The location at Reñaca Alto, Región de Valparaíso, Chile, situated in the Southern Sub Tropics, presents a varying landscape for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. This coastal area experiences significant seasonal fluctuations in solar output, which affects the overall efficiency of solar installations.

Seasonal Solar Performance

Solar energy production in Reñaca Alto peaks during the summer months, with an impressive daily output of 7.41kWh per kW of installed capacity. Spring follows closely behind, generating 6.75kWh/day. However, there's a notable decline in autumn (4.38kWh/day) and a significant drop in winter (3.31kWh/day).

The substantial difference between summer and winter production highlights the location's seasonal variability. While summer offers excellent solar potential, the winter months may require supplementary energy sources to maintain consistent power supply.

Optimal Panel Positioning

To maximize year-round solar energy production in Reñaca Alto, Región de Valparaíso, fixed solar panels should be tilted at a 29-degree angle facing north. This orientation takes into account the location's latitude and the sun's path throughout the year, ensuring optimal exposure to sunlight across all seasons.

Environmental Considerations

Reñaca Alto's coastal location introduces some environmental factors that could potentially impact solar production:

1. Salt spray: Proximity to the ocean may lead to salt accumulation on panels, potentially reducing efficiency over time.
2. Coastal fog: Morning fog, common in coastal areas, might delay the start of peak production hours.

To mitigate these issues, regular panel cleaning and the use of corrosion-resistant materials in the installation process are recommended. Additionally, investing in high-quality, salt-resistant panels can help maintain efficiency in this coastal environment.

Conclusion

While Reñaca Alto experiences significant seasonal variations in solar output, its overall potential for solar energy production remains promising. With proper panel positioning and preventative measures against coastal environmental factors, solar PV systems can effectively harness the abundant sunlight available, particularly during summer and spring months.

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 Reñaca Alto

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: -32.9932, Longitude: -71.4825 (Reñaca Alto, 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 7.41kWh/day in Summer.

Average 4.38kWh/day in Autumn.

Average 3.31kWh/day in Winter.

Average 6.75kWh/day in Spring.

Ideally tilt fixed solar panels 29° North in Reñaca Alto, Chile

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Reñaca Alto, Chile (Lat/Long -32.9932, -71.4825) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 29° 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: -32.9932, Longitude: -71.4825, the ideal angle to tilt panels is 29° North

Seasonally adjusted solar panel tilt angles for Reñaca Alto, 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 Reñaca Alto, Chile. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 29° 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 Reñaca Alto, 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 Reñaca Alto, 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 Reñaca Alto, Chile

The topography around Reñaca Alto, Chile, is characterized by a mix of coastal hills and valleys. This area is part of the Central Chilean coastal range, which runs parallel to the Pacific Ocean. The landscape is generally hilly, with elevations increasing as you move inland from the coast.

Reñaca Alto itself is situated on higher ground compared to the nearby coastal areas. The terrain in this region features a series of ridges and valleys, creating a somewhat rugged landscape. The hills are often steep, with some areas having significant slopes. As you move further inland, the hills become more pronounced and the valleys deeper.

The coastline near Reñaca Alto is known for its cliffs and rocky shores, interspersed with small beaches. The ocean's influence is evident in the area's climate and vegetation, with many plants adapted to the coastal environment.

Areas Suitable for Large-Scale Solar PV

For large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations, the most suitable areas would likely be found inland from Reñaca Alto, where the terrain becomes flatter and more open. The ideal locations would have the following characteristics:

1. Flat or gently sloping land: Areas with minimal slope are preferred for easier installation and maintenance of solar panels. Some of the valleys or plateaus inland from Reñaca Alto might offer such terrain.

2. Open spaces with minimal shading: Locations away from tall hills or mountains that could cast shadows on the panels would be ideal. This might mean looking for expansive areas in the wider valleys between the coastal hills.

3. Good sun exposure: While most of central Chile receives ample sunlight, areas with consistent sun exposure throughout the day would be best. South-facing slopes (in the Southern Hemisphere) should be avoided.

4. Accessibility: Sites that are reasonably close to existing infrastructure, such as roads and power lines, would be more practical for development.

5. Limited agricultural or ecological value: To minimize environmental impact, areas that are not prime agricultural land or ecologically sensitive would be preferable.

Given these criteria, the most suitable areas for large-scale solar PV installations are likely to be found further inland, possibly in the transitional zones between the coastal range and the central valley of Chile. These areas tend to have more expansive, open terrain that could accommodate large solar farms while still being within a reasonable distance of population centers and existing infrastructure.

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.

©Copyright Aaron Robinson and profileSOLAR.com 2019-2025

Home
Solar: Ashburn
Solar: Worldwide
Solar Panel Tilt Angle
Login

Privacy
Disclaimer
Impressum
Contact Us