An Overview of Solar Energy in Chile

Abstract

This paper shows the installed power capacity of conventional and non-conventional renewable energy in the electrical system networks found in Chile, as well as the evolution of the photovoltaic solar capacity installed from 2015 until the present day and the percentage distribution of Non-Conventional Renewable Energy (NCRE) sources. The ten most important solar plants (capacities ranging from 101 MW to 196 MW) located in the north of the country will be presented, along with those approved or under construction. Together these new plants will represent an increase of PV sources in the energy matrix of 6.625 MW. Finally, technical characteristics of the largest photovoltaic solar plants in Latin America are described, including the 776.230 solar panels installed and covering an area of 2.800.000 m2 in the Atacama Region.