Peru’s Lupi solar farm uses terrain-following trackers at 14,700 feet in Andes

Peru is expanding its solar power generation capacity despite the challenges presented by rugged conditions.

South America is adamant about maintaining its reputation for having one of the cleanest energy footprints worldwide.

To cut back on fossil fuels, the region is diversifying its energy portfolio, with photovoltaics becoming more vital.

Ultimately, deploying unique photovoltaic systems across steep mountain slopes will accelerate Latin America’s shift toward complete decarbonization.

But mountainous terrain and high-altitude microclimates in regions like Peru make deployment more complex.

How do developers address these challenges?

How South America is transforming its energy landscape

South America’s carbon footprint has generally been smaller compared to other industrialized regions.

Historically, Latin America and the Caribbean have accounted for roughly 6% of cumulative emissions. 

This is because the region has primarily relied on conventional hydropower, leading to a cleaner baseline power grid.

However, during severe seasonal droughts, this source fails. That is why oil and gas remain vital in supporting heavy industry and grid stabilization.

Following the 2015 Paris Agreement, governments pledged to accelerate the shift toward clean energy.

The goal was to break away from oil and gas and mitigate the effects of climate change.

The RELAC initiative was established, in which sixteen nations committed to achieve at least 80% renewable electricity by 2030.

Currently, roughly 67% of total electricity generation is accounted for by clean sources.

Solar power has been prioritized as a complement to the region’s hydropower.

While its role in driving energy diversification and decarbonization is fundamental, boosting its capacity has been challenging.

The high-altitude barriers in solar expansion

Investment goals for Latin America’s solar market may have strengthened, but physical deployment remains difficult.

Countries like Peru have extreme topography and high-altitude microclimates.

Usually, utility-scale solar projects require vast, flat terrain for construction.

Since Peru cannot necessarily accommodate this, solar power capacity expansion becomes highly expensive.

Despite this, photovoltaics still play a crucial role in Peru’s ambitious climate goals.

One of Peru’s interim climate targets is to have a 15% share of non-hydro renewables by 2030.

Solar generation is key to this diversified energy mix, along with 

That is why ARRAY Technologies was selected to unlock solar potential in demanding environments.

Instead of working against the rugged conditions, the company decided to work with them.

Advanced solar systems were created to contour the rugged slopes directly.

Statkraft specifically chose ARRAY Technologies for the Lupi Solar Project in the Mariscal Nieto province of Peru.

Generating clean power against all extreme odds

Statkraft already has an established renewable energy footprint in Peru, but this project takes it to another level – literally.

The Lupi Solar Project entails a 182-MWp photovoltaic facility at 14,700 feet above sea level.

This extreme elevation presents significant operating challenges for developers.

The site will be exposed to thin air, intense ultraviolet radiation, and severe daily temperature fluctuations.

Standard mechanical components are vulnerable to these conditions and are easily strained.

Furthermore, the rugged Andean terrain prevents conventional grading and land-flattening.

That is why alternative civil engineering approaches are needed.

ARRAY’s unique tracking system

Specialized multi-row solar trackers were created to seamlessly align with natural dips, slopes, and contours of the mountain.

This approach minimizes earthwork expenses while maintaining structural resilience.

Furthermore, it maximizes energy capture against the extreme high-altitude elements.

So far, the project is still in the pre-construction phase. Construction is expected to start soon.

The success of this project will open new doors to Latin America’s clean power generation capabilities.

It will prove that high-altitude terrain no longer has to be a barrier for rugged regions.

Furthermore, it will serve as a vital framework for regions similar to the Andes, helping to increase green capacity.

Ultimately, deploying unique photovoltaic systems across steep mountain slopes will accelerate Latin America’s shift toward complete decarbonization.