Solar PV Analysis of Caracas, Venezuela
Caracas, Distrito Federal, Venezuela (latitude: 10.5048, longitude: -66.9208) is a highly suitable location for solar power generation due to its consistent sunlight throughout the year. The average energy production per day for each kilowatt of installed solar capacity in this region is as follows: 6.02 kWh/day during Summer, 6.12 kWh/day in Autumn, 5.59 kWh/day in Winter, and 6.11 kWh/day in Spring.
The most productive months for solar energy generation are typically Summer and Autumn because Caracas lies within the Tropics where sunlight remains relatively constant across seasons. In this region, seasonal variations are more often defined by wet and dry periods rather than temperature fluctuations.
Despite the favorable conditions for solar power generation in Caracas, Distrito Federal, certain weather factors may pose challenges to optimal energy production from photovoltaic (PV) systems. Heavy rainfall or strong winds can obstruct direct sunlight or create turbulence that reduces panel efficiency. Dust storms may also decrease light penetration to panels and lead to diminished system output if not cleaned regularly.
To ensure maximum energy production from solar installations at this location, it is recommended that panels be tilted at an angle of 10 degrees towards the South for fixed installations without tracking systems. This orientation optimizes exposure to sunlight throughout the year.
In conclusion, Caracas offers excellent potential for generating solar power year-round due to its consistent sunlight availability and tropical climate conditions; however, attention should be given to mitigating any adverse effects caused by local weather phenomena such as heavy rainfalls or dust storms through regular maintenance and appropriate installation techniques like tilting panels at an optimal angle towards the South direction.
Note: The Tropics are located between 23.5° North and -23.5° South of the equator.
So far, we have conducted calculations to evaluate the solar photovoltaic (PV) potential in 83 locations across Venezuela. This analysis provides insights into each city/location's potential for harnessing solar energy through PV installations.
Link: Solar PV potential in Venezuela by location
Solar output per kW of installed solar PV by season in Caracas
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 10.5048, Longitude: -66.9208 (Caracas, Venezuela), 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 10° South in Caracas, Venezuela
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Caracas, Venezuela (Lat/Long 10.5048, -66.9208) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 10° 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 Caracas, Venezuela
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 Caracas, Venezuela. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 10° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5° North in Summer | 16° South in Autumn | 26° South in Winter | 4° 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 Caracas, Venezuela
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 Caracas, Venezuela.
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 Caracas, Venezuela
The topography around Caracas, Venezuela is mostly mountainous. The nearby areas that would be most suited for large-scale solar PV are the flatlands and valleys in the surrounding region. These areas have a high amount of sun exposure and good access to road networks, making them ideal locations for such projects.
Citation Guide
Article Details for Citation
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Monday 19th of September 2022
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.
