operation or cause damage to solar panels; however minor obstructions like dust accumulation on panels could slightly reduce their efficiency over time but can easily be mitigated through regular cleaning maintenance routines.
In conclusion, Loule’s mild climate coupled with its favorable latitude makes it well-suited for reliable year-round photovoltaic energy production without any significant impediments.
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 Loule
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 37.1415, Longitude: -8.02 (Loule, 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 32° South in Loule, Portugal
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Loule, Portugal (Lat/Long 37.1415, -8.02) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 32° 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 Loule, 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 Loule, Portugal. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 32° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 21° South in Summer | 41° South in Autumn | 52° South in Winter | 30° 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 Loule, 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 Loule, 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 Loule, Portugal
The topography around Loule, Portugal is relatively flat with some rolling hills and low mountain ranges. The nearby areas that would be most suited for large-scale solar PV are the plains and valleys in the region due to their wide open spaces and ample sunlight. This includes areas such as the Algarve Plain, the Guadiana Valley, and the Vila Real de Santo Antonio Plains. These areas have plenty of space for large-scale solar projects with minimal obstructions from trees or other terrain features.
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 28th of October 2023
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.
