Chile presents unique conditions in terms of solar energy potential. According to several studies, northern Chile is one of very few regions in the world with annual global irradiance values exceeding 2,500 kWh/m2 (Tucson, Arizona, exhibits a value of 2,080 kWh/m2). Its skies are also exceptionally clear, with an annual average clearness index that at 0.72 is close to the world’s maximum of 0.8.
An overview of Chile’s solar energy potential is shown in Figure 1. Figure 1(a) compares the energy potential of South America and Europe, demonstrating the high solar energy potential of the Atacama Desert. Figure 1(b) presents three maps associated with the Chilean solar energy potential, in which the following situations are highlighted: