Solar Energy Potential in Loures, Lisbon, Portugal

The location in Loures, Lisbon, Portugal, situated at 38.8327° N, -9.166° E, offers a promising opportunity for solar energy generation throughout the year. This Northern Temperate Zone location experiences varying levels of solar output across different seasons, providing a balanced mix of energy production.

Seasonal Solar Performance

Summer stands out as the peak season for solar energy production, with an impressive 7.69 kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely, generating 6.38 kWh/day, making it the second-best season for solar output. Autumn sees a moderate decrease in production, yielding 4.46 kWh/day. Winter, as expected, has the lowest output at 2.60 kWh/day, but still contributes to the overall annual energy generation.

Optimal Panel Positioning

For those considering a fixed panel installation in Loures, Lisbon, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round solar production is 33 degrees facing South. This angle has been calculated to optimize energy capture across all seasons, taking into account the Earth's elliptical orbit and the location's specific latitude.

Environmental Considerations

Loures benefits from a relatively favorable climate for solar energy production. However, there are a few factors to consider: 1. Coastal proximity: The area's proximity to the Atlantic Ocean may lead to occasional fog or sea mist, particularly in the mornings. This can temporarily reduce solar efficiency. 2. Dust and pollen: The region's vegetation and occasional dry spells can lead to dust and pollen accumulation on panels. To mitigate these issues, consider implementing regular cleaning schedules for the panels and using anti-reflective coatings to maximize light absorption. Additionally, installing panels at a slight angle can help with natural cleaning during rainfall. Overall, Loures presents an ideal location for solar PV installations, with strong potential for energy generation throughout the year, particularly from spring through autumn. With proper planning and maintenance, solar energy can be a reliable and efficient power source in this Portuguese locale.

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 Loures

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 38.8327, Longitude: -9.166 (Loures, 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 Loures, Portugal

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Loures, Portugal (Lat/Long 38.8327, -9.166) 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 Loures, 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 Loures, 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
23° 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 Loures, 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 Loures, 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 Loures, Portugal

The topography around Loures, Portugal, is characterized by a diverse landscape that transitions from coastal plains to rolling hills and valleys. Situated just northeast of Lisbon, Loures is part of the Lisbon Metropolitan Area and lies within the Tagus River Basin. The terrain in this region is generally undulating, with gentle slopes and occasional steeper hillsides. To the west of Loures, the land gradually descends towards the Atlantic coast, featuring relatively flat areas interspersed with low hills. As one moves eastward, the terrain becomes more varied, with elevations increasing and the landscape becoming more rugged. The eastern part of the region is marked by the foothills of the Serra da Carregueira, a small mountain range that adds to the topographical diversity of the area. The Trancão River, a tributary of the Tagus, flows through Loures, carving valleys and creating alluvial plains along its course. This river and its smaller tributaries have shaped the local topography over time, resulting in a network of gentle valleys and low-lying areas between the hills.

Suitability 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 would combine favorable topography with high solar irradiance and minimal environmental or land-use conflicts. The gently sloping hillsides to the east and northeast of Loures present promising opportunities for solar PV development. These areas often receive ample sunlight throughout the day and have sufficient space for large installations. The slightly elevated terrain can help reduce shading from nearby obstacles and may offer better exposure to prevailing winds, which can help cool the solar panels and improve their efficiency. Some of the flatter areas to the west and southwest of Loures, particularly those not suited for agriculture or urban development, could also be appropriate for solar farms. These locations benefit from their proximity to existing infrastructure and power grids, potentially reducing the costs associated with energy transmission. However, it's important to note that the specific suitability of any site would require detailed assessments, taking into account factors such as local zoning regulations, environmental considerations, and grid connection capabilities. Additionally, areas near the Trancão River and its floodplains would likely be less suitable due to potential flooding risks and ecological sensitivities. In conclusion, while the varied topography around Loures offers several potential sites for large-scale solar PV installations, the most promising areas are likely to be found on the gently sloping hillsides to the east and northeast, as well as select flat areas to the west that are not prime agricultural land or slated for urban expansion.

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.