Central & South America

Researchers are seeking to understand the extent to which sudden spikes in irradiance can affect solar power plants. The preliminary findings indicate large scale PV projects are not immune to such events, especially when the spikes last longer than a minute.

A new week has brought another slew of big production capacity announcements as online retailer JD.com prepares to install 200 MW of solar rooftop capacity and project developer SFSY reported on a promising new business stream.

Developer Solarity has completed the first floating PV array to be connected to the national distribution network under Chile’s net billing scheme. The plant will supply 100% of project owner Hortifrut’s energy needs, while allowing it to sell excess power to the grid.

Selected projects will secure five-year power purchase agreements and will have to begin commercial operation on January 1.

In a national park in Chile, a hydropower plant has been combined with a solar system and battery storage to replace diesel generation.

The government is seeking proposals for 200 MW of renewable energy capacity including two 30 MW solar parks to be constructed in either Santa Elena or Guaya provinces.

Brazil now has 12  GW of underperforming hydropower capacity, according to U.S. researchers. Large-scale floating PV is an ideal solution to offset this shortfall, due to its high capacity factor, load correlation, and high potential output during periods of high demand.

Mainstream Renewable Power is developing the $934 million Huemul wind and PV project, the second phase of the $1.8 billion Andes Renovables renewable energy platform, which is expected to have a total capacity of 1.3 GW when completed. A third phase is currently in the financing stage.

The Conolophus project is designed to lower diesel consumption on Santa Cruz Island in Galapagos National Park, as well as the adjacent island of Baltra.