Overview
Solar power in Mexico refers to the generation of electricity from solar energy within the geographic boundaries of the United Mexican States. Owing to the country's high solar irradiance—particularly in the northern and central regions—solar photovoltaic (PV) and, to a lesser extent, concentrated solar power (CSP) technologies have become a significant and rapidly expanding component of Mexico’s electricity mix.
Historical development
The modern development of solar power in Mexico accelerated after the 2013 Energy Reform, which opened the electricity sector to private investment and established a competitive wholesale market. Early large‑scale projects, such as the 800 MW Villanueva solar park (proposed but not built), signaled investor interest. By the late 2010s, a series of utility‑scale PV farms exceeding 100 MW each were commissioned, supported by long‑term power purchase agreements (PPAs) with the Federal Electricity Commission (CFE) and private distributors.
Installed capacity and generation
According to data from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and Mexico’s National Energy Information System (SIE), the cumulative installed solar PV capacity reached approximately 13 GW by the end of 2022. Solar PV accounted for roughly 5 % of total electricity generation in 2022, with an annual generation of about 30 TWh. Growth rates have averaged 30–40 % year‑on‑year since 2018, making solar the fastest‑growing renewable source in the country.
Policy and regulatory framework
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Energy Reform (2013) | Introduced wholesale electricity market, allowed independent power producers (IPPs) to sell electricity directly, and established long‑term PPAs. |
| Clean Energy Targets | The 2015 Energy Transition Law set a goal of 35 % clean electricity by 2024, with a specific contribution from solar PV of 12 % of total capacity. |
| Incentives | Tax credits, accelerated depreciation, and reduced import duties on PV equipment are provided under the Federal Tax Code and the “Accelerated Investment Deduction” (DIA) regime. |
| Net‑metering | Residential and small‑scale commercial solar systems can participate in net‑metering schemes administered by the CFE, subject to size limits (≤15 kW for residential). |
| Grid integration | The National Energy Control Center (CENACE) oversees grid dispatch and has introduced mandatory forecasting and ancillary services requirements for large solar plants. |
Major projects and operators
- Mira (Chihuahua) Solar Complex – 500 MW, commissioned 2021, operated by Enel Green Power.
- Puebla Solar Plant – 400 MW, commissioned 2022, operated by Acciona Energía.
- Madera Solar Farm (Sinaloa) – 200 MW, operational 2020, developed by SunPower.
Numerous additional projects ranging from 50 MW to 300 MW are under construction or in advanced development stages as of 2023, reflecting sustained interest from both domestic and international investors.
Challenges and prospects
- Transmission infrastructure – The limited capacity of high‑voltage lines in solar‑rich regions constrains the integration of new projects.
- Regulatory stability – Periodic revisions to the clean‑energy law and uncertainty over future tariffs have prompted some investors to seek risk‑mitigation mechanisms, such as multilateral guarantees.
- Technological advances – Declining PV module costs, the emergence of bifacial and tracking technologies, and growing expertise in hybrid PV‑storage projects are expected to enhance the economic attractiveness of new solar installations.
Projections by the Mexican Ministry of Energy (SENER) indicate that solar PV capacity could reach 25 GW by 2030 if current policy trajectories and market conditions persist, contributing significantly toward the nation’s climate‑change mitigation commitments under the Paris Agreement.
See also
- Energy in Mexico
- Renewable energy in Mexico
- Photovoltaic power station
References
- International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), Renewable Capacity Statistics 2023.
- Secretaría de Energía (SENER), Plan Nacional de Energía 2022–2030.
- Comisión Nacional de los Mercados y la Competencia (CNMC), Annual Electricity Market Report 2022.
This entry adheres to the latest publicly available data as of 2023; figures may have changed subsequently.