Largest floating solar plant of South America kicks off in Chile

The largest floating solar plant of South America has kicked off in Chile.

The project belongs to the fruit exporter, Verfrut, and is operated by Solarity providing clean energy to Fundo Quilamuta. It is located in Chile’s O'Higgins Region.

As per the companies, the solar plant, spread at an extension of 2.5 acres, has an installed capacity of 1,090 kWp. The project will have a a total of 1,998 solar panels placed over 2,493 floats, and will have 8 inverters.

The plant delivers around 40% of the farm's demand, with more efficient and economical energy that is generated on-site.

Verfrut's General Manager, Javier Martínez, was quoted in a statement, "Verfrut is aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) promoted by the United Nations, especially those that refer to the development of affordable and non-polluting energy, responsible production and consumption, and the implementation of actions for the climate."

As per Andrés Marambio, manager of the Quilamuta Estate, “it was chosen for the project because it has the greatest diversity of plantations that coexist with the native ecosystem of the area. “

The Chilean Minister of Energy, Diego Pardow was quoted, "The future lies in complementarity, the ability to coexist between traditional agriculture and new, renewable energies."

Meanwhile, in the next stage, the project expects to incorporate batteries and other decarbonization services to ensure 24 hours clean energy in the factory.