Portalegre, Portugal, situated at latitude 39.2977 and longitude -7.4336, offers a promising location for solar PV energy generation. Located in the Northern Temperate Zone, this area experiences varying levels of solar potential throughout the year.

Seasonal Solar Performance

The solar energy output in Portalegre fluctuates significantly across seasons. Summer stands out as the most productive period, with an impressive 8.24 kWh per day for each kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows as the second-best season, generating 6.15 kWh/day. Autumn sees a moderate decrease to 4.33 kWh/day, while winter experiences the lowest output at 2.47 kWh/day.

Optimal Times for Solar Generation

The ideal time for solar energy production in Portalegre spans from late spring through early autumn. This period, roughly from May to September, offers the longest daylight hours and most direct sunlight, maximizing solar panel efficiency. However, the region's relatively mild climate allows for decent solar generation throughout the year, even during the less productive winter months.

Panel Installation Considerations

For fixed panel installations in Portalegre, the optimal tilt angle to maximize year-round solar production is 33 degrees facing south. This angle is calculated based on the location's latitude and accounts for the Earth's elliptical orbit, ensuring the best possible exposure to sunlight throughout the year.

Environmental and Weather Factors

While Portalegre generally provides favorable conditions for solar energy production, there are a few factors to consider:

• Dust and pollen: The region's dry summers can lead to dust accumulation on panels, potentially reducing efficiency.
• Occasional fog: Morning fog, particularly in autumn and winter, may temporarily reduce solar output.

To mitigate these issues, regular panel cleaning and maintenance should be implemented. Additionally, installing panels at the recommended angle helps prevent dust buildup and allows morning dew to assist in cleaning. For areas prone to fog, considering a slight adjustment in panel orientation or using bifacial panels could help maximize energy capture during clearer periods.

Overall, Portalegre's climate and geographical position make it a highly suitable location for solar PV energy generation, with ample opportunity to harness solar power throughout the year, especially during the extended summer season.

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 Portalegre

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 39.2977, Longitude: -7.4336 (Portalegre, 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 Portalegre, Portugal

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Portalegre, Portugal (Lat/Long 39.2977, -7.4336) 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 Portalegre, 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 Portalegre, 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	44° South in Autumn	54° 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 Portalegre, 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 Portalegre, 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 Portalegre, Portugal

Portalegre, situated in eastern Portugal, is characterized by a diverse and picturesque topography that reflects the region's unique geographical position. The city itself is nestled on the western slopes of the Serra de São Mamede, a mountain range that dominates the landscape. This elevated position provides Portalegre with stunning views of the surrounding countryside and contributes to its mild microclimate. The terrain around Portalegre is a mix of rolling hills, gentle slopes, and flat plains. To the west and southwest of the city, the land gradually descends into the vast Alentejo plain, known for its expansive agricultural fields and scattered cork oak forests. This transition creates a patchwork of different elevations and land uses, ranging from urban areas to rural farmlands. To the east and northeast, the landscape becomes more rugged as it approaches the Serra de São Mamede Natural Park. This protected area features higher elevations, steep hillsides, and rocky outcrops. The park's highest point, São Mamede Peak, reaches an altitude of approximately 1,025 meters (3,363 feet) above sea level, making it the highest point in southern Portugal outside the Serra da Estrela.

Potential Areas for Large-Scale Solar PV

When considering areas near Portalegre suitable for large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations, several factors come into play, including topography, land availability, and solar exposure. The regions most suited for such projects would likely be found in the flatter areas to the west and southwest of Portalegre. The Alentejo plain, with its vast open spaces and relatively flat terrain, offers ideal conditions for solar PV farms. This area receives abundant sunshine throughout the year, making it highly attractive for solar energy production. The gently rolling landscape in this region would require minimal land preparation, reducing installation costs and environmental impact. Additionally, some of the lower slopes and plateaus surrounding Portalegre could also be suitable for solar PV installations. These areas often have good sun exposure and are less likely to be used for intensive agriculture or protected as natural reserves. It's important to note that while the mountainous areas of Serra de São Mamede might receive ample sunlight, their steep slopes and protected status make them less suitable for large-scale solar projects. The focus should remain on the more accessible and less ecologically sensitive areas in the plains and gentle hills surrounding Portalegre. Any large-scale solar PV project in this region would need to carefully balance energy production goals with environmental conservation and local land use priorities. The rich cultural and natural heritage of the Portalegre area should be considered in any development plans to ensure sustainable and responsible renewable energy 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.