Solar energy in Santiago, Chile
Average irradiation 5.43 kWh/m²/day · ~1586 kWh per kWp per year
Monthly solar irradiation & temperature in Santiago (NASA POWER)
| Month | Irradiation (kWh/m²/day) | Avg temp (°C) | Est. production per kWp (kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 8.79 | 22.1 | 214 |
| Feb | 7.93 | 21.2 | 193 |
| Mar | 6.47 | 19.6 | 157 |
| Apr | 4.46 | 16.1 | 109 |
| May | 2.87 | 12.5 | 70 |
| Jun | 2.14 | 9.2 | 52 |
| Jul | 2.35 | 8.4 | 57 |
| Aug | 3.13 | 9.7 | 76 |
| Sep | 4.49 | 11.8 | 109 |
| Oct | 5.99 | 14.6 | 146 |
| Nov | 7.74 | 18.0 | 188 |
| Dec | 8.80 | 20.5 | 214 |
Solar potential of Santiago explained
Santiago receives an average of 5.43 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 1586 kWh of electricity per year here, assuming a well-oriented system with a typical 80% performance ratio. This places Santiago among the stronger solar locations globally — comparable to southern Spain or California.
Frequently asked questions
Is solar worth it in Santiago?
With 5.43 kWh/m²/day of average irradiation, a 1 kWp system in Santiago produces roughly 1586 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 Santiago?
Approximately 8,000 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
São Paulo (4.5) · Rio de Janeiro (4.8) · Buenos Aires (4.6) · Bogotá (4.4) · Lima (5.1) · Caracas (5) · all cities →