Temuco, Región de la Araucanía, Chile, located at latitude -38.7315 and longitude -72.5992 in the Southern Temperate Zone, presents a varied landscape for solar energy production throughout the year. The potential for solar PV generation fluctuates significantly across seasons, offering both opportunities and challenges for those considering solar installations in this area.

Seasonal Solar Performance

Solar energy production in Temuco reaches its peak during the summer months, with an impressive output of 8.55 kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed solar capacity. This high yield makes summer an ideal time for solar energy generation. Spring follows as the second-most productive season, delivering 6.24 kWh per day.

However, the picture changes dramatically during the cooler months. Autumn sees a significant drop in production to 4.07 kWh per day, while winter experiences the lowest output at just 2.34 kWh per day. This substantial seasonal variation highlights the importance of careful planning and potentially considering supplementary energy sources for the less productive months.

Optimal Panel Installation

To maximize year-round solar energy production in Temuco, Región de la Araucanía, fixed solar panels should be tilted at an angle of 32 degrees facing North. This optimal angle takes into account the location's latitude and the sun's position throughout the year, ensuring the best possible exposure to sunlight across all seasons.

Environmental Considerations

While Temuco's location offers good potential for solar energy, there are some environmental factors to consider. The region experiences significant rainfall, particularly during winter months, which can reduce solar efficiency. Additionally, the area is prone to occasional volcanic ash fall due to nearby active volcanoes, which can temporarily decrease panel performance.

To mitigate these challenges, installing panels with a steeper tilt can help with natural cleaning from rainwater and reduce ash accumulation. Regular cleaning and maintenance schedules are crucial, especially after ash fall events. Investing in high-quality, weather-resistant panels and using micro-inverters or power optimizers can also help maintain performance in variable conditions.

Despite these challenges, with proper planning and maintenance, Temuco can be a viable location for solar PV installations, particularly leveraging the high productivity of summer and spring months to offset the lower winter yields.

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 Temuco

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: -38.7315, Longitude: -72.5992 (Temuco, 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:

Average 8.55kWh/day in Summer.

Average 4.07kWh/day in Autumn.

Average 2.34kWh/day in Winter.

Average 6.24kWh/day in Spring.

Ideally tilt fixed solar panels 32° North in Temuco, Chile

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Temuco, Chile (Lat/Long -38.7315, -72.5992) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 32° 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.

At Latitude: -38.7315, Longitude: -72.5992, the ideal angle to tilt panels is 32° North

Seasonally adjusted solar panel tilt angles for Temuco, 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 Temuco, Chile. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 32° North tilt angle throughout the year.

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 Temuco, 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 Temuco, 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 Temuco, Chile

The topography around Temuco, Chile is quite diverse and interesting. Temuco is situated in a valley between two mountain ranges, which gives the area a unique landscape. To the east of the city, you'll find the impressive Andes Mountains rising up in the distance. These mountains create a dramatic backdrop and influence the local climate.

To the west of Temuco, there's a lower mountain range called the Coastal Range or Cordillera de la Costa. This range is not as tall as the Andes but still contributes to the area's varied terrain. Between these two mountain ranges, the Central Valley stretches out, and this is where Temuco is located.

The immediate surroundings of Temuco feature gently rolling hills and plains. The Cautín River flows through the city, adding to the topographical variety. The region also has several lakes and forests, creating a mix of open areas and wooded landscapes.

When considering areas nearby that would be most suited for large-scale solar PV (photovoltaic) installations, there are a few factors to consider. The best locations would be relatively flat areas with good sun exposure throughout the day. The Central Valley region to the north and south of Temuco could potentially offer suitable sites for solar farms.

Areas slightly east of Temuco, where the land begins to rise towards the Andes but before it gets too steep or high in elevation, might also be good candidates. These locations could benefit from clearer skies and less fog than areas closer to the coast.

However, it's important to note that this region of Chile receives less intense sunlight compared to the northern parts of the country, which are famous for their solar energy potential. The area around Temuco experiences more cloud cover and rainfall, which could impact the efficiency of solar installations.

Any large-scale solar PV project would need to carefully balance the available land, proximity to power infrastructure, and local climate conditions. Detailed site-specific studies would be necessary to determine the most optimal locations for such installations in the vicinity of Temuco.

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.

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