ข่าวบริษัท เกี่ยวกับ Chile's First High-Capacity Hybrid Inverter Assembly Line Opens in Antofagasta, Powering the Nation's Energy Revolution
ANTOFAGASTA, Chile – June 30, 2026 – In a historic milestone for Chile's renewable energy ambitions, government officials, industry leaders, and energy sector stakeholders gathered today at the Antofagasta Industrial Park to inaugurate the country's first dedicated local assembly facility for high-capacity off-grid hybrid solar inverters. The new production line will manufacture the EM8500-48L and EM11000-48L series—powerful 8.5kW and 11kW hybrid inverters featuring dual MPPT tracking—marking a transformative step toward reducing Chile's dependence on imported energy equipment and establishing the nation as a manufacturing hub for advanced solar technology in Latin America.
The ceremony, held at the newly established facility in Antofagasta—the heart of Chile's mining and renewable energy corridor—was attended by representatives from the Ministry of Energy, the National Energy Commission (CNE), the Chilean Solar Energy Association (ACESOL), and key private-sector partners. The inauguration comes at a pivotal moment for Chile's energy sector, as the country accelerates toward its target of 80% renewables in the power mix by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2050.
Chile's geography presents both extraordinary opportunities and unique challenges for solar energy. The Atacama Desert in northern Chile receives some of the highest solar irradiance on Earth—2,500 to 2,700 kWh per kWp per year on a fixed-tilt system, the highest solar yield of any major desert region globally. The region delivers more than 7 kWh per square meter per day of solar irradiance, among the highest anywhere on the planet. Yet this same environment subjects equipment to extreme temperature fluctuations, intense ultraviolet radiation, and pervasive dust and sand.
The EM8500-48L and EM11000-48L inverters, with their robust operating temperature range of -10°C to 50°C and detachable dust covers, are engineered to perform reliably in these demanding conditions. Their wide MPPT voltage range of 60Vdc to 500Vdc and dual MPPT inputs—each supporting up to 18A—are designed to maximize energy harvest from Chile's abundant sunshine, while their lithium battery activation by PV or utility and RS485 communication with LiFePO4 batteries ensure seamless integration with modern energy storage systems.
"Chile is blessed with the best solar resources on the planet. With this new local assembly facility, we are finally turning that natural advantage into an industrial advantage," said a senior official from the Ministry of Energy who spoke at the inauguration. "Localizing the production of advanced hybrid inverters reduces our import dependency, creates skilled jobs, and ensures that Chilean families, businesses, and industries have access to affordable, reliable clean energy."
Chile's solar energy transformation is nothing short of remarkable. Solar photovoltaic energy generated 2,141 GWh in the National Electric System (SEN) in March 2026, equivalent to 28.7% of total monthly generation. During the month, solar output reached an instantaneous peak share of 75.1%. Operational photovoltaic capacity stood at 11,999 MW at the end of March, with an additional 10,203 MW of renewable capacity under construction, primarily solar projects and storage systems. Total installed capacity in the SEN reached 38,005 MW, of which 26,553 MW—or 69.9%—corresponded to renewable technologies.
The government's ambitions extend even further. Chile aims to reach 80% renewables in the power mix by 2030 and achieve zero emissions by 2050. The recently published Energy Transition Law prioritizes faster development of transmission infrastructure and improved planning and permitting procedures, as well as the deployment of energy storage technologies needed to integrate larger shares of solar and wind power into the grid. The CNE has also approved preliminary terms for the 2026/01 power supply tender, a technology-neutral process that favors renewables by excluding high-emission fuels and enabling storage-backed bids, with a total tendered volume of 2,835 GWh/year under 15-year contracts.
The EM8500-48L and EM11000-48L inverters assembled at the Antofagasta facility will play a critical role in this expansion. With 8.5kW and 11kW nominal output capacities, surge power reaching 17,000VA and 22,000VA respectively, and maximum solar charge currents of 140A and 160A, these high-capacity units are ideally suited for commercial, industrial, and large-scale residential applications across Chile's diverse energy landscape.
Chile is the world's largest copper producer, and the mining sector represents both a massive energy consumer and a critical opportunity for renewable energy deployment. The Chilean government has established ambitious goals for the mining sector, including a complete transition to renewable electricity by 2050. Major mining operations are already embracing solar energy: the Escondida copper mine is developing a 110MW solar PV plant paired with 110MW/540MWh battery storage, while the Spence mine is planning an 85MW solar project with 85MW/420MWh storage.
The Antofagasta region—home to the world's largest copper reserves and the new inverter assembly facility—is at the center of this transformation. The EM8500-48L and EM11000-48L inverters, with their ability to operate without batteries and support dual MPPT tracking for maximum energy harvest, are ideally suited for off-grid and backup power applications at remote mining sites, processing facilities, and exploration camps. A real-world off-grid solar hybrid system designed for a copper mining operation in the Atacama combines a 6.2 MW photovoltaic array with a 12 MWh lithium-ion battery bank—exactly the kind of application where high-capacity hybrid inverters are indispensable.
"Chile's mining sector is the engine of our economy, and renewable energy is the key to making that engine cleaner, more competitive, and more sustainable," noted a representative from the mining industry who attended the inauguration. "Locally assembled high-capacity inverters mean shorter supply chains, faster maintenance response times, and lower costs for our operations."
While Chile's overall electricity access rate is high, rural and isolated communities—particularly in the northern desert and southern Patagonia regions—continue to face challenges. Chile's Energy Access Fund (FAE) provides funding for energy access small-scale projects focused on renewable energy sources such as solar thermal and solar photovoltaic systems, with the objective of improving energy access for rural and isolated communities. Between 2026 and 2027, the government is implementing energy reconversion projects in at least 10 isolated localities, incorporating hybrid microgrids with renewable sources and batteries.
The EM8500-48L and EM11000-48L inverters, with their dual MPPT tracking and high solar charge currents, are ideally suited for these off-grid and mini-grid applications. Their ability to support lithium battery communication via RS485 and operate with or without batteries provides the flexibility needed for diverse rural applications—from community health centers and schools to agricultural processing facilities and water pumping systems.
Distributed generation is also expanding rapidly. Small-scale distributed generation (PMGD) projects injected 706 GWh into the SEN during March 2026, representing year-on-year growth of 14.4%. PMGDs now account for 9.6% of total system generation, with solar technology dominating the small-scale segment. The government has formally incorporated energy storage into the small-scale generation regime through Decree No. 1/2026, creating new opportunities for hybrid solar-plus-storage systems. The Sercotec Crece Sostenible fund is also providing subsidies of $7–9 million Chilean pesos for SMEs to invest in solar panels for self-generation.
The Antofagasta assembly facility represents more than an industrial milestone—it positions Chile as an emerging manufacturing hub for solar technology in Latin America. The Latin America and Caribbean PV inverter market is projected to reach approximately USD 1.8–2.2 billion in 2026, driven by accelerating utility-scale solar deployment in Brazil, Chile, and Colombia. Chile's strategic location, stable investment climate, and world-class solar resources make it an ideal base for regional manufacturing and distribution.
The facility's focus on high-capacity inverters (8.5kW and 11kW) addresses a critical gap in the Latin American market, where demand for commercial and industrial-scale off-grid solutions is growing rapidly. With annual regional demand growth of 12–15% through 2030, locally assembled products offer significant advantages in terms of cost, lead time, and after-sales support.
"Solar energy is not only key to advancing the energy transition, but also to improving quality of life, lowering electricity costs and stimulating economic growth," said ACESOL President Bárbara Barbieri. "Chile has a unique opportunity to harness this potential and consolidate its position as a leader in clean energy." The Antofagasta assembly facility is a powerful demonstration of that vision becoming reality.
The EM8500-48L and EM11000-48L inverters assembled at the Antofagasta facility will be available through authorized distributors across Chile, with priority given to government-backed renewable energy projects, mining sector applications, rural electrification initiatives, and commercial and industrial installations.
About the EM8500-48L and EM11000-48L Hybrid Inverters:
The EM8500-48L and EM11000-48L are high-capacity off-grid hybrid solar inverters featuring:
8.5kW / 8.5KVA and 11kW / 11KVA nominal output
Surge power of 17,000VA and 22,000VA respectively
Dual MPPT tracking with two independent solar inputs (18A each)
PV input voltage range of 60Vdc to 500Vdc
Maximum solar charge currents of 140A and 160A
48V battery system with floating charge voltage of 54Vdc
Lithium battery activation by PV or utility
LiFePO4 battery communication via RS485
Pure sine wave output with power factor range of 0.6–1.0
Capable of operating without batteries
Detachable dust cover for harsh environmental conditions
Multiple output priority modes (UTL, SOL, SBU, SUB)
Equalization (EQ) function for battery lifecycle extension
RS232/RS485 communication and dry contact interface
