Solar PV Analysis of Rio Tinto, Portugal
Positioned at a latitude of 41.177 and longitude of -8.5612, Rio Tinto in Portugal is a favourable site for the installation of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems. The average daily energy production per kilowatt (kW) of installed solar varies across seasons, with summer yielding the highest output at 7.43 kilowatt-hours (kWh), followed by spring with an average of 6.09 kWh. During autumn and winter, the figures drop to 3.97 kWh and 2.19 kWh respectively.
The high productivity in summer can be attributed to longer daylight hours and more direct exposure to sunlight during this period, while spring also offers substantial sunlight hours for effective energy generation.
However, despite its suitability for solar power generation year-round due to generally sunny weather conditions and mild temperatures, certain factors could potentially impede optimal performance from your PV system in Rio Tinto.
Weather variations such as cloudy or rainy days can reduce incoming sunlight intensity which directly impacts power generation from the panels; however these occurrences are relatively infrequent given the region's predominantly sunny climate.
To maximize efficiency under these circumstances, it is recommended that panels are installed at a tilt angle of approximately 35 degrees facing south for fixed installations; this orientation allows them to capture maximum sunlight throughout different times in a day across all seasons.
Overall, while some environmental factors might occasionally affect solar production in Rio Tinto, Porto, strategic panel positioning combined with its generally favourable weather conditions make it an excellent location for harnessing solar energy effectively 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 Rio Tinto
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 41.177, Longitude: -8.5612 (Rio Tinto, 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 Rio Tinto, Portugal
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Rio Tinto, Portugal (Lat/Long 41.177, -8.5612) 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 Rio Tinto, 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 Rio Tinto, 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 | 33° 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 Rio Tinto, 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 Rio Tinto, 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 Rio Tinto, Portugal
The topography around Rio Tinto, Portugal is mostly flat with some rolling hills in the surrounding area. The most suitable areas for large-scale solar PV would be the flat and open areas, such as fields, meadows, or other grassy areas that are exposed to direct sunlight. Areas near rivers or lakes may also be suitable due to their proximity to water sources which can help cool down the panels during hot summer days.
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: Wednesday 25th of October 2023
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.
