Solar PV Analysis of Maia, Portugal
The location at Maia, Portugal is relatively good for generating energy through solar photovoltaic (PV) systems throughout the year. The amount of energy that can be generated varies with the seasons, being highest in summer and lowest in winter.
In simple terms, a solar PV system installed here can produce around 7.43 kilowatts per hour (kWh) for every kilowatt (kW) of solar panels installed during the summer days. This drops to around 3.97 kWh/day per kW in autumn and further to about 2.19 kWh/day per kW in winter before increasing again to approximately 6.09 kWh/day per kW in spring.
So, if we were to identify ideal times of the year for generating solar at this location based on these numbers, it would be during spring and summer months when sunlight is plentiful.
To maximize total yearly production from a fixed panel installation at this location, the panels should ideally be tilted at an angle of 35 degrees facing South.
As far as environmental or local factors are concerned that could potentially hinder solar production at this location; Maia is located near Porto which has a Mediterranean climate with cool wet winters and warm dry summers. So while there may not be any significant topographical issues impeding sunlight exposure, weather conditions such as cloud cover or rainfall particularly during winter months could affect energy generation from solar PV systems.
Preventative measures that can help ensure greater energy production include regular cleaning and maintenance of panels to keep them free from dust or debris which might block sunlight; also using high-efficiency modules which perform better under less-than-ideal light conditions could help mitigate effects of unfavorable weather conditions on power output.
It's also worth noting that while these figures provide an estimate based on average conditions; actual output may vary depending upon specific local factors like shading from nearby buildings or trees etc., so it's always best to get a site-specific assessment done before installing a solar PV system.
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 Maia
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 41.2345, Longitude: -8.6182 (Maia, 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 Maia, Portugal
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Maia, Portugal (Lat/Long 41.2345, -8.6182) 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 Maia, 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 Maia, 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 Maia, 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 Maia, 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 Maia, Portugal
Maia, Portugal is located in the northern part of the country and it's known for its hilly terrain with valleys and plateaus. The area is mostly urbanized with some agricultural lands surrounding the city.
When considering large-scale solar PV installations, factors such as sunlight exposure, land availability and proximity to power grids are crucial. Given that Maia is quite developed, it might not be ideal for large-scale solar farms due to limited space. However, there could be potential in using rooftops of buildings for solar panels.
The areas around Maia that may be most suited for large scale solar PV could include less populated or agricultural regions where there's more available land. Areas towards the east or south of Maia might have potential given they receive relatively high amounts of sunlight and have more open spaces compared to the densely populated coastal regions.
However, a detailed feasibility study would need to be conducted taking into account various factors such as land ownership, local regulations on renewable energy projects etc., before deciding on a specific location.
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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Article Details for Citation
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Sunday 28th of January 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.
