Solar PV Analysis of Sao Juliao Do Tojal, Portugal
The location at Sao Juliao do Tojal, Portugal is generally good for generating energy via solar PV panels throughout the year. However, the efficiency of these panels varies seasonally. During summer and spring, you can expect higher electricity output due to longer daylight hours and more direct sunlight; specifically 7.69 kWh/day in Summer and 6.41 kWh/day in Spring per kW of installed solar power.
Autumn sees a decrease to about 4.52 kWh/day per kW as days shorten and sunlight becomes less intense while winter has the lowest output with an average of only 2.66 kWh/day per kW due to shorter days and lower sun angles.
It's important to note that for optimal year-round production from solar PV at this location, fixed panel installations should be tilted at an angle of 33 degrees towards the South.
As far as environmental or weather factors that could impede solar production at this location are concerned, Portugal experiences a Mediterranean climate with wet winters which may reduce sunlight availability during those months due to cloud cover or precipitation. Additionally, dust build-up on the panels can also affect their efficiency negatively.
To mitigate these issues when installing your solar system:
1) Consider using tracking systems that allow your panels to follow the sun's path across the sky thereby maximizing exposure even during shorter winter days.
2) Regularly clean your panels especially after heavy rains or winds which might deposit dust particles on them.
3) Install protective measures like weather-resistant coatings on your panels if heavy rainfall is common in your area during certain parts of the year.
By taking into account all these factors when installing your system, you'll ensure greater energy production throughout different seasons despite potential challenges presented by local conditions.
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 Juliao Do Tojal
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 38.8564, Longitude: -9.1284 (Sao Juliao Do Tojal, 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 Sao Juliao Do Tojal, Portugal
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Sao Juliao Do Tojal, Portugal (Lat/Long 38.8564, -9.1284) 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 Sao Juliao Do Tojal, 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 Juliao Do Tojal, 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 | 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 Sao Juliao Do Tojal, 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 Juliao Do Tojal, 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 Juliao Do Tojal, Portugal
São Julião do Tojal is located in the Lisbon District of Portugal. The topography of this area is primarily flat to gently rolling, with some areas of slightly steeper hills. It has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters.
As for solar photovoltaic (PV) potential, the entire region around São Julião do Tojal would be suitable due to its high annual sunlight exposure. However, flatter areas would likely be more ideal as they would require less grading and could accommodate larger arrays of panels.
Specifically:
1. Areas south towards Lisbon: These areas are relatively flat and receive abundant sunlight throughout the year making them suitable for large-scale solar PV installation.
2. The agricultural lands surrounding São Julião do Tojal: These lands are mostly flat which makes them ideal for setting up large-scale solar farms.
3. Areas along major roadways such as A8 or N115: These locations can also serve as potential sites due to ease of access for installation and maintenance purposes.
However, it's important to consider factors like land use regulations, proximity to power grids for easy transmission and distribution of electricity generated by the solar PV system before deciding on a specific site.
Remember that an actual feasibility study including all these aspects should be carried out by professionals in order to make a final decision about where best to install large scale Solar PV systems.
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 23rd of June 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.
