La solar energy in Chile It has become one of the major drivers of the global energy transition. In just a few years, the country has gone from being almost entirely dependent on fossil fuels to being a leader in renewables, especially solar photovoltaics. All of this is thanks to its privileged geographical conditions, an increasingly favorable regulatory framework, and a political and business commitment that shows no signs of turning back.
This change is not just a technological issue: it represents a profound transformation of the energy modelThis has an impact on the economy, employment, air quality, and the fight against climate change. Chile is already seen as the “Saudi Arabia of Latin America” in solar resources, and its experience is being closely watched by many other emerging economies that want to grow without increasing their emissions.
Chile and its leading role in the solar market
The Chilean territory has some of the best solar radiation conditions on the planetEspecially in the Atacama Desert, where exceptional irradiance levels and clear skies prevail for much of the year. These geographical characteristics have placed Chile at the center of attention in the international solar market, attracting major investors and project developers.
In addition to these natural advantages, there is also relatively stable and open economyThis has facilitated the arrival of foreign capital and the implementation of large-scale projects. The combination of macroeconomic stability, legal certainty, and abundant solar resources has been key to consolidating Chile's leading role in the sector.
Another decisive factor has been the impetus for energy and regulatory reforms aimed at promoting renewable energies. Tender programs, decarbonization targets and regulations to integrate clean generation into the grid have created an environment conducive to the growth of solar energy at a much faster rate than other technologies.
According to 2017 data, the Solar photovoltaic energy became the most established renewable energy source in the countryreaching approximately 7% of total electricity generation. This may seem small at first glance, but for a system that historically relied on coal, diesel, and gas, the leap has been remarkable.
Even more striking is that, even back then, Over 70% of the new clean energy generation projects were photovoltaic solar installationsIn other words, the future growth of Chile's renewable energy sector was relying primarily on solar power, progressively displacing other sources and setting the direction that the electricity grid would follow.
From fossil fuels to a renewable system
Chile's transition has not occurred in a vacuum: it responds to the global challenge of decouple economic growth from increased emissionsLike other emerging economies, the country faced the dilemma of continuing to develop without continuing to burn coal and other fossil fuels at the expense of the climate and public health.
In 2016, Chile reached its peak fossil fuel use in the electricity sectorFrom that moment on, and despite the fact that the demand for electricity has continued to grow year after year, the country began to rapidly reduce its dependence on coal, paving the way for greater penetration of wind power and, above all, solar power.
This change has not only served to to meet the growing domestic electricity demandInstead, renewable energy generation has begun to replace thermal generation in coal-fired power plants. As the closure schedule for these plants is finalized, solar and wind power have been gaining ground in the national electricity mix.
A turning point occurred in mid-2019, when the The Chilean government announced a plan to phase out coal-fired power generation., setting the year 2040 as the target. This announcement sent a very clear signal to the market and the agents of the system: coal had an expiration date, and renewables would be the pillar of the new energy model.
As part of the preparations for COP26 in 2021, Chile took another important step towards commit to the closure or conversion of the 28 coal-fired power plants that were operating in the country, within the framework of the well-known "Pact for the Elimination of Coal." This agreement has been materializing in effective closures over the last few years.
Decarbonization and closure of coal-fired power plants
The decarbonization timetable has already begun to have tangible effects: eight coal-fired power plants operations have ceased Thanks to the progress of this timeline. This process has not only environmental implications, but also social, labor, and economic ones, which is why it is being implemented gradually to ensure a just transition.
Within this context, Enel has positioned itself as a key playerThis makes it the first major electricity company to close all of its coal-fired power plants in Chile, and doing so well ahead of the initially planned date of 2040. This decision reinforces the message that the commitment to renewables is not a mere symbolic gesture, but a long-term business strategy.
Civil society has also played a very important role. Numerous organizations and citizen groups have pressured to accelerate decarbonizationThey are demanding that the closure of all coal-fired power plants take place between 2025 and 2030, instead of waiting until 2040. Their goal is to minimize the impacts of coal on the climate, health, and the environment as soon as possible.
The success achieved so far with the rapid deployment of wind and solar energy This reinforces the idea that Chile has the technical and economic conditions to pursue more ambitious goals. Installed capacity and projects under development suggest that the country could significantly advance the coal phase-out dates without jeopardizing security of supply.
Currently, Chile's official objective is to achieve 80% renewable electricity generation by 2030 and a completely emission-free electricity grid by 2050. These goals are aligned with international climate commitments and the national energy transition roadmap.
Climate goals and international recommendations
Although Chile's objectives are ambitious on a regional scale, international organizations consider that The country could further accelerate its roadmapThe International Energy Agency (IEA), in its net-zero emissions scenario for 2050, suggests that OECD economies should accelerate the phase-out of coal.
As a member of the OECD, Chile would be called upon, according to those recommendations, to completely eliminate coal-fired power generation by 2030 and achieve a zero-emission electricity grid around 2035. These dates are significantly more aggressive than the 2040 and 2050 targets currently in force in official planning.
This difference between the national goals and the ideal scenarios proposed by the IEA It opens a debate about how far the pace of the transition can be pushed without compromising the stability of the electricity system, industrial competitiveness, and the affordability of energy for homes and businesses.
In any case, Chile has already begun its transformation in the electricity sector, and the technical consensus is that Now it's time to pick up the pace.The experience and capabilities developed in recent years provide a solid foundation for taking another leap forward in decarbonization.
The key will be to combine a intelligent network planning, the storage development (such as batteries and other technologies), the integration of complementary energy sources such as wind and hydropower, and policies that promote energy efficiency to moderate demand growth.
Chile, the “Saudi Arabia of Latin America” in solar energy
The strong commitment to photovoltaics has led many experts to refer to Chile as the “Saudi Arabia of Latin America” in solar resourcesThe expression points to the country's enormous potential to generate clean electricity from the sun, not only for domestic consumption, but also in the future to export energy, directly or indirectly, through vectors such as green hydrogen.
This nickname is no coincidence: the country combines high levels of radiation, large expanses of available land for large-scale projects and a growing network of transmission infrastructure that allows that energy to be evacuated to the main consumption centers.
For companies like Enel X, this context presents an opportunity to Develop photovoltaic solar solutions tailored to different types of customersFrom large utility-scale plants connected to the national electricity system, to self-consumption installations in companies and industries that want to reduce their bill and their carbon footprint.
Enel X openly argues that continue to promote and raise awareness about renewable energies It is fundamental to building a more sustainable and efficient energy system. This involves innovative projects, specialized consulting for businesses and government agencies, and making solar technology accessible to more and more users.
For those interested in the implementation of photovoltaic systemsWhether on a small, medium, or large scale, having the support of specialists is key. From design and engineering to permitting, financing, and commissioning, the complexity of projects makes it advisable to rely on teams with proven experience.
Installed capacity and weight of solar energy in Chile
The quantitative leap in solar capacity has been spectacular in recent years. As of July 2024, Chile had 9.880,19 MW of installed solar generation capacityThis figure reflects the enormous development of this technology in the country. This capacity includes both large photovoltaic parks and smaller projects distributed throughout the territory.
With these almost ten gigawatts installed, solar energy has reached a penetration of 29,02% in the Chilean energy systemThat is, practically one out of every three units of electrical energy generated in the country originates from the sun, which places Chile among the world leaders in solar share in its electricity mix.
In this context, Enel Chile contributes around 2.050 MW of the total solar powerconsolidating its position as one of the main players in the national photovoltaic market. This contribution is reflected in numerous solar parks spread across different regions, many of them located in areas of very high solar radiation, such as the north of the country.
The expansion of installed capacity not only has environmental implications, but is also linked to the job creation, development of local suppliers and the revitalization of regional economies that had not traditionally seen large energy investments of this kind.
Looking ahead, the growth of solar energy in Chile will likely be combined with a greater prominence of storage solutions and intelligent demand management, in order to integrate all that energy efficiently and guarantee the stability of the system even during periods of low radiation.
Origin and history of solar energy
Although we are surrounded by photovoltaic panels today, the history of solar energy applied to electricity It has been in development for just over a century. A key milestone occurred in 1883, when Charles Fritts built what is considered the first practical solar cell in history.
Fritts used selenium as a semiconductor material coated with a very thin layer of goldThis resulted in a device capable of generating a small electrical current when exposed to sunlight. The efficiency of that cell was less than 1%, negligible compared to current modules, but it demonstrated for the first time that it was possible to obtain electricity directly from solar radiation.
That first prototype had no real commercial applications, but It laid the conceptual foundations for the development of photovoltaic technology that we know today. Over time, research progressed toward new semiconductor materials, more efficient manufacturing processes, and much more productive cell designs.
For much of the 20th century, solar energy was primarily used in space applications and very specific nicheswhere cost took a back seat to reliability and energy independence. It wasn't until the late 20th and early 21st centuries that the dramatic drop in costs allowed for their mass deployment in grid-connected systems.
Today, thanks to these decades of innovation, solar energy has become one of the most competitive generation technologies in the worldThis explains why countries with solar resources like Chile have adopted it so quickly and on a large scale.
What is solar energy and why is it so important?
Solar energy is, in essence, the energy that comes from the radiation emitted by the SunA virtually inexhaustible source on a human timescale. This energy is responsible for processes fundamental to life on Earth and the functioning of many of the natural systems that surround us.
One of the most important effects is the Photosynthesis in plantswhich allows the transformation of solar energy into chemical energy stored in the form of biomass. From there, a large part of the food chain is sustained and, ultimately, life as we know it.
The Sun's radiation also drives phenomena such as winds, water cycles and, indirectly, tides (although these depend primarily on the gravity of the Moon and the Sun). Even fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, or gas, are actually ancient solar energy stored for millions of years in the remains of living organisms.
With the technological revolution of the late 19th century and the subsequent development of materials engineering, it became possible to transform that radiation directly into electricity through solar cells that harness the photovoltaic effectThis effect consists of the release of electrons in a semiconductor material when it receives light, thus generating an electric current.
Today we can affirm that the Sun functions as the main engine of almost all forms of energy on our planetThis applies both directly (photovoltaic, thermal) and indirectly (wind, hydroelectric, biomass, fossil fuels). Harnessing it in a controlled and sustainable way is one of the key elements of the global energy transition.
How does photovoltaic solar energy work?
The technology that has enabled the great leap forward in solar energy in Chile and the world is the photovoltaic solarIts operation is based on devices called solar panels or photovoltaic modules, capable of converting sunlight into electricity directly and silently.
These panels are made up of cells made with semiconductor materialsSilicon is the most common material. When solar radiation strikes these cells, the photons of light transfer their energy to the electrons in the material, which are released and begin to move, thus generating a continuous electric current.
For optimal performance, the panels are installed on structures that give them the proper inclination and orientation depending on the latitude and conditions of each site. In many cases, solar trackers are used that adjust the position of the module throughout the day to maximize radiation capture.
In a solar park, each individual panel is electrically connected to others to form chains and larger sets, which converge into a key team called investorThe inverter's job is to transform the direct current produced by the modules into alternating current, which is what most electrical networks and domestic and industrial appliances use.
In addition, the parks have control and monitoring systems that manage the operation of the plantThis involves real-time monitoring of production, detection of incidents, and regulation of energy injection into the electrical grid. All of this ensures that the generated electricity is available for consumption safely and reliably.
In the case of self-consumption installations, the principle is the same, but the Energy is consumed directly in the building or industry itself.This reduces the amount of electricity purchased from the grid. If a surplus is produced, according to the regulatory scheme, it can be injected into the grid and financially compensated, or stored in batteries for later use.
The role of consulting and photovoltaic projects in Chile
The deployment of photovoltaics in Chile is not limited to large parks; it also includes rooftop projectsIndustrial roofing, commercial installations and custom solutions for different types of clients. In this area, expert advice is essential to get the most out of solar technology.
Companies like Enel X offer comprehensive support services for photovoltaic projectsFrom the initial analysis of consumption, solar resources and available space, to the design of the solution, the processing of permits, construction, grid connection and long-term maintenance.
Having this type of support allows companies, institutions, and individuals make informed decisions about investment, economic return and environmental benefitsIt also helps to avoid sizing errors, technical problems, or administrative delays that can increase the cost or complicate a solar project.
In a market as dynamic as Chile's, where regulations evolve and new business opportunities linked to clean energy emerge, it is especially useful to have on hand teams with local experience and up-to-date industry knowledge.
For those who want to take the step towards solar energy, whether with a large-scale plant or a self-consumption solution, seeking expert advice is a way to to ensure that the project is viable, profitable and aligned with sustainability goals of each organization or user.
Looking at the whole picture, the path that Chile is taking with solar energy demonstrates that It is possible to achieve economic growth while reducing dependence on coal and other fossil fuels.The country has become an open-air laboratory for energy transition, and the accumulated experience will undoubtedly serve as a guide for other states seeking a lower-carbon, cleaner future with a leading role for the sun in their electricity mix.
