Enablers, trends, opportunities and scenarios for solar photovoltaic prosumers in Chile

Abstract

Solar photovoltaic (PV) prosumers are meant to play a key role in the acceleration of the global energy-transition. However, its current development state is far from their long-term projected potential contribution, especially in emerging and developing countries. In this work, Chile has been selected as a representative case to foresee regional and global patterns of energy transitions based on the analysis of its PV prosumer market-evolution. Specifically, a descriptive review on enablers, trends, and science-based opportunities for PV prosumers in Chile and their potential contribution in future scenarios has been undertaken. The aim is to provide recommendations for accelerating PV prosumer deployment and helping to take full advantage of its potential multi-dimensional benefits. With the support of appropriate legislative framework, regulatory scheme, and promoting mechanism, the impact of the PV prosumer penetration will not only speed up the energy transition for avoiding greenhouse-gas emissions, but also for reducing air pollution in cities, reducing energy costs of final costumers, and creating local energy jobs. All this can help to carry out a more decentralised and democratic energy-transition and make progress towards a defossilised and more equal society.