Why is solar power important in Chile?

Solar power in Chile is an increasingly important source of energy. Total installed photovoltaic (PV) capacity in Chile reached 8.36 GW in 2023. Solar energy provided 19.9% of national electricity generation in Chile in 2023, compared to less than 0.1% in 2013.

How much does a solar power plant cost in Chile?

Because of its good solar resource several international companies have bid record low prices for solar thermal power plants in Chile, including the Copiapó Solar Project bid at $63/MWh by SolarReserve in 2017. If realized this would have been the lowest ever price for a CSP project in the world.

Who submitted the lowest bid in the Chilean solar auction?

According to La Tercera, Canadian Solar Libertador Solar Holding SpA submitted the lowest bid in the auction for a solar power project. The Chilean media outlet noted that the final results of the auction will be announced in the days to come.

How much does electricity cost in Chile?

In its last auction, which was held in November 2017, the Chilean government allocated 2.2 TWh of capacity. Enel Generación Chile submitted the lowest bid of $21.48/MWh. The final average electricity price was $32.50/MWh.

When did SolarPack start supplying power to Chile?

In March 2020 PV Magazine reported that Solarpack had begun providing power on 2 March 2020, to the Chilean grid from its 123 MW Granja project, 10 months ahead of the contracted date of 1 January 2021. With that, Solarpack raised its total operating capacity in Chile at the time to 181 MW.

How much battery storage does Chile have?

It is connected to 8 MW/32 MWh of battery storage. Chile has enacted the Renewable Energy Storage and Electromobility Law, which will compensate standalone storage projects for injecting electricity into the grid and being available at times of peak demand.