Valdivia, Los Ríos Region, Chile, situated in the Southern Temperate Zone, presents a mixed picture for year-round solar energy generation. This location experiences significant seasonal variations in solar PV output, which directly impacts its suitability for consistent energy production throughout the year.

Seasonal Solar Performance

The solar energy potential in Valdivia fluctuates dramatically across seasons. Summer months yield the highest output at 8.49 kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed solar capacity. Spring follows with a respectable 6.27 kWh/day. However, autumn sees a substantial drop to 3.91 kWh/day, while winter plummets to a mere 2.22 kWh/day.

These figures indicate that Valdivia is most suitable for solar energy generation during summer and spring. The extended daylight hours and typically clearer skies during these seasons contribute to the higher energy output. Conversely, the shorter days and increased cloud cover in autumn and winter significantly reduce solar efficiency.

Optimizing Solar Panel Installation

To maximize year-round solar production in Valdivia, Los Ríos Region, fixed solar panels should be tilted at an angle of 33 degrees facing North. This optimal angle helps capture the most sunlight throughout the year, balancing the sun's changing position across seasons.

Environmental and Weather Considerations

Valdivia's location presents some challenges for solar energy production. The region is known for its high rainfall, particularly during winter months. This increased cloud cover and precipitation can significantly reduce solar panel efficiency. Additionally, the area's proximity to the coast may expose solar installations to salt air, potentially accelerating corrosion of equipment.

To mitigate these factors, several preventative measures can be taken: 1. Use corrosion-resistant materials and protective coatings on solar panels and mounting systems. 2. Implement a regular cleaning schedule to remove salt deposits and other debris. 3. Install a robust drainage system to prevent water accumulation on panels. 4. Consider using bifacial solar panels to capture reflected light on overcast days.

While Valdivia may not be ideal for year-round solar energy production, careful planning and appropriate technology can still make solar PV a viable option, particularly when combined with other renewable energy sources to compensate for the lower winter output.

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 Valdivia

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: -39.8119, Longitude: -73.2493 (Valdivia, 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 8.49kWh/day in Summer.

Average 3.91kWh/day in Autumn.

Average 2.22kWh/day in Winter.

Average 6.27kWh/day in Spring.

Ideally tilt fixed solar panels 33° North in Valdivia, Chile

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Valdivia, Chile (Lat/Long -39.8119, -73.2493) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 33° 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: -39.8119, Longitude: -73.2493, the ideal angle to tilt panels is 33° North

Seasonally adjusted solar panel tilt angles for Valdivia, 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 Valdivia, Chile. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 33° 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 Valdivia, 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 Valdivia, 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 Valdivia, Chile

The topography around Valdivia, Chile is diverse and characterized by a mix of coastal plains, river valleys, and forested hills. Valdivia is situated near the confluence of several rivers, including the Calle-Calle, Cruces, and Valdivia rivers, which form a complex network of waterways and wetlands. The city itself lies in a relatively flat area, but the surrounding landscape becomes more varied as you move away from the coast.

To the east of Valdivia, the terrain gradually rises into the foothills of the Andes Mountains. This area features rolling hills covered in lush temperate rainforests, typical of the Valdivian ecoregion. The landscape is dotted with numerous lakes and volcanic formations, remnants of the region's geological history.

To the west, the coastal range known as the Cordillera de la Costa runs parallel to the Pacific Ocean. These mountains, while not as tall as the Andes, create a significant barrier between the coastal areas and the central valley. The coastline itself is rugged, with rocky cliffs interspersed with sandy beaches and estuaries.

Regarding areas suitable for large-scale solar PV (photovoltaic) installations, the region around Valdivia presents some challenges due to its climate and topography. The area is known for its high rainfall and frequent cloud cover, which are not ideal conditions for solar energy production. However, there are some potential locations that could be considered:

1. The coastal plains to the north and south of Valdivia, where the terrain is flatter and there is less forest cover, could potentially accommodate solar installations. These areas receive more direct sunlight than the forested regions inland.
2. Some of the cleared agricultural lands in the central valley, east of the coastal range, might be suitable for solar farms. These areas tend to have more open space and fewer obstructions to sunlight.
3. Higher elevation sites in the Andean foothills, above the typical cloud layer, could potentially offer better solar resources. However, these locations would need to be carefully selected to balance energy production potential with environmental and logistical considerations.

It's important to note that while these areas might be more suitable for solar PV compared to the immediate vicinity of Valdivia, the region as a whole is not considered optimal for large-scale solar energy production due to its climate. Other renewable energy sources, such as wind or hydroelectric power, might be more appropriate for this particular geographical area.

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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