Solar PV Analysis of Pombal, Portugal
The location at Pombal, Leiria, Portugal is reasonably good for generating solar energy throughout the year. However, like any other place in the world, its effectiveness varies with the changing seasons.
In simple terms, a solar panel's job is to convert sunlight into electricity. So naturally, when there's more sunlight available - as in Summer and Spring - it can generate more power. In Pombal, Leiria, you could expect your solar panels to produce around 7.87 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per day for each kilowatt (kW) of installed capacity during Summer and about 6.02 kWh/day/kW during Spring.
On the other hand, Autumn and Winter have shorter days and less intense sunlight which means less potential energy production from your panels: around 4.28 kWh/day/kW in Autumn and just 2.43 kWh/day/kW in Winter.
To make sure you're getting as much power as possible from your solar panels all year round in Pombal, Leiria, they should ideally be installed at an angle of about 34 degrees facing South.
As far as environmental or weather factors that might affect solar production go; Portugal generally has a favorable climate for solar but heavy rain or fog could temporarily reduce output since these conditions block sunlight from reaching the panels.
Preventative measures would include installing them at a height where they are less likely to be shaded by surrounding buildings or trees and ensuring there is sufficient space between each panel so they don't shade one another when the sun is low on the horizon.
Regular cleaning will also help keep them working efficiently especially if dust accumulation becomes an issue over time due to local conditions such as wind-blown sand or soil particles etc., which can build up on their surface reducing their ability to absorb light effectively.
Lastly keeping an eye on local weather forecasts can help anticipate times when output may drop due to cloudy or rainy conditions so that alternative sources of power can be used or non-essential usage can be curtailed.
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 Pombal
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 39.9177, Longitude: -8.6328 (Pombal, 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 34° South in Pombal, Portugal
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Pombal, Portugal (Lat/Long 39.9177, -8.6328) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 34° 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 Pombal, 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 Pombal, Portugal. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 34° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24° South in Summer | 44° South in Autumn | 55° South in Winter | 32° 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 Pombal, 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 Pombal, 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 Pombal, Portugal
Pombal, Portugal is located in a region characterized by undulating hills and valleys. The terrain is a mix of forests, agricultural lands, and urban areas. It's part of the Leiria district which lies within the Centro region of Portugal.
The topography around Pombal can be favorable for large-scale solar PV installations due to its abundant sunshine throughout the year. However, specific site selection would depend on several factors like land availability, slope of land (ideally flat or gently sloping), proximity to transmission lines for easy access to grid connection, and local regulations.
Areas with less tree cover or non-agricultural lands could be ideal for setting up solar farms as they would not require deforestation or displacement of farming activities. Also, locations farther from residential areas might be preferred to avoid potential issues related to glare or aesthetic concerns.
It's also important to note that while southern Portugal generally receives more sun than northern regions making it more suited for solar energy production theoretically; technological advancements have made it possible to harness solar energy efficiently even in less sunny regions. Therefore, Pombal could still be an attractive location given appropriate site-specific conditions are met.
However, any such project should involve detailed feasibility studies including environmental impact assessments before proceeding with installation.
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 7th of July 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.
