Assoc: Lack of financing mechanisms stymies solar power efforts

A lack of financing mechanisms in Mexico stymies efforts to promote solar energy use in the country, Rodolfo Martínez Strevel, president of Mexico's solar energy association (Anes), told BNamericas. "There are no financing mechanisms that allow these systems to be purchased at low interest rates and in reasonable timeframes," according to Martínez. "We also are competing against subsidized conventional energy sources." Other challenges include the lack of a regulatory and legal framework. The Anes chief added that in Mexico there are 7 sq m of solar cells for every 1,000 residents, while in countries such as Cyprus, Greece and Israel the figure reaches 500 sq m or more. Mexico's installed capacity from solar power in 2004 reached 16MW and grows roughly 1MW a year, he said. For the complete interview with Martínez, see Friday's edition of Perspectives.