 technology.){kind=link}
Unique Approach to Solar Energy Adoption in Argentina and Chile
The Atacama Desert in Argentina and Chile stands out as the sunniest region globally, boasting annual irradiation levels exceeding 2,700 kWh/m2/year. Approximately a decade ago, both countries initiated large-scale PV projects, igniting hopes for widespread photovoltaic adoption across the continent. Surprisingly, the growth of rooftop solar PV has remained sluggish in Argentina and Chile, with only a fraction of the total installed capacity allocated to rooftops.
Government Initiatives and Regulations Driving Solar Energy Development
In 2018, Argentina introduced Dec Reg No. 986, aiming to achieve 1,000 MW of distributed generation (DG) PV installations on various building types by 2030. The decree, regulated by Resolucion No. 314 SGE 2018, delineated different user-generator categories, including Small users-generators (UGpe), Medium users-generators (UGme), and Major users-generators (UGma), based on their connection type and PV capacity.
Benefits and Requirements Under the Distributed Energy Framework
Under the Distributed Energy Framework, users-generators receive detailed invoices outlining their consumption and energy fed into the grid. Distribution companies measure and register the fed energy, compensating users based on set prices in Argentine pesos/kWh without imposing additional charges. Surplus energy fed into the grid translates to credits for the user-generator, which can be carried forward for future billing periods. Users can also transfer their accumulated credits to other users under the same distribution company.
Limited Uptake of Distributed Generation in Argentina
Despite the favorable net billing conditions provided by the government, the installation of distributed generation systems in Argentina has remained modest, with only approximately 30 MW of capacity installed to date. This disparity raises questions about the barriers hindering the widespread adoption of solar PV in the country.
In conclusion, while the potential for solar energy utilization in Argentina and Chile is vast, barriers to rooftop solar PV adoption persist. Understanding the challenges and exploring innovative solutions will be crucial in accelerating the transition towards a more sustainable energy landscape in these sun-drenched regions.