Does Argentina have a potential for solar energy utilization?

Conclusions Our work found a large gap between Argentina’s potential for solar energy utilization and the current solar energy deployment, despite advantages such as a high solar and land resources.

Should Argentina invest in solar energy?

If Argentina were able to stabilize its economy and provide better incentives for solar, investors would be more apt to support renewable energy projects. However, the lack of residential distributed generation projects is hindering mainstream solar adoption.

What is the contribution of photovoltaic electricity to Argentina's grid system?

The first contribution of photovoltaic electricity to Argentina´s grid system occurred in 2011, with a participation of 0.0014% to the total electricity demand, which is a modest contribution to the 1% incidence of renewable energy (RE) at the time, which included small, i.e., ≤50 MW, hydroelectric plants .

Are solar thermal devices legal in Argentina?

Because, in Argentina, there is no accredited laboratory for solar thermal devices, reports from international labs are accepted as a proof of compliance. In 2019, the new government implemented import and currency exchange restrictions, and implemented subsidies to natural gas one more time.

Is there a gap between photovoltaic installations in Argentina?

This gap is, however, not static: different legal frameworks and governmental promotion programs have led to the deployment of large-scale and distributed off-grid photovoltaic installations, but they are at a volume (in terms of installed capacity) that lags years behind other countries with which Argentina shares relevant characteristics.

Can Argentina abridge the solar gap?

Finally, a discussion on the main ingredients required to abridge Argentina’s solar gap indicates that stronger, consistent long-term strategies are required in Argentina in order to take advantage of the present window of opportunity, and to play a considerable role in the global energy transition.