Mexico’s potential as leader in solar energy

With sun abundant across Mexico, the country is well positioned to become a major source of solar-based electricity. 

It is a “place that receives daily solar radiation between 4.4 and 6.3kWh/m2 on average through the year,” Eduardo López, director of Solar Power Mexico, wrote in El Economista newspaper. 

“In our case, that translates into more than 3,000 hours of sun a year, a reality that we cannot waste,” he wrote.  

Transition to renewables-based electricity is already underway in places like Germany, where, López said, solar capacity is less than half that of Mexico.

And, until recently, Mexico appeared to be headed in the direction of generating a greater share of its electricity needs from renewables sources, especially solar-based PV panels. 

In the country’s last electricity auction in 2018, private investors pushed down renewables-generated prices to US$17.8/MWh, which remains a world record. 

Yet, that momentum has been lost over the past year, with investors shying away from new projects amid regulatory efforts to undermine the value of projects.

The country’s future as a solar-power generator will be discussed at the Solar Power Mexico 2020 conference, which will take place at the Citibanamex Center in the World Trade Center in Mexico City from March 24-26.

BNamericas database shows 143 active solar projects in Mexico -in early stages or under construction. Take a look and use our filters to get to the projects you want to explore.