Quilpué, Región de Valparaíso, Chile, situated in the Southern Sub Tropics, presents a moderately favorable location for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. The city's geographical position at latitude -33.042 and longitude -71.4497 offers varying levels of solar potential across different seasons.

Seasonal Solar Performance

Solar energy production in Quilpué experiences significant fluctuations across the year. Summer months yield the highest output, with an impressive 7.86 kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely, producing 7.18 kWh/day. These seasons offer prime conditions for solar energy generation.

However, the autumn and winter months see a considerable decline in solar output. Autumn generates 4.49 kWh/day, while winter drops to a low of 3.15 kWh/day. This seasonal variation highlights the importance of proper system sizing to ensure adequate energy supply throughout the year.

Optimal Panel Positioning

For fixed panel installations in Quilpué, Región de Valparaíso, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round solar production is 28 degrees facing North. This angle optimizes the panels' exposure to sunlight across all seasons, balancing the high summer sun with the lower winter sun angle.

Environmental Considerations

While Quilpué's climate is generally conducive to solar energy production, there are some environmental factors to consider:

1. Coastal fog: Quilpué's proximity to the Pacific coast can lead to occasional morning fog, potentially reducing early day solar output.
2. Dust accumulation: The region's semi-arid climate may result in dust buildup on panels, slightly decreasing efficiency.

To mitigate these issues, regular panel cleaning and the use of anti-soiling coatings can help maintain optimal performance. Additionally, installing panels at a slightly steeper angle than the ideal 28 degrees can promote natural cleaning during rainfall events.

Overall, Quilpué offers a good location for solar PV installations, with strong potential during summer and spring months. While winter output is notably lower, proper system design and maintenance can ensure effective year-round energy 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 Quilpué

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: -33.042, Longitude: -71.4497 (Quilpué, 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 28° North in Quilpué, Chile

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Quilpué, Chile (Lat/Long -33.042, -71.4497) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 28° 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 Quilpué, 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 Quilpué, Chile. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 28° North tilt angle throughout the year.

Overall Best Summer Angle	Overall Best Autumn Angle	Overall Best Winter Angle	Overall Best Spring Angle
17° North in Summer	38° North in Autumn	48° North in Winter	26° 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 Quilpué, 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 Quilpué, 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 Quilpué, Chile

The topography around Quilpué, Chile, is characterized by a diverse and dynamic landscape. Located in the Valparaíso Region, Quilpué sits in a valley surrounded by rolling hills and mountains. The area is part of the coastal range that runs parallel to the Pacific Ocean, creating a varied terrain with elevations ranging from gentle slopes to steeper inclines. To the east of Quilpué, the land gradually rises towards the Andes Mountains, forming a series of foothills and valleys. These areas feature a mix of grasslands, shrublands, and scattered forests, with some parts being used for agriculture and grazing. The western side of Quilpué slopes down towards the coast, where the terrain becomes more rugged and steep as it approaches the Pacific Ocean. The region experiences a Mediterranean climate, with warm, dry summers and mild, wetter winters. This climate, combined with the varied topography, creates microclimates that support a diverse ecosystem of plants and animals adapted to the local conditions.

Suitable Areas for Large-scale Solar PV

When considering areas nearby that would be most suited to large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations, several factors come into play. The ideal locations would have ample sunlight exposure, relatively flat terrain, and minimal environmental impact. The areas to the east of Quilpué, where the land begins to rise into the foothills, present promising opportunities for solar PV development. These locations often have clearer skies and less coastal fog compared to areas closer to the ocean. The gently sloping terrain in some of these foothill regions could provide good sun exposure throughout the day, maximizing energy generation potential. Another potential area for solar PV installations could be found in the broader valleys between the coastal mountains. These areas often have more expansive flat or gently undulating terrain, which is ideal for the placement of large solar arrays. The reduced need for extensive land grading in these locations could make installation more cost-effective and less environmentally disruptive. It's important to note that any large-scale solar PV project would require detailed site-specific assessments, including environmental impact studies, grid connection feasibility, and local zoning considerations. The ultimate suitability of an area would depend on a combination of these factors, as well as the specific requirements of the project and local regulations governing land use and energy development.

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.