Solar PV Analysis of Medellín, Colombia
Medellín, Antioquia, Colombia is a good location for generating solar energy year-round due to its tropical climate where sunlight is fairly consistent throughout the year. The amount of electricity that can be generated by each kilowatt (kW) of installed solar power varies slightly by season - it's highest in summer at 5.62 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per day and lowest in spring at 5.10 kWh/day.
The ideal time to generate solar energy in Medellín would be during the summer when daily output reaches its peak. However, even during other seasons, the output remains quite high making this location suitable for year-round solar power generation.
For fixed panel installations here, tilting panels at an angle of 6 degrees towards south will maximize total annual production from your photovoltaic (PV) system as it aligns with the path of the sun across sky over course of a year.
However, there are certain environmental or weather factors that could potentially hinder solar production in Medellín. These include heavy rainfall and cloud cover which are common during wet seasons and can reduce sunlight reaching your panels leading to decreased energy output.
To mitigate these issues and ensure greater energy production, you may consider installing tracking systems on your panels so they move with sun throughout day maximizing exposure to direct sunlight. Additionally, regular maintenance including cleaning off any debris or dust accumulated on panel surfaces will help keep them working efficiently regardless how much rain or cloud cover there might be.
So overall while there may be some challenges associated with weather conditions in Medellin particularly during wetter parts of year these can largely be managed through smart installation choices and regular upkeep ensuring a reliable source of clean renewable energy all-year round from your PV system.
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 12 locations across Colombia. This analysis provides insights into each city/location's potential for harnessing solar energy through PV installations.
Link: Solar PV potential in Colombia by location
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Solar output per kW of installed solar PV by season in Medellín
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 6.2529, Longitude: -75.5646 (Medellín, Colombia), 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 6° South in Medellín, Colombia
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Medellín, Colombia (Lat/Long 6.2529, -75.5646) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 6° 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 Medellín, Colombia
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 Medellín, Colombia. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 6° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10° North in Summer | 12° South in Autumn | 22° South in Winter | 1° North 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.
Topography for solar PV around Medellín, Colombia
Medellín, Colombia is located in the Aburrá Valley and is surrounded by hills and mountains. The city itself has a rough terrain due to its location within the Andes mountain range. The climate of Medellín is tropical, with an average temperature of 22 degrees Celsius (72 degrees Fahrenheit) throughout the year.
As for suitable locations for large-scale solar PV installations, flat areas with high sun exposure would be ideal. Considering Medellín's topography, it could be challenging to find such spots within the city or immediate surroundings due to mountainous landscape.
However, regions outside Medellín like Antioquia's eastern or northeastern plains might offer more favorable conditions for large-scale solar PV given their flatter terrains and good sunlight exposure. These areas are less densely populated as well which can ease installation process.
It should also be noted that while considering sites for solar PV installation in this region one must also take into account other factors such as local weather patterns (including cloud cover), land use regulations and local community considerations.
Lastly, rooftop solar installations could also work well within the urban area of Medellín given its consistent tropical climate that provides steady sunlight throughout the year.
Colombia solar PV Stats as a country
Colombia ranks 74th in the world for cumulative solar PV capacity, with 184 total MW's of solar PV installed. Each year Colombia is generating 4 Watts from solar PV per capita (Colombia ranks 81st in the world for solar PV Watts generated per capita). [source]
Are there incentives for businesses to install solar in Colombia?
Yes, there are several incentives for businesses wanting to install solar energy in Colombia. The Colombian government offers a range of financial incentives and tax breaks for businesses that invest in renewable energy projects. These include grants, loans, and subsidies for the purchase of equipment and installation costs. Additionally, businesses can benefit from net metering policies which allow them to sell excess electricity generated by their solar systems back to the grid at a premium rate. Finally, businesses may also be eligible for additional benefits such as reduced import duties on solar equipment or accelerated depreciation allowances on investments in renewable energy projects.
Do you have more up to date information than this on incentives towards solar PV projects in Colombia? Please reach out to us and help us keep this information current. Thanks!
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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.
