Rawson, Chubut, Argentina is a moderately suitable location for year-round solar energy generation, though it experiences significant seasonal variation typical of locations in the Southern Temperate Zone.

Seasonal Solar Performance

The solar energy output at this location varies considerably throughout the year. Summer delivers the strongest performance at 8.54 kWh per day per kW of installed solar capacity, making it an excellent time for solar generation. Spring also provides good output at 6.29 kWh per day per kW, representing the second-best season for solar production. Autumn shows a notable decline to 3.58 kWh per day per kW, while winter presents the most challenging conditions with only 2.16 kWh per day per kW. This winter output is quite low and represents less than 35% of the summer production capacity. For fixed panel installations at this location, the ideal tilt angle is 37 degrees facing north to maximize total year-round solar energy production.

Environmental and Weather Factors

Several local factors in Rawson could potentially impact solar energy production:

• Patagonian winds: The region experiences strong, persistent winds that can carry dust and debris, potentially coating solar panels and reducing efficiency
• Coastal salt exposure: Being near the Atlantic coast, salt air can cause corrosion of solar panel frames and mounting systems over time
• Extreme weather events: Patagonia can experience sudden weather changes and strong storms that may damage solar installations
• Snow and frost: Winter conditions may include snow accumulation and frost formation on panels

Preventative Measures

To optimize solar energy production despite these challenges, several installation strategies are recommended: Regular cleaning schedules should be implemented to remove dust and salt buildup from panel surfaces. Installing panels with anti-reflective coatings can help maintain efficiency even with light dust accumulation. Choosing corrosion-resistant mounting materials, particularly aluminum or stainless steel components, will help combat salt air exposure. Proper grounding and drainage systems are essential for coastal installations. Robust mounting systems designed to withstand high wind loads should be used, with panels securely fastened and properly spaced to allow wind flow. Consider installing wind barriers if the site is particularly exposed. For winter performance, installing panels at the recommended 37-degree angle will help snow slide off naturally, while heated panel options or easy-access designs can facilitate snow removal when necessary.

Note: The Southern Temperate Zone extends from -35° latitude South down to -66.5° latitude.

So far, we have conducted calculations to evaluate the solar photovoltaic (PV) potential in 519 locations across Argentina. This analysis provides insights into each city/location's potential for harnessing solar energy through PV installations.

Link: Solar PV potential in Argentina by location

Solar output per kW of installed solar PV by season in Rawson

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: -43.3064, Longitude: -65.1022 (Rawson, Argentina), 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 37° North in Rawson, Argentina

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Rawson, Argentina (Lat/Long -43.3064, -65.1022) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 37° North 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 Rawson, Argentina

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 Rawson, Argentina. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 37° North tilt angle throughout the year.

Overall Best Summer Angle	Overall Best Autumn Angle	Overall Best Winter Angle	Overall Best Spring Angle
27° North in Summer	47° North in Autumn	58° North in Winter	36° 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.

Calculate solar panel row spacing in Rawson, Argentina

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 Rawson, Argentina.

Our calculation method

1. Solar Position:
   We determine the Sun's position on the Winter solstice using the location's latitude and solar declination.
2. Shadow Projection:
   We calculate the shadow length cast by panels using trigonometry, considering panel tilt and the Sun's elevation angle.
3. 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 Rawson, Argentina

Topographical Features of Rawson and Surrounding Region

Rawson sits in the Patagonian steppe of eastern Argentina, positioned within the lower Chubut River valley near where it approaches the Atlantic Ocean. The city occupies relatively flat terrain at a low elevation, characteristic of the coastal plains that extend inland from the South Atlantic. The immediate landscape around Rawson consists of gently rolling hills and broad, open valleys that have been shaped by ancient glacial activity and ongoing wind erosion.

The terrain gradually rises as one moves westward from Rawson toward the foothills of the Andes Mountains, though this transition occurs over considerable distances. To the east, the land remains fairly level as it approaches the Atlantic coastline, with some low coastal bluffs and sandy areas near the shore. The Chubut River meanders through this landscape, creating fertile floodplains that contrast with the otherwise arid surroundings.

The region experiences a cold semi-arid climate with strong prevailing winds from the west, which have contributed to the relatively flat and open character of the landscape. Vegetation is sparse, consisting mainly of hardy grasses and low shrubs adapted to the dry conditions and persistent winds. The lack of significant tree cover means that natural shading is minimal across most of the area.

Optimal Areas for Large-Scale Solar Development

The expansive flat to gently rolling terrain surrounding Rawson presents excellent opportunities for large-scale solar photovoltaic installations. The most suitable areas lie on the elevated plains and plateaus that extend northwest, north, and northeast of the city. These locations offer several advantages including stable ground conditions, minimal slope variations that would complicate panel installation, and extensive open spaces with little competing land use.

The areas immediately north of Rawson, extending toward the higher ground between the Chubut River valley and the northern watershed boundaries, represent particularly promising sites. This elevated terrain provides good drainage, reducing concerns about flooding or standing water that could affect solar installations. The consistent elevation and gentle topography would allow for efficient layout of solar arrays with minimal grading or earthwork required.

The western approaches to Rawson, where the land begins its gradual rise toward the Andean foothills, also offer suitable conditions for solar development. These areas benefit from slightly higher elevations while maintaining the relatively flat character necessary for large-scale installations. The sparse population and limited agricultural activity in these zones mean that land availability is generally good, with fewer conflicts over competing uses.

Areas to the southeast and southwest of Rawson, on the interfluves between river valleys, present additional opportunities. These elevated plains are well-drained and offer the stable geological conditions preferred for substantial solar installations. The open character of the Patagonian landscape in these directions provides excellent access for construction and maintenance activities, while the minimal vegetation reduces environmental clearing requirements.

Argentina solar PV Stats as a country

Argentina ranks 43rd in the world for cumulative solar PV capacity, with 1,071 total MW's of solar PV installed. This means that 1.50% of Argentina's total energy as a country comes from solar PV (that's 35th in the world). Each year Argentina is generating 24 Watts from solar PV per capita (Argentina ranks 63rd in the world for solar PV Watts generated per capita). [source]

Are there incentives for businesses to install solar in Argentina?

Yes, there are several incentives for businesses wanting to install solar energy in Argentina. The government offers a range of tax credits and subsidies for businesses that invest in renewable energy projects. Additionally, the country has implemented a net metering system which allows businesses to sell excess electricity generated from their solar installations back to the grid at a premium rate. Finally, the government also provides access to low-interest loans and grants for businesses looking to invest in solar energy projects.

Do you have more up to date information than this on incentives towards solar PV projects in Argentina? Please reach out to us and help us keep this information current. Thanks!

Citation Guide

Article Details for Citation

Tell Us About Your Work

We love seeing how our research helps others! If you've cited this article in your work, we'd be delighted to hear about it. Drop us a line via our Contact Us page or on X, to share where you've used our information - we may feature a link to your work on our site. This helps create a network of valuable resources for others in the solar energy community and helps us understand how our research is contributing to the field. Plus, we occasionally highlight exceptional works that reference our research on our social media channels.

Feeling generous?

Share this with your friends!

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.