Requínoa, O'Higgins Region, Chile, located in the Southern Sub Tropics, presents a varied landscape for solar energy generation throughout the year. This location, situated at latitude -34.2835 and longitude -70.8185, experiences significant seasonal fluctuations in solar energy production potential.

Seasonal Solar Performance

The solar energy output at Requínoa varies considerably across the seasons. Summer stands out as the most productive period, with an impressive 9.19 kWh per day for each kilowatt of installed solar capacity. Spring follows as the second-best season, generating 7.35 kWh daily. Autumn sees a notable decrease to 5.08 kWh per day, while winter experiences the lowest output at 2.93 kWh daily.

These figures indicate that Requínoa is particularly well-suited for solar energy production during the warmer months, from late spring through early autumn. This period offers extended daylight hours and more direct sunlight, maximizing the potential of solar PV systems.

Optimal Panel Positioning

To maximize year-round solar energy production in Requínoa, O'Higgins Region, fixed solar panels should be tilted at an angle of 29 degrees facing North. This optimal angle takes into account the location's latitude and the Earth's elliptical orbit, ensuring the best possible exposure to sunlight throughout the year.

Environmental Considerations

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

1. Winter fog: The region can experience fog during winter months, potentially reducing solar output.
2. Dust accumulation: The semi-arid climate may lead to dust buildup on panels, affecting efficiency.

To mitigate these issues, regular panel cleaning should be scheduled, especially before and after the winter season. Additionally, investing in anti-soiling coatings for the panels can help maintain efficiency in dusty conditions.

In conclusion, Requínoa presents a good location for solar PV installations, with excellent potential during summer and spring. While winter output is considerably lower, the overall yearly performance makes it a viable option for renewable energy generation, provided appropriate maintenance measures are implemented.

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 Requínoa

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: -34.2835, Longitude: -70.8185 (Requínoa, 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 9.19kWh/day in Summer.

Average 5.08kWh/day in Autumn.

Average 2.93kWh/day in Winter.

Average 7.35kWh/day in Spring.

Ideally tilt fixed solar panels 29° North in Requínoa, Chile

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Requínoa, Chile (Lat/Long -34.2835, -70.8185) 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: -34.2835, Longitude: -70.8185, the ideal angle to tilt panels is 29° North

Seasonally adjusted solar panel tilt angles for Requínoa, 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 Requínoa, 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 Requínoa, 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 Requínoa, 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 Requínoa, Chile

The topography around Requínoa, Chile is characterized by a mix of flat valleys and rolling hills, gradually transitioning to more mountainous terrain as you move eastward. Requínoa itself is situated in the Central Valley of Chile, a long, relatively flat region that runs north-south between two mountain ranges.

To the west of Requínoa, the landscape is predominantly flat to gently undulating, with fertile agricultural lands dominating the scenery. This area is part of the broader Central Valley region, known for its favorable conditions for farming and viticulture.

As you move eastward from Requínoa, the terrain becomes more varied and elevated. The foothills of the Andes Mountains begin to appear, with increasingly steep slopes and higher elevations. These areas feature a mix of grasslands, shrublands, and forested patches, depending on the altitude and local climate conditions.

The Andes Mountains themselves lie further to the east, forming a dramatic backdrop to the region with their snow-capped peaks and rugged, mountainous terrain. However, these high-altitude areas are quite distant from Requínoa itself.

Areas Suitable for Large-Scale Solar PV

For large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations, the most suitable areas near Requínoa would likely be found in the flatter portions of the Central Valley to the west and southwest of the town. These areas offer several advantages for solar energy development:

1. Flat terrain: The level ground in these areas makes construction and maintenance of solar arrays easier and more cost-effective.
2. Open spaces: There are likely to be large, unobstructed areas that receive consistent sunlight throughout the day.
3. Proximity to infrastructure: Being in a developed agricultural region, these areas are more likely to have access to roads and electrical grid connections necessary for large-scale solar projects.
4. Lower agricultural value: Some portions of land may be less suitable for intensive agriculture, making them available for alternative uses like solar farms.

It's important to note that specific site selection would require detailed environmental and technical assessments, considering factors such as local climate patterns, soil conditions, and proximity to transmission infrastructure. Additionally, any large-scale solar development would need to balance energy production goals with the preservation of valuable agricultural land in this fertile region of Chile.

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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