Molina, Chile, located in the Southern Temperate Zone, presents variable conditions for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. This small city in the Maule Region experiences significant seasonal fluctuations in solar energy potential.

Seasonal Solar Production

Solar panels in Molina demonstrate their highest efficiency during summer months, generating an impressive 8.82kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed capacity. Spring follows as the second most productive season with 7.25kWh/day. However, production drops considerably during autumn to 4.51kWh/day, and reaches its lowest point in winter with only 2.72kWh/day per installed kilowatt.

This pattern creates a more than three-fold difference between the best and worst seasons, with summer producing over three times the electricity of winter. The substantial seasonal variation indicates that Molina is not an ideal location for year-round consistent solar production, though it offers excellent generating potential during half the year.

Optimal Panel Installation

For fixed solar panel installations in Molina, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round energy production is 29 degrees facing North. This specific angle optimizes the annual solar capture by balancing seasonal variations in the sun's position throughout the year.

Environmental Considerations

Several environmental factors could potentially impact solar production in Molina:

• Dust and agricultural particulates: Molina's location in an agricultural region means panels may accumulate dust from farming activities, reducing efficiency. Regular cleaning schedules are recommended.
• Winter cloud cover: The significant drop in winter production suggests frequent cloud cover during this season. Installing slightly more capacity than needed can help compensate for these lower-production months.
• Potential snow: While infrequent, the proximity to the Andes means occasional winter snowfall might temporarily cover panels. Installing panels at the recommended 29-degree tilt helps snow slide off more easily.

Despite these considerations, Molina still presents a viable location for solar energy, particularly if the system is designed with seasonal variations in mind. Supplementary energy sources or storage solutions would be beneficial to maintain consistent energy supply during the lower-production winter months.

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 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 Molina

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: -35.114, Longitude: -71.2799 (Molina, 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 29° North in Molina, Chile

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Molina, Chile (Lat/Long -35.114, -71.2799) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 29° 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 Molina, 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 Molina, Chile. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 29° North tilt angle throughout the year.

Overall Best Summer Angle	Overall Best Autumn Angle	Overall Best Winter Angle	Overall Best Spring Angle
19° North in Summer	39° North in Autumn	50° North in Winter	28° 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 Molina, 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 Molina, 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 Molina, Chile

Topography Around Molina, Chile

Molina, Chile is situated in a geographically diverse region characterized by dramatic transitions in elevation and varied landscapes. Located in the Maule Region of central Chile, Molina sits in what is known as the Central Valley (Valle Central), positioned between two major mountain ranges. To the east rises the imposing Andes Mountains, with peaks that reach well over 3,000 meters in elevation, creating a dramatic backdrop to the town. To the west, though more distant from Molina, lies the Chilean Coastal Range, a lower mountain system that runs parallel to the Pacific coast. The immediate surroundings of Molina feature gently rolling hills and flatlands that gradually slope upward as one moves eastward toward the Andean foothills. This transitional zone between the valley floor and the mountains creates a varied topography with numerous plateaus, small valleys, and undulating terrain. The town itself sits at approximately 240 meters above sea level, but the elevation changes significantly within just a few kilometers in any direction. Several river systems, including the Río Claro and tributaries of the Maule River, cut through the landscape around Molina, creating natural valleys and fertile plains that have historically been utilized for agriculture, particularly vineyards and orchards. These waterways have shaped the local topography through erosion, leaving behind alluvial soils in the lower areas and more exposed rocky terrain in the higher elevations.

Solar PV Potential in the Region

When considering areas near Molina that would be most suited for large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations, several topographical factors come into play. The eastern foothills region, where the Central Valley begins to rise toward the Andes, offers particularly promising conditions for solar energy development. These areas benefit from higher elevation, which typically means clearer air and less atmospheric interference with solar radiation. The gently sloping plains to the west and northwest of Molina present excellent opportunities for solar PV deployment. These areas feature relatively flat terrain that would minimize the costs associated with land preparation and construction. Additionally, these western plains tend to have fewer morning fog events than areas closer to the coastal range, ensuring more consistent solar exposure throughout the day. Areas with southern exposure on the northern sides of hills and ridges would be particularly advantageous for solar collection in the Southern Hemisphere. These south-facing slopes receive more direct sunlight throughout the year than their north-facing counterparts. However, for large installations, the flatter areas would likely be more economical despite slightly less optimal orientation. It's worth noting that while the immediate mountains to the east might seem appealing due to their elevation, the steeper slopes and more difficult access would substantially increase installation and maintenance costs. The ideal compromise appears to be the transitional zones between the valley floor and the beginning of the steeper mountain slopes – areas with slight elevation but still relatively accessible and with minimal shadowing from surrounding peaks. The semi-arid climate of the region, with its relatively low precipitation, means less cloud cover and more clear days than many other regions of Chile, further enhancing the solar potential. The areas immediately west of Molina, extending toward Curicó, combine favorable topography with excellent solar exposure conditions, making them prime candidates for large-scale solar PV development.

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.