Name and Location
La Silla solar photovoltaic (PV) plant project, Coquimbo, Chile.

Client
Enel Green Power (EGP).

Project Description
The 1.7 MW La Silla solar PV project, named after the neighbouring astronomical observatory it will supply with clean energy.

The solar plant will use state-of-the art panels, including innovative smart and bifacial modules.

The smart module boasts a microchip that optimises production from each panel by allowing it to deliver electricity to the grid, regardless of any eventual malfunctions affecting other panels, unlike conventional modules where one malfunctioning panel can affect production of the other working panels.

The bifacial module captures solar energy from both sides of the PV panel as opposed to traditional modules that capture energy from just one side of the panel.

La Silla will be the first utility-scale PV plant in the world to combine the use of smart and bifacial modules with conventional modules for side-by-side testing, during which the performances of the innovative technologies will be compared with those of the conventional panels at the same site.

Using innovative panels is expected to increase power generation at the facility by between 5% and 10%, compared with a conventional PV plant of equal size.

Value
EGP will invest an estimated $3.4-million on the construction of the PV plant.

Duration
The project is expected to be completed in the first half of 2016.

Latest Developments
Construction on the plant started in February.

Key Contracts and Suppliers
None stated.

On Budget and on Time?
Not stated.

Contact Details for Project Information
EGP, tel +39 06 8305 5699, fax +39 06 8305 3771 or email ufficiostampa@enel.com.