Antofagasta, Chile, situated in the Southern Sub Tropics at latitude -23.6464 and longitude -70.398, represents a location with significant potential for solar energy generation throughout the year. The solar electricity output varies seasonally with the highest production occurring during summer months.

The seasonal solar PV energy production per kilowatt of installed capacity shows distinct patterns. Summer yields the highest output at 9.19 kWh per day, followed by spring with 7.78 kWh per day. Autumn produces a moderate 6.38 kWh per day, while winter sees the lowest generation at 4.55 kWh per day. This seasonal variation indicates that while solar production remains viable year-round, the most productive period spans from spring through summer (approximately October to March in the Southern Hemisphere).

For maximizing year-round solar energy production at this location, fixed solar panels should be installed at a 20-degree tilt facing North. This optimal angle has been calculated by analyzing solar elevation angles at this specific latitude, weighted according to the daily photovoltaic potential throughout the year.

Environmental Factors Affecting Solar Production

Despite Antofagasta's generally favorable conditions for solar generation, several environmental factors could impact production efficiency. The Atacama Desert region where Antofagasta is located experiences minimal rainfall but can be subject to coastal fog (known locally as "camanchaca"), particularly in winter mornings. This fog can temporarily reduce solar radiation reaching the panels.

Additionally, the area experiences high levels of ultraviolet radiation and extreme temperature variations between day and night, which can affect panel efficiency and longevity. The desert environment also means significant dust accumulation on panel surfaces, potentially reducing efficiency by 15-25% if not addressed.

Preventative Measures

To mitigate these environmental challenges and optimize solar production, several preventative measures can be implemented:

• Regular cleaning schedules to remove dust accumulation, preferably using water-efficient methods considering the desert location
• Installation of panels with high temperature tolerance and anti-reflective coatings to maintain efficiency despite temperature fluctuations
• Elevated mounting systems to minimize dust collection and allow for better air circulation, reducing operating temperatures
• Consideration of tracking systems rather than fixed installations in areas where fog patterns are predictable, allowing panels to capture maximum sunlight when conditions are favorable
• Use of robust materials that can withstand high UV exposure and potential salt corrosion from the nearby coastal environment

With these considerations addressed, Antofagasta remains an exceptionally promising location for solar energy development, with its high annual solar radiation levels providing substantial generation capacity even during the less productive winter months.

Note: The Southern Sub Tropics extend from -23.5° latitude South down to -35° latitude.

So far, we have conducted calculations to evaluate the solar photovoltaic (PV) potential in 115 locations across Chile. This analysis provides insights into each city/location's potential for harnessing solar energy through PV installations.

Link: Solar PV potential in Chile by location

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

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: -23.6464, Longitude: -70.398 (Antofagasta, Chile), 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 20° North in Antofagasta, Chile

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Antofagasta, Chile (Lat/Long -23.6464, -70.398) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 20° 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 Antofagasta, Chile

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 Antofagasta, Chile. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 20° North tilt angle throughout the year.

Overall Best Summer Angle	Overall Best Autumn Angle	Overall Best Winter Angle	Overall Best Spring Angle
8° North in Summer	29° North in Autumn	39° North in Winter	17° 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 Antofagasta, Chile

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 Antofagasta, Chile.

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 Antofagasta, Chile

The landscape surrounding Antofagasta, Chile presents one of the most dramatic topographical settings in South America. This coastal city sits at the edge of where the Atacama Desert meets the Pacific Ocean, creating a striking contrast between the deep blue sea and the arid, rust-colored terrain that rises eastward. The immediate coastline features a narrow strip of relatively flat land where the city itself is situated, quickly giving way to an escarpment that climbs steeply to the Coastal Range, reaching heights of approximately 1,000-1,500 meters within just a few kilometers of the shoreline. This coastal mountain chain creates a natural barrier between the narrow coastal plain and the vast interior plateau beyond. The ascent is characterized by deeply eroded ravines, sparse vegetation, and exposed rock faces that display the region's complex geological history. Moving further inland and eastward from the Coastal Range, the topography opens into the Central Depression, a relatively flat plateau that sits at an elevation of roughly 1,000-2,500 meters above sea level.

The Atacama Plateau and Volcanic Features

Continuing eastward, the landscape transitions into the Atacama Plateau, one of the driest and most barren regions on Earth. This high-altitude desert extends for hundreds of kilometers, punctuated by salt flats (salares), ancient lava flows, and isolated mountain ranges. The eastern horizon is dominated by the impressive Andes Mountains, where numerous volcanoes and peaks reach elevations exceeding 5,000 meters, creating a jagged silhouette against the sky. The region experiences minimal precipitation, with some areas recording no measurable rainfall for decades at a time. This extreme aridity has preserved ancient geological features and created a landscape often compared to that of Mars, with vast expanses of mineral-rich soil displaying hues of red, orange, brown, and white depending on their chemical composition.

Optimal Areas for Solar PV Development

The topographical and climatic characteristics of the Antofagasta region make it exceptionally well-suited for large-scale solar photovoltaic development. The most favorable areas include: The Central Depression and Atacama Plateau represent prime locations for solar installations. These vast, relatively flat expanses sit at elevations between 1,000 and 3,000 meters above sea level, offering abundant space for large-scale development. The minimal cloud cover throughout the year maximizes solar exposure, while the higher elevation provides cooler ambient temperatures than the coastal areas, which helps maintain optimal efficiency for photovoltaic panels. Areas east of the city, beyond the initial Coastal Range, benefit from reduced morning fog that sometimes affects the immediate coastline. The Pampa region, a flat expanse that extends between the Coastal Range and the pre-Andean mountains, offers excellent conditions with minimal topographical obstacles that could create shadows or complicate construction. The northern sectors of the Antofagasta region, extending toward the borders with Tarapacá Region, feature extensive plains with minimal vegetation and stable soil conditions, making them ideal for solar farm development. These areas also benefit from proximity to existing mining operations and infrastructure, potentially reducing the costs associated with transmission line construction. Some of the gently sloping areas on the eastern sides of the Coastal Range mountains could also be suitable, particularly those with western, southwestern, or northwestern aspects that receive consistent solar radiation throughout the day. However, these would require more extensive terrain modification than the flatter inland areas. The combination of stable ground conditions, minimal precipitation that could damage equipment, low humidity, and vast open spaces makes the Antofagasta region one of the world's premier locations for solar energy development. The clear atmospheric conditions and consistent solar radiation throughout the year create ideal circumstances for photovoltaic electricity generation on an industrial scale, with minimal seasonal fluctuations in output compared to most other global locations.

Chile solar PV Stats as a country

Chile ranks 22nd in the world for cumulative solar PV capacity, with 4,468 total MW's of solar PV installed. This means that 9.10% of Chile's total energy as a country comes from solar PV (that's 5th in the world). Each year Chile is generating 234 Watts from solar PV per capita (Chile ranks 21st in the world for solar PV Watts generated per capita). [source]

Are there incentives for businesses to install solar in Chile?

Yes, there are several incentives for businesses wanting to install solar energy in Chile. The Chilean government offers a range of financial incentives and tax credits for businesses that invest in renewable energy projects. These include grants, loans, and subsidies for the installation of solar panels. Additionally, businesses can benefit from net metering policies which allow them to sell excess electricity back to the grid at a premium rate. Finally, businesses may also be eligible for additional incentives 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 Chile? 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.