Why is solar energy important in Argentina?

The north of Argentina experiences high levels of solar radiation and has the capacity to produce electricity and jobs for rural and underserved communities in the country. Unfortunately, there are several factors limiting the total deployment of renewable energy in Argentina.

When did solar thermal energy become a key energy source in Argentina?

Solar thermal energy in Argentina was already considered a potential key energy source in 1975 , when a national R&D program for the development of solar energy and other renewables was launched, leading to numerous research programs (see next section) and the elaboration of norms and certification criteria for ST collectors .

Why is solar thermal technology less developed in Argentine?

Solar thermal technology is even less developed, in part due to the low natural gas prices resulting from political strategies that aim to soften the impact of an unstable economy on family budgets. This review describes this gap by summarizing the current state of Argentine solar energy.

Is solar adoption a problem in Argentina?

(Credit: Nestor Barbitta) For a country with the abundant solar resources of Argentina, the lack of PV adoption is cause for concern. The north of Argentina experiences high levels of solar radiation and has the capacity to produce electricity and jobs for rural and underserved communities in the country.

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.

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.