Solar energy in Antofagasta, Chile
Average irradiation 6.19 kWh/m²/day · ~1807 kWh per kWp per year
Monthly solar irradiation & temperature in Antofagasta (NASA POWER)
| Month | Irradiation (kWh/m²/day) | Avg temp (°C) | Est. production per kWp (kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 8.28 | 20.9 | 201 |
| Feb | 7.77 | 21.5 | 189 |
| Mar | 6.80 | 20.4 | 165 |
| Apr | 5.49 | 18.7 | 133 |
| May | 4.27 | 17.1 | 104 |
| Jun | 3.58 | 15.9 | 87 |
| Jul | 3.80 | 14.9 | 93 |
| Aug | 4.68 | 14.8 | 114 |
| Sep | 5.94 | 15.1 | 144 |
| Oct | 7.08 | 16.0 | 172 |
| Nov | 7.96 | 17.4 | 194 |
| Dec | 8.59 | 19.1 | 209 |
Solar potential of Antofagasta explained
Antofagasta receives an average of 6.19 kilowatt-hours of solar energy per square metre per day, measured over four decades of satellite observation. In practical terms, every kilowatt-peak of installed PV capacity yields about 1807 kWh of electricity per year here, assuming a well-oriented system with a typical 80% performance ratio. This places Antofagasta among the stronger solar locations globally — comparable to southern Spain or California.
Frequently asked questions
Is solar worth it in Antofagasta?
With 6.19 kWh/m²/day of average irradiation, a 1 kWp system in Antofagasta produces roughly 1807 kWh per year. That is an excellent solar resource — payback periods are typically among the shortest worldwide.
How much electricity would a 5 kW system produce in Antofagasta?
Approximately 9,000 kWh per year — enough to cover a large share of a typical household's consumption.
What data is this based on?
Long-term satellite observations from NASA POWER (1981–present) and the PVGIS SARAH3 database, assuming a performance ratio of 80%.
Compare with nearby cities
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