Solar PV Analysis of Paredes, Portugal
The location at Paredes, Porto, Portugal is a decent spot for generating solar energy throughout the year. However, it's not perfect and there are times when it's better than others.
In simple terms, the amount of electricity that can be generated by each kilowatt of installed solar power changes with the seasons. In summer, you can expect around 7.43 kilowatt-hours per day for every kilowatt of solar power you have installed. This drops to about 3.97 in autumn and falls even further to around 2.19 in winter before rising again to approximately 6.09 in spring.
This means that the best time for generating solar energy in Paredes is during summer and spring when daylight hours are longer and sunlight is more intense.
For fixed panel installations at this location, tilting panels at an angle of 35 degrees towards South will maximize total year-round production from your solar photovoltaic (PV) system as this orientation captures maximum sunlight over the course of a day throughout different seasons.
There may be local factors such as weather or environmental conditions that could affect your ability to generate power from your PV system here though.
Portugal generally has a good climate for solar but being located in Northern Portugal means Paredes experiences more rainfall especially during winter months which could limit sun exposure on some days reducing overall output from your PV system.
To ensure greater energy production despite these challenges one might consider installing tracking systems which allow panels to follow the sun’s path across the sky maximizing their exposure; or using bifacial modules which capture sunlight on both sides increasing their efficiency especially during cloudy days or when direct sunlight isn't available due to obstructions or specific site conditions.
Also ensuring regular cleaning and maintenance schedule will help keep panels clear from debris like leaves or bird droppings which could reduce their effectiveness if left unchecked over time.
Overall while not perfect year round, with proper installation and maintenance, Paredes can be a good location for solar PV systems.
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 Paredes
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 41.2087, Longitude: -8.3365 (Paredes, 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 Paredes, Portugal
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Paredes, Portugal (Lat/Long 41.2087, -8.3365) 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 Paredes, 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 Paredes, 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 Paredes, 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 Paredes, 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 Paredes, Portugal
Paredes, Portugal is located in the northern part of the country and is characterized by a mix of flatlands and gently rolling hills. The area has a Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters, which makes it suitable for solar PV installations.
The topography around Paredes is mostly composed of agricultural fields, forests, and some urbanized areas. There are also several rivers running through this region including the Sousa River.
In terms of large-scale solar PV installations, flat or gently sloping areas would be most suitable as they allow for easier installation and maintenance while maximizing sunlight exposure. The agricultural lands surrounding Paredes could potentially accommodate such installations without too much disruption to existing land uses.
However, any plans for large scale solar PV would need to take into account local regulations regarding land use as well as potential impacts on wildlife habitats or other environmental considerations. It's also important to consider accessibility for installation crews and proximity to power grids for energy distribution.
Furthermore, Portugal generally receives high levels of sunlight throughout the year making it an ideal location for harnessing solar energy. In particular, southern parts of Portugal receive more sunlight than northern parts like Paredes but considering its Mediterranean climate with plenty sunny days per year makes it still viable.
Lastly, a detailed site assessment should be conducted by professionals in order to determine the most suitable locations considering all factors including topography, sun exposure (solar irradiance), soil conditions among others.
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: Friday 12th of April 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.
