Solar PV Analysis of Quinta Do Conde, Portugal
Quinta Do Conde, Setúbal, Portugal, situated at latitude 38.5657 and longitude -9.0367, offers a promising location for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. This Northern Temperate Zone location experiences varying levels of solar output across the seasons, with notable fluctuations that impact energy production.
Seasonal Solar Output
Summer stands out as the peak season for solar energy generation in Quinta Do Conde, Setúbal, with an impressive daily output of 7.69kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely behind, producing 6.41kWh/day. Autumn sees a moderate decrease to 4.52kWh/day, while winter experiences the lowest output at 2.66kWh/day.
The substantial difference between summer and winter production highlights the region's seasonal variability. However, the relatively high output during spring and autumn suggests that Quinta Do Conde can maintain decent solar energy generation for a significant portion of the year.
Optimal Panel Installation
To maximize year-round solar energy production in Quinta Do Conde, Setúbal, fixed solar panels should be tilted at a 33-degree angle facing south. This optimal angle takes into account the location's latitude, seasonal sun paths, and Earth's elliptical orbit to ensure the best possible energy capture throughout the year.
Environmental and Weather Considerations
While Quinta Do Conde generally offers favorable conditions for solar energy production, there are a few factors to consider:
- Coastal proximity: The area's proximity to the Atlantic Ocean may lead to increased humidity and salt exposure, potentially affecting solar panel efficiency and longevity.
- Occasional fog: Coastal fog can temporarily reduce solar output, particularly during early morning hours.
To mitigate these factors, consider implementing the following preventative measures:
- Use corrosion-resistant materials and protective coatings on solar panels and mounting equipment to guard against salt-air corrosion.
- Implement a regular cleaning schedule to remove salt deposits and other debris from panel surfaces.
- Install panels at a slightly steeper angle than the optimal 33 degrees to promote natural cleaning by rainfall and reduce fog accumulation.
Despite these minor challenges, Quinta Do Conde remains an ideal location for solar PV installations, with its generally sunny climate and moderate seasonal variations providing a solid foundation for year-round renewable energy production.
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 Quinta Do Conde
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 38.5657, Longitude: -9.0367 (Quinta Do Conde, 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 Quinta Do Conde, Portugal
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Quinta Do Conde, Portugal (Lat/Long 38.5657, -9.0367) 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 Quinta Do Conde, 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 Quinta Do Conde, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 22° South in Summer | 43° South in Autumn | 54° South in Winter | 31° 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 Quinta Do Conde, 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 Quinta Do Conde, 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 Quinta Do Conde, Portugal
Quinta do Conde is located in the Setúbal District of Portugal, situated on a relatively flat coastal plain. The area around this town is characterized by gently rolling terrain with low hills and shallow valleys. The landscape gradually rises as you move inland from the coast, but remains relatively gentle in its contours.
To the west of Quinta do Conde, you'll find the Arrábida Natural Park, which features more dramatic topography with steep limestone cliffs and hills overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. However, the immediate vicinity of Quinta do Conde is much less rugged.
The region experiences a Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and mild winters. This climate, combined with the area's topography, makes it potentially suitable for solar energy production.
For large-scale solar PV installations, the most suitable areas nearby would likely be found to the east and southeast of Quinta do Conde. These areas tend to have more open, flat terrain that would be ideal for solar farms. The municipalities of Palmela and Montijo, for example, have expansive agricultural lands that could potentially be repurposed or dual-purposed for solar energy production.
It's important to note that while the topography is favorable, other factors such as land use, environmental protections, and grid connectivity would also need to be considered when selecting sites for large-scale solar PV installations. The proximity to the Lisbon metropolitan area could be advantageous for energy distribution, but it might also mean competition for land use.
Any potential solar projects would need to be carefully planned to balance energy production goals with environmental conservation, particularly given the region's natural beauty and ecological importance.
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 18th of August 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.
