Solar Energy Production in Ovalle, Chile

Ovalle, Chile, located in the Southern Sub Tropics at latitude -30.6013 and longitude -71.198, presents an excellent location for solar photovoltaic (PV) energy generation throughout the year. This region experiences strong seasonal variations in solar production that are worth understanding for optimal planning. The seasonal solar energy production shows clear patterns. Summer months deliver the highest output at 8.28 kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed capacity. Spring follows as the second most productive season with 7.16 kWh/day. Energy generation decreases significantly in autumn to 4.93 kWh/day, while winter represents the annual low point with 3.64 kWh/day per kilowatt installed. This seasonal pattern creates a production ratio of approximately 2.3:1 between the best and worst seasons. Even during winter months, the production remains reasonably good compared to many other locations worldwide, making Ovalle a strong candidate for year-round solar energy generation.

Optimal Panel Installation

For fixed solar panel installations in Ovalle, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round production is 27 degrees facing North. This carefully calculated angle optimizes annual energy capture by accounting for the sun's seasonal position changes and the specific solar radiation patterns at this latitude.

Environmental Considerations

Several environmental factors could potentially affect solar production in Ovalle:

• Dust accumulation: The semi-arid climate of the Coquimbo Region where Ovalle is located can lead to dust buildup on panels, reducing efficiency by 5-15% if not addressed.
• Morning coastal fog: Ovalle's proximity to the Pacific Ocean can result in morning fog during certain seasons, particularly in winter and spring.
• Temperature variations: While generally beneficial for solar production, the region's temperature swings between day and night can affect panel efficiency.

Preventative Measures

To maximize production despite these challenges, consider implementing: Regular cleaning schedules, particularly during the drier summer and spring months when dust accumulation is highest. Automated cleaning systems or hydrophobic coatings can be worthwhile investments for larger installations. Temperature-optimized panel selection is important. High-efficiency panels with better temperature coefficients will perform more consistently through Ovalle's seasonal temperature variations. Slight adjustments to the standard 27-degree tilt might be beneficial for installations prioritizing winter production, when energy needs may be higher but solar production is at its annual minimum. The excellent summer and spring production values suggest that Ovalle would be particularly well-suited for applications with higher summer energy demands, such as agricultural irrigation or cooling systems.

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 23 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 Ovalle

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: -30.6013, Longitude: -71.198 (Ovalle, 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 27° North in Ovalle, Chile

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Ovalle, Chile (Lat/Long -30.6013, -71.198) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 27° 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 Ovalle, 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 Ovalle, Chile. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 27° North tilt angle throughout the year.

Overall Best Summer Angle	Overall Best Autumn Angle	Overall Best Winter Angle	Overall Best Spring Angle
15° North in Summer	36° North in Autumn	46° North in Winter	24° 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 Ovalle, 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 Ovalle, 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 Ovalle, Chile

The topography around Ovalle, Chile presents a diverse and dynamic landscape characterized by several distinct geographical features. Located in the Coquimbo Region of north-central Chile, Ovalle sits in the Limarí Province, approximately 400 kilometers north of Santiago. The terrain surrounding this area is defined by the transition between coastal zones and the foothills of the Andes Mountains.

Terrain Characteristics

Ovalle is situated in a valley within the Norte Chico region, which features a semi-arid climate. The immediate surroundings include the Limarí River Valley, which cuts through the landscape and has historically provided fertile ground for agriculture. The topography gradually rises from the coastal plains in the west toward the Andes Mountains in the east, creating a series of rolling hills, plateaus, and valleys. The western areas closer to the Pacific Ocean have gentler slopes and lower elevations, while moving eastward, the terrain becomes increasingly rugged with steeper gradients. The landscape includes numerous quebradas (ravines) that have been carved by seasonal water flows over millennia. These natural drainage channels create a rippled texture across the broader landscape.

Solar PV Potential Areas

For large-scale solar photovoltaic installations, several areas around Ovalle present favorable conditions based on topographical considerations: The elevated plateaus to the east of Ovalle offer excellent potential for solar PV development. These areas benefit from relatively flat terrain at higher elevations, which minimizes shading issues while maximizing exposure to sunlight. The plateaus typically have sparse vegetation and minimal competing land uses, making them prime candidates for solar development. The northern slopes of the valleys surrounding Ovalle also present opportunities for solar installations. These north-facing gradients receive consistent sun exposure throughout the year in the Southern Hemisphere. While some grading might be necessary, these areas could accommodate substantial solar arrays. The semi-arid plains extending northwest of Ovalle toward La Serena provide another promising zone for solar development. These areas feature relatively flat terrain with minimal topographical obstacles, allowing for efficient arrangement of solar panels. The natural lack of tall vegetation reduces potential shading issues.

Topographical Challenges

Despite the favorable conditions in many areas, certain topographical features present challenges for solar development. The deeply cut ravines and quebradas that traverse the region create discontinuities in the landscape that would need to be avoided or bridged in any large-scale installation. Additionally, some areas experience seasonal flooding that must be accounted for in site selection. The steeper eastern slopes approaching the Andean foothills would generally be less suitable for large arrays due to the increased complexity and cost of construction on sharply inclined terrain. These areas would require significant grading work, potentially undermining the economic viability of projects. The coastal fog that occasionally penetrates inland, particularly in winter months, affects the westernmost portions of the region. While this phenomenon doesn't directly relate to topography, it interacts with the landscape features to influence potential solar generation in the lower-elevation western zones. The combination of abundant clear skies, minimal precipitation, and available flat or gently sloping terrain makes the region surrounding Ovalle naturally conducive to solar energy development, with the eastern plateaus and northern valley slopes representing the most promising areas from a purely topographical perspective.

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!

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.