Solar PV Analysis of Sintra, Portugal
Sintra, Lisbon, Portugal has the potential to generate a decent amount of solar energy throughout the year, although it varies by season. In simpler terms, for every kilowatt of solar power equipment installed in Sintra, Lisbon, one can expect to generate about 7.69 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity per day during summer and around 6.41 kWh/day during spring. These are pretty good numbers and indicate that these two seasons would be the most ideal times for solar energy production.
However, autumn and winter see a significant drop in output with only about 4.52 kWh/day and 2.66 kWh/day respectively being generated per kilowatt of installed solar power equipment.
To maximize total yearly output from your solar panels in Sintra, Lisbon, you should ideally tilt them at an angle facing 33 degrees South. This will help to capture as much sunlight as possible throughout different times of the year.
As far as local factors that could affect this location's ability to produce solar energy go - weather conditions such as cloud cover or heavy rainfall could potentially reduce sunlight exposure on panels thereby reducing their efficiency; similarly foggy conditions which are common in Sintra might also impede sunlight penetration thus affecting overall productivity.
Preventative measures taken when installing your system could include selecting high-quality panels designed to perform well under varying light conditions or incorporating tracking systems which adjust panel angles according to sun position for maximum exposure throughout the day regardless of seasonal changes or weather patterns.
Also consider regular maintenance like cleaning off dust or debris from panels' surfaces so they can absorb more light; additionally having a backup battery storage system can help store excess power produced during peak sunshine hours ensuring continued supply even when sunlight is not optimal e.g., at night or on cloudy days.
In summary, while there may be some challenges due to seasonal variations and certain weather conditions typical in this region - with careful planning including strategic installation & regular upkeep – harnessing solar power in Sintra, Lisbon, Portugal can be a viable and sustainable energy solution.
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 Sintra
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 38.7796, Longitude: -9.3578 (Sintra, 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 Sintra, Portugal
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Sintra, Portugal (Lat/Long 38.7796, -9.3578) 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 Sintra, 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 Sintra, 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 Sintra, 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 Sintra, 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 Sintra, Portugal
Sintra, Portugal is located in the foothills of the Sintra Mountains, near the western coast of Portugal. The terrain is characterized by rolling hills and valleys, with lush greenery and forests. The area also features rocky cliffs along its coastline.
For large-scale solar PV installations, flat or gently sloping areas are generally preferred to minimize installation costs and maximize exposure to sunlight. In Sintra's case, it would be challenging considering its hilly topography and dense forest cover which could obstruct sunlight.
However, nearby regions towards east or south-east like Mafra or Loures might be more suitable for such installations as they have flatter terrains. Also coastal areas can be considered given that they receive good amounts of sunlight although care must be taken regarding salt mist corrosion for solar panels.
It’s also important to consider factors beyond just topography when planning large-scale solar projects. These include local climate conditions (like amount of annual sunshine), proximity to existing power infrastructure for grid connection, land use regulations among others.
Also note that technological advancements are making it increasingly possible to install solar panels on a variety of surfaces including water bodies (floating solar) and building rooftops (building-integrated photovoltaics).
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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Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Monday 22nd of April 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.
