Punta Arenas, Region of Magallanes, Chile, located in the Southern Temperate Zone at latitude -53.1471 and longitude -70.9156, presents unique challenges and opportunities for solar PV energy generation. The city experiences significant seasonal variations in solar energy production, which greatly impacts its suitability for year-round solar power generation.

Seasonal Solar Energy Production

The solar energy output in Punta Arenas varies dramatically across the seasons. Summer months are the most productive, with an average daily output of 5.58 kWh per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows as the second most productive season, generating 4.33 kWh/day. However, the energy production drops significantly during autumn (1.98 kWh/day) and reaches its lowest point in winter (0.92 kWh/day).

This stark contrast between seasons means that solar energy generation in Punta Arenas is most effective during the summer and spring months. The long daylight hours and higher sun angles during these seasons contribute to the increased energy production. Conversely, the winter months present significant challenges due to shorter days and lower sun angles.

Optimal Panel Installation

To maximize year-round solar energy production in Punta Arenas, Region of Magallanes, fixed solar panels should be installed at a tilt angle of 45 degrees facing North. This angle is calculated to optimize the panels' exposure to sunlight throughout the year, taking into account the city's latitude and the Earth's elliptical orbit.

Environmental and Weather Factors

Several environmental and weather factors can impact solar energy production in Punta Arenas:

1. Strong winds: The region is known for its powerful winds, which can potentially damage solar installations if not properly secured.
2. Cloud cover: Frequent cloud cover, especially during winter months, can significantly reduce solar energy production.

To mitigate these challenges, solar installations in Punta Arenas should incorporate robust mounting systems designed to withstand high winds. Additionally, using high-efficiency solar panels can help maximize energy production during periods of reduced sunlight.

Conclusion

While Punta Arenas is not ideal for year-round solar energy production due to its extreme seasonal variations, it can still benefit from solar PV installations. The summer and spring months offer excellent potential for energy generation, which could be complemented by alternative energy sources or energy storage solutions to compensate for the less productive autumn and winter periods.

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 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 Punta Arenas

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: -53.1471, Longitude: -70.9156 (Punta Arenas, 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 45° North in Punta Arenas, Chile

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Punta Arenas, Chile (Lat/Long -53.1471, -70.9156) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 45° 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 Punta Arenas, 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 Punta Arenas, Chile. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 45° North tilt angle throughout the year.

Overall Best Summer Angle	Overall Best Autumn Angle	Overall Best Winter Angle	Overall Best Spring Angle
37° North in Summer	56° North in Autumn	67° North in Winter	45° 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 Punta Arenas, 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 Punta Arenas, 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 Punta Arenas, Chile

Punta Arenas, located in southern Chile, is situated in a unique and diverse topographical region. The city itself sits on a peninsula that juts out into the Strait of Magellan, with the surrounding landscape characterized by a mix of coastal plains, rolling hills, and distant mountains. To the north and east of Punta Arenas, the terrain gradually rises into the Patagonian steppes, a vast expanse of grasslands and shrublands. These areas feature gently undulating hills and plateaus, with occasional rocky outcrops. The steppes extend for hundreds of kilometers, creating a sense of endless open space. Westward, the landscape becomes more dramatic as it transitions into the southern reaches of the Andes Mountains. These mountains, though not as tall as their northern counterparts, still present an imposing sight with snow-capped peaks and rugged, forested slopes. The proximity of the mountains to the coast creates a striking visual contrast. South of Punta Arenas, across the Strait of Magellan, lies Tierra del Fuego, an archipelago of islands with varied topography. The northern part of the main island features more gentle terrain, while the southern portion is dominated by the Fuegian Andes, a continuation of the Andean range.

Potential Areas for Large-Scale Solar PV

When considering areas suitable for large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations near Punta Arenas, several factors must be taken into account. The region's high latitude results in long summer days but also extended winter nights, which affects solar potential. The Patagonian steppes to the north and northeast of Punta Arenas offer the most promising locations for solar PV development. These areas benefit from relatively flat terrain, which simplifies construction and minimizes shading issues. The open landscape also experiences less cloud cover compared to coastal or mountainous regions, potentially increasing solar radiation exposure. Specific locations within the steppes, such as the areas surrounding the town of San Gregorio or the plains near Laguna Blanca National Park, could be particularly suitable. These regions combine favorable topography with reasonable proximity to existing infrastructure, which is crucial for transmitting generated electricity to population centers. It's important to note that while the steppes offer the best potential, the overall solar resource in the Punta Arenas region is less abundant compared to northern Chile. Large-scale solar PV projects would need to be carefully planned and may require more extensive land use to achieve desired energy outputs. Additionally, the harsh climate, including strong winds and occasional snowfall, would necessitate robust equipment designed to withstand these conditions.

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.