Overview
PLANTA PILOTO FOTOVOLTAICA SAN JUAN 1 is a 1.2 MW solar PV facility in San Juan, Argentina, owned by EPSE. It contributes to the region's renewable energy capacity under Argentina's RenovAr program.
PLANTA PILOTO FOTOVOLTAICA SAN JUAN 1 is a solar photovoltaic power plant located in San Juan, Argentina. With a capacity of 1.2 MW, it is a small-scale facility that plays a role in diversifying the local energy mix. The plant is owned by EPSE (Energía Provincial Sociedad del Estado), the provincial energy company of San Juan. The facility operates under Argentina's renewable energy framework, which includes the RenovAr program and national targets for renewable energy generation. Solar PV technology is well-suited to the high solar irradiance of the San Juan region, which has one of the highest solar potentials in the country. The plant's capacity is modest compared to utility-scale solar farms, but it serves as a pilot project demonstrating the viability of solar energy in the province. Environmentally, the plant contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by displacing fossil fuel-based electricity. As a solar PV installation, it has minimal operational emissions and low water usage. The facility supports local energy security and aligns with Argentina's goal of achieving 20% renewable energy by 2025. Its location in an arid region minimizes land-use conflicts, though solar farms can have visual impacts on the landscape.
Environmental context
San Juan province is located in western Argentina, characterized by arid and semi-arid conditions with high solar irradiance, making it ideal for solar energy generation. The region's natural environment includes desert landscapes and the Andes foothills. Solar PV installations like this one have a low environmental footprint, with no air or water emissions during operation. However, they require land clearing and can affect local fauna, though impacts are generally lower than for fossil fuel plants. The facility supports Argentina's transition to cleaner energy.
Frequently asked questions
The plant is located in San Juan province, Argentina, at coordinates -31.3891, -68.6752.
The facility has a capacity of 1.2 MW, making it a small-scale solar photovoltaic plant.
The plant is owned by EPSE (Energía Provincial Sociedad del Estado), the provincial energy company of San Juan.
Argentina's RenovAr program and Law 27.191 set targets for renewable energy, including solar PV, with feed-in tariffs and tax incentives to attract investment.
Solar PV generates electricity without greenhouse gas emissions or water consumption, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and supporting Argentina's climate goals.