Estación Colina, Santiago Metropolitan, Chile, located in the Southern Sub Tropics, offers a promising location for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. The site's potential for solar power production varies significantly across seasons, with peak performance during summer months.

Seasonal Solar Output

Summer sees the highest energy production, with an impressive 9.43 kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed solar capacity. Spring follows as the second most productive season, generating 7.76 kWh daily. Autumn yields a moderate 5.24 kWh per day, while winter experiences the lowest output at 3.25 kWh daily.

These figures indicate that Estación Colina is particularly well-suited for solar energy generation during the warmer months, from late spring through early autumn. However, the substantial difference between summer and winter production suggests that supplementary energy sources might be necessary during the colder months to maintain consistent power supply.

Optimal Panel Positioning

To maximize year-round solar energy production at this location, fixed solar panels should be tilted at an angle of 28 degrees facing North. This orientation ensures optimal exposure to sunlight throughout the year, taking into account the site's latitude and the Earth's elliptical orbit.

Environmental Considerations

While Estación Colina generally presents favorable conditions for solar energy production, there are some environmental factors to consider:

• Dust and pollution: The area's proximity to urban centers may lead to dust and air pollution accumulation on solar panels, potentially reducing their efficiency.
• Cloud cover: Seasonal variations in cloud cover, particularly during winter months, can impact solar energy generation.

To mitigate these issues, regular cleaning and maintenance of solar panels is crucial. Additionally, investing in high-quality, dust-resistant panels and implementing a tilted installation can help minimize the impact of dust accumulation. For cloud cover concerns, utilizing more efficient solar panels and potentially incorporating energy storage solutions can help maintain consistent power output throughout the year.

Overall, Estación Colina presents a favorable location for solar PV energy generation, with particularly high potential during summer and spring months. While winter production is notably lower, proper panel positioning and maintenance can help maximize energy output year-round.

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 Estación Colina

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: -33.2944, Longitude: -70.7646 (Estación Colina, 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 Estación Colina, Chile

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Estación Colina, Chile (Lat/Long -33.2944, -70.7646) 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 Estación Colina, 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 Estación Colina, 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	49° 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 Estación Colina, 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 Estación Colina, 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 Estación Colina, Chile

The topography around Estación Colina, Chile, is characterized by a diverse landscape that transitions from flat plains to rolling hills and eventually to more mountainous terrain. Located in the central region of Chile, this area sits within the fertile Central Valley, nestled between the towering Andes Mountains to the east and the coastal mountain range to the west. In the immediate vicinity of Estación Colina, the terrain is relatively flat, with gentle slopes and low-lying areas. This flat expanse is part of the broader Santiago Basin, which is known for its agricultural productivity. As one moves away from the station, the landscape gradually becomes more undulating, with small hills and shallow valleys dotting the countryside. To the east, the terrain begins to rise more dramatically as it approaches the foothills of the Andes. These areas feature steeper slopes, deeper valleys, and more rugged terrain. The Andes themselves loom in the distance, their snow-capped peaks visible on clear days, creating a stunning backdrop to the region's topography.

Suitable Areas for Large-Scale Solar PV

When considering locations for large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations near Estación Colina, several factors come into play. The most suitable areas would be those that combine favorable topography with high solar irradiance and minimal environmental impact. The flat plains and gently rolling hills to the west and southwest of Estación Colina present the most promising locations for solar PV development. These areas offer several advantages: Firstly, the relatively level terrain reduces the need for extensive land preparation, making installation easier and more cost-effective. The open nature of these spaces also minimizes shading issues, allowing for optimal solar panel placement and maximum sun exposure throughout the day. Secondly, these areas typically receive abundant sunlight due to their position in the Central Valley, which experiences a Mediterranean climate with long, dry summers and mild winters. This climate is ideal for solar energy production. Lastly, much of this land is already used for agriculture or is sparsely populated, potentially reducing conflicts over land use and minimizing the impact on local communities. It's worth noting that while the foothills of the Andes to the east may offer some suitable locations, the increasing elevation and more complex topography could present challenges for large-scale installations. However, these areas might be suitable for smaller, distributed solar projects that can take advantage of south-facing slopes. When planning any solar PV installation, it's crucial to conduct thorough site-specific assessments, considering factors such as local weather patterns, grid connectivity, and environmental impact, in addition to the general topographical suitability.

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.