The location in Chillán, Coquimbo Region, Chile, situated in the Southern Sub Tropics, presents a mixed picture for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. This location experiences significant seasonal variations in solar energy production, which impacts its overall suitability for year-round solar power generation.

Seasonal Solar Energy Production

Solar energy production at this location varies considerably across the seasons. Summer months offer the highest energy output, with an impressive 8.30 kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely behind, generating 7.20 kWh/day. However, there's a notable drop in production during autumn (4.87 kWh/day) and winter (3.59 kWh/day).

These figures indicate that the location is particularly well-suited for solar energy production during summer and spring. The long, sunny days during these seasons provide ample opportunity for energy generation. However, the significant decrease in output during autumn and winter suggests that alternative or supplementary energy sources might be necessary during these periods to maintain consistent power supply.

Optimal Panel Installation

To maximize year-round solar energy production at this location, fixed solar panels should be installed at a tilt angle of 27 degrees facing North. This angle has been calculated to optimize the panels' exposure to sunlight throughout the year, taking into account the Earth's elliptical orbit and the location's specific latitude.

Environmental and Weather Considerations

While Chillán generally offers favorable conditions for solar energy production, there are some environmental factors to consider:

• Dust and pollen: The agricultural activities in the region may lead to increased dust and pollen in the air, which can accumulate on solar panels and reduce their efficiency.
• Occasional snowfall: Although rare, Chillán can experience snowfall in winter, which could temporarily cover solar panels and impede energy production.

To mitigate these issues, regular cleaning and maintenance of the solar panels is crucial. Installing panels at the recommended angle will also help with natural cleaning during rainfall. For areas prone to snow, consider using panels with a steeper tilt or implementing a snow removal system.

In conclusion, while Chillán offers excellent solar energy potential during summer and spring, the significant seasonal variations mean that careful planning and potentially hybrid energy solutions may be necessary for year-round reliable power generation.

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 Chillán

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: -31.4584, Longitude: -71.0592 (Chillán, 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 Chillán, Chile

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Chillán, Chile (Lat/Long -31.4584, -71.0592) 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 Chillán, 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 Chillán, 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	37° North in Autumn	47° North in Winter	25° 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 Chillán, 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 Chillán, 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 Chillán, Chile

Chillán, Chile, is situated in a diverse topographical region characterized by a mix of flat plains and rolling hills, with more dramatic mountainous terrain to the east. The city itself lies in the fertile Central Valley, which is flanked by the Andes Mountains to the east and the Chilean Coastal Range to the west. The immediate surroundings of Chillán consist primarily of gently undulating agricultural land, with numerous small rivers and streams crisscrossing the landscape. This area is known for its rich soil and favorable conditions for farming, particularly for crops like wheat, corn, and various fruits. As one moves eastward from Chillán, the terrain becomes increasingly hilly, eventually giving way to the foothills of the Andes Mountains. This transition zone features a mix of forested areas and steeper slopes, with elevations gradually increasing as you approach the mountain range. The Andes themselves dominate the eastern horizon, with snow-capped peaks visible on clear days. To the west of Chillán, the landscape becomes more varied, with a combination of low hills and valleys that eventually lead to the Chilean Coastal Range. This coastal mountain chain, while not as imposing as the Andes, still presents a significant topographical feature, with peaks reaching up to 2,000 meters in some areas.

Suitability for Large-Scale Solar PV

When considering areas near Chillán for large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations, several factors come into play. The most suitable locations would likely be found in the flatter regions of the Central Valley, particularly to the north and south of the city. These areas offer several advantages for solar PV development: Firstly, the relatively flat terrain of the Central Valley provides ample space for large arrays of solar panels without the need for extensive land grading or modification. This reduces installation costs and environmental impact. Secondly, these areas receive consistent sunlight throughout the year, with fewer obstructions from mountains or dense forests that could cast shadows on the panels. The climate in this region is generally favorable for solar energy production, with many clear, sunny days. Additionally, the proximity to existing infrastructure, including roads and power transmission lines, makes these areas more economically viable for large-scale solar projects. The ability to easily connect to the grid and transport equipment is a significant advantage. However, it's important to note that while the Central Valley offers good potential for solar PV, careful site selection is crucial. Factors such as local microclimates, proximity to water sources, and potential impact on agricultural land use must be considered. Environmental assessments and community consultations would be necessary to ensure that any large-scale solar development is sustainable and beneficial to the region.

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.