Solar PV Analysis of Sao Joao Da Madeira, Portugal
Based on the given data, Sao Joao da Madeira in Portugal is a fairly good location for generating solar energy throughout the year. However, like most places, it is more effective during certain seasons.
In summer and spring, you can expect to generate quite a lot of solar power. Specifically, in summer you could produce about 7.47 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per day for each kilowatt (kW) of installed solar panel capacity. In spring this falls slightly to approximately 6.07 kWh/day per kW.
However, in autumn and winter, the output drops significantly due to less sunlight and shorter days - down to around 4.09 kWh/day per kW in autumn and as low as 2.35 kWh/day per kW in winter.
To make sure your panels are working at their best all year round at this location they should be tilted at an angle of 35 degrees facing southwards - this will maximize their exposure to sunlight over the course of a year.
As far as environmental factors go that might affect how much energy you can generate from your panels: Portugal's climate varies but Sao Joao da Madeira generally has wet winters which could reduce output due to cloud cover or precipitation on the panels themselves; although regular cleaning can help with this issue somewhat.
There may also be local buildings or trees that could cast shadows over your panels reducing their effectiveness; so choosing an unobstructed site would be ideal if possible.
Lastly, strong winds or storms common during certain times of the year might pose a risk; sturdy installation using durable materials would help prevent any damage under such conditions.
Overall though these issues are not unique to Sao Joao da Madeira or indeed Portugal and similar considerations would apply almost anywhere when installing solar PV systems.
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 Sao Joao Da Madeira
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 40.9058, Longitude: -8.4817 (Sao Joao Da Madeira, 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 Sao Joao Da Madeira, Portugal
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Sao Joao Da Madeira, Portugal (Lat/Long 40.9058, -8.4817) 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 Sao Joao Da Madeira, 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 Sao Joao Da Madeira, 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 | 45° 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 Sao Joao Da Madeira, 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 Sao Joao Da Madeira, 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 Sao Joao Da Madeira, Portugal
São João da Madeira is located in the northern region of Portugal, and it's part of the Aveiro District. The city is situated on a plateau, with an average elevation of about 240 meters above sea level. The terrain around São João da Madeira is relatively flat to slightly hilly.
The climate in this region is Mediterranean, characterized by hot summers and mild winters. This type of climate along with the flat to slightly hilly topography makes it suitable for solar PV installations as there's sufficient sunlight throughout the year.
As for specific areas that would be most suited for large-scale solar PV installations, these could include:
1. Unused or less productive agricultural land around São João da Madeira: These lands can be repurposed into solar farms without disrupting valuable farmland.
2. Industrial zones or brownfield sites: These are previously developed lands that are not currently in use; they can be utilized for solar power generation.
3. Rooftops of large buildings: Both commercial and residential buildings in São João da Madeira could host rooftop solar panels.
However, a detailed feasibility study considering factors such as local regulations, grid connectivity and environmental impact would need to be carried out before deciding on specific locations for large-scale solar PV installations.
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: Friday 10th of May 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.
