SVG: Key to Reliable Solar Power for South American Farms

South America’s agriculture is vital to its economy. More and more farmers are turning to solar systems for affordable, clean power.

Solar energy runs key farm operations: irrigation, greenhouse controls, farm machines, and processing plants. This shift aligns with local renewable energy rules.

But solar power is naturally unstable. Variable sunlight and farm equipment’s unique power needs make this instability worse.

This threatens reliable farm operations. As a power stabilizer, SVG ensures solar systems on South American farms deliver steady, efficient, and compliant electricity.

This blog explains how solar systems and SVG work together for South American agriculture. It covers key benefits, local policies, and real uses.

Solar Energy for South American Farms: Pros and Cons

South America has abundant solar resources. For example, southern Peru gets up to 3000 kWh of direct solar radiation per square meter yearly.

Government policies also support solar adoption. Peru extends tax breaks for renewable energy until 2035. Brazil offers 80% off electricity fees for 10 years to solar-powered facilities.

Farmers are leveraging these benefits. They use solar power for critical tasks like irrigation and agrivoltaic farming.

Yet solar systems face power quality issues on farms.

First, solar output swings sharply. Clouds, day-night cycles, and seasons cause these swings—sometimes over 10% of capacity. This disrupts sensitive equipment like precision irrigation pumps and greenhouse climate controls.

Second, solar inverters create power distortions (harmonics) under light loads. This wastes energy and damages equipment over time.

Third, unused power (reactive power) from machines like irrigation motors raises electricity bills. It may also break grid rules, such as Chile’s NTCO:2016 standard for stable grid connection.

What Is SVG?

Static Var Generator (SVG), also called STATCOM, is an advanced electronic device.

Its main jobs are stabilizing voltage and regulating unused power (reactive power) in electrical systems.

Unlike old-fashioned capacitor banks,which only offer fixed support and are prone to problems. It responds to power changes in milliseconds using special converters.

SVG acts as a "power stabilizer" for solar farms, it constantly monitors the solar system’s voltage and current. When sunlight changes cause power swings, SVG adjusts reactive power immediately to counteract them.

This reduces voltage drops and surges. It keeps power steady for farm equipment.

SVG also reduces distortions from solar inverters. This makes energy use more efficient and extends machine life.

Top Benefits of SVG for South American Solar Farms

For South American farmers using solar energy, SVG offers four key benefits. These benefits boost reliability and profits.

Real SVG Uses on South American Solar Farms

•  Steady Power for Critical Farm Work: Irrigation pumps, greenhouse controls, and processing machines need stable power. SVG’s fast response (milliseconds) stops solar swings from shutting down equipment. This ensures non-stop irrigation and processing. In large agrivoltaic projects, SVG raises power quality rates from 85% to 99%.

•  Lower Energy Costs, Better Solar Returns: SVG improves the solar system’s efficiency. This eliminates utility penalties for poor efficiency. SVG helps farmers fully enjoy solar energy’s cost benefits, reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

•  Meets Local Grid Rules: South American countries have strict rules for solar systems connecting to the grid. For example, Chile’s NTCO:2016 requires stable voltage and frequency. Peru’s policies demand reliable power for rural off-grid areas. SVG ensures farms meet these standards, avoiding fines and enabling smooth grid connection.

•  Fits South America’s Diverse Farm Environments: South American farms range from hot, dry desertsto humid tropical plains. SVG handle harsh conditions—resisting high heat, dust, and humidity.

SVG has already helped improve solar-powered agriculture across South America.

Here are three simple, real-world examples:

Why SVG Matters for South America’s Farm Energy Shift

South America’s farms are shifting to solar energy. Their goal is to be more sustainable and cost-effective.

But this shift needs reliable power. SVG is making that happen.

SVG stabilizes solar power, cuts costs, meets local rules, and fits local environments. It helps farmers get the most out of solar energy.

1. Peru Cotton Farm Irrigation: A large cotton farm in southern Peru added SVG to its 1 MW solar system. Before SVG, voltage swings disrupted irrigation.

After SVG, power efficiency stayed above 0.95. Stability improved by 90%. The farm qualified for Peru’s tax breaks, cutting costs by 12%.

2. Brazil Soybean Farm Agrivoltaics: A soybean farm in Mato Grosso used solar panels with crops. Solar power ran irrigation and processing. But inverter distortions damaged machines.

This extended machine life and improved efficiency. It also helped the farm get Brazil’s electricity discounts, speeding up investment returns.

3. Chile Remote Livestock Farm: A remote cattle farm in Chile’s Atacama used solar power for water pumps and feeding equipment.

Extreme temperatures and dust storms caused frequent power issues. SVG stabilized voltage, ensuring 24/7 operation. Its tough design handled 45°C heat and dust. This reduced maintenance needs for the 500-cattle herd.

SVG also supports regional development goals.

Countries like Uruguay and Mexico promote solar in rural areas. Their aim is to improve energy access and reduce poverty.

SVG makes solar projects in these areas more viable. This boosts rural development and sustainable farming livelihoods.

Conclusion: Invest in SVG for Better Solar Farms

For South American farmers adopting solar energy, SVG isn’t optional.

SVG ensures reliable, efficient, and compliant power.

As more farms turn to renewable energy, SVG will play a bigger role.

Want to make your solar system more stable and efficient?

Our experts know the region’s farm needs, policies, and environments. Contact us sales1@yt-electric.com today. Learn how our SVG solutions can maximize your solar investment and improve your farm operations.