Portela, Santarém, Portugal, situated at latitude 39.5999 and longitude -8.2839, offers a reasonably good location for solar PV energy generation throughout the year, though with significant seasonal variations.

Seasonal Solar Production

The solar energy production at this location shows marked differences across the seasons. Summer stands out as the most productive period, generating an average of 7.86 kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed capacity. Spring follows as the second most productive season with 5.99 kWh/day, while autumn yields a moderate 4.22 kWh/day. Winter, as expected in the Northern Hemisphere, produces the least energy at only 2.37 kWh/day per kW installed.

This seasonal pattern makes Portela most suitable for solar energy generation from late spring through early autumn (roughly May through September), when production levels are at their highest. The significant drop in winter production indicates that supplementary energy sources might be necessary during these months for consistent energy supply.

Optimal Panel Installation

For fixed solar panel installations in Portela, Santarém, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round energy production is 34 degrees facing South. This angle has been calculated to optimize the capture of solar radiation throughout the year, taking into account the location's position in the Northern Temperate Zone and the seasonal variations in the sun's path across the sky.

Potential Challenges and Solutions

Several environmental factors could potentially impact solar production in Portela. The region can experience fog and mist, particularly in winter months, which may temporarily reduce panel efficiency. Additionally, Portugal occasionally faces dust storms carrying Saharan sand, which can coat panels and reduce their effectiveness.

To mitigate these challenges, installation of self-cleaning panels or regular maintenance schedules can help maintain optimal performance. Slightly increasing the tilt angle beyond the calculated 34 degrees might help with natural cleaning from rainfall, though at a small cost to overall production efficiency.

The area may also experience occasional hailstorms, so selecting impact-resistant panels would be a prudent investment. Finally, implementing a monitoring system to track performance drops can help identify when manual cleaning or maintenance is required, ensuring consistent energy production throughout the year.

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 Portela

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 39.5999, Longitude: -8.2839 (Portela, 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 Portela, Portugal

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Portela, Portugal (Lat/Long 39.5999, -8.2839) 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 Portela, 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 Portela, 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 Portela, 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 Portela, 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 Portela, Portugal

Topography of Portela, Portugal

Portela is situated in central Portugal, in a region characterized by varied topography that transitions between the coastal plains and the more rugged interior highlands. The area around Portela (39.5999,-8.2839) lies within the Estremadura region, featuring a diverse landscape of rolling hills, plateaus, and river valleys. The terrain gradually rises from west to east as one moves away from the Atlantic coast toward the central mountain ranges of Portugal. The immediate vicinity of Portela presents moderate elevation changes, with gentle to moderate slopes that create a somewhat undulating landscape. This region sits between the Tagus River valley to the south and the mountainous areas to the north. The local topography has been shaped by centuries of erosion and the influence of several river systems that have carved valleys through the limestone and sandstone bedrock common in this part of Portugal.

Hydrological Features

The area is influenced by several water bodies, with smaller streams and tributaries flowing through the landscape. The hydrological network has contributed to the formation of valleys and ravines that interrupt the otherwise rolling terrain. These waterways have historically supported agricultural activities in the region, creating fertile valleys between the higher ground. The limestone substrate in parts of this region has also led to karst topography features in some areas, including underground drainage systems and occasional sinkholes, though these are not dominant features around Portela itself.

Solar PV Potential in the Region

When considering areas near Portela for large-scale solar photovoltaic development, several factors related to the topography become relevant. The most suitable locations would be: The gently sloping plateaus and south-facing hillsides represent prime locations for solar PV installations. These areas benefit from minimal shadowing effects and good solar exposure throughout the day. Several plateau regions within 10-15 kilometers of Portela offer relatively flat terrain that would minimize earthwork requirements for large installations. The moderately elevated areas (between 100-300 meters above sea level) often experience less fog and atmospheric interference than lower valleys, potentially increasing solar efficiency. These higher grounds, particularly those with southern or southwestern exposures, would maximize solar gain throughout the year. Areas with sparse vegetation, particularly former agricultural lands that are now less productive, could be repurposed for solar development with minimal environmental impact. Several such zones exist in the broader region around Portela, especially in the more arid sections moving eastward.

Topographical Challenges

Not all areas near Portela are equally suitable for solar development. The steeper slopes, particularly those facing north or those found in the more mountainous terrain to the northeast, would present significant installation challenges and reduced solar exposure. Similarly, the narrow river valleys with their increased humidity and potential for morning fog would be less optimal. The varied terrain does mean that careful site selection is necessary, as even within a few kilometers, conditions can change significantly from highly favorable to problematic for solar PV deployment. Microclimate effects created by the topography, including wind patterns and temperature variations, would need to be assessed on a site-specific basis.

Land Use Considerations

The topography around Portela has historically shaped land use patterns, with agriculture dominating the flatter and more fertile areas, while forestry and grazing are more common on steeper or less fertile slopes. This existing land use mosaic means that solar developers would need to balance optimal topographical conditions against current land productivity and ecological value. Some of the most topographically suitable areas for solar PV may currently serve important agricultural or ecological functions. However, the moderate relief in much of the region does provide numerous opportunities for finding sites that combine good solar exposure with minimal conflicts with other valuable land uses.

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.