Luz Aguilar, Senior Project Manager and International Affairs of the German solar energy association (BSW), unveiled crucial insights into the current state and future prospects of photovoltaics (PV) in Mexico during a recent presentation.
According to data from ASOLMEX and PRODESEN Mexico boasts a cumulative photovoltaic installed capacity of 9.7 GW, with utility-scale projects accounting for 7.1 GW and distributed generation contributing 2.6 GW. The country experienced significant growth in PV installations, adding 1.48 GW in 2021 and an additional 1.53 GW in 2022.
With Mexico aiming to achieve a renewable energy target of 35% by 2024, it has made commendable progress, reaching approximately 29.5% by 2021. This commitment to sustainability positions Mexico as one of the leading countries in LATAM with immense solar energy potential, benefitting from an average daily irradiation of 5.5 kWh/m2.
The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) projects that Mexico's installed solar PV capacity could skyrocket to 30 GW by 2030, comprising 60% utility-scale PV and 40% distributed solar PV. This ambitious goal reflects the country's dedication to expanding renewable energy infrastructure.
Regarding the regulatory landscape and opportunities, Mexico offers a range of schemes for PV projects in distributed generation for systems up to 500 kW. Additionally, the Isolated generation scheme allows for the implementation of projects exceeding 500 kW, further encouraging solar energy development.
Marisol Oropeza, Business and Marketing Strategist at matters.mx and Secretary for International Affairs of the National Solar Energy Association in Mexico (ANES), shared valuable insights into the solar heating and cooling sector, unveiling Mexico's position as the second-largest solar heating market in Latin America. The installed capacity for solar heating reaches an impressive 4.2 GWth, which is twice the capacity of distributed generation from PV. Furthermore, the Mexican solar thermal market witnessed a remarkable 7% growth rate in 2021, positioning it among the top seven markets globally.
According to data from CONUEE, solar thermal technologies find widespread usage, with 58.5% in the residential sector, 30.8% in swimming pools, 5.9% in the commercial sector, and 4.5% in the industrial sector. Mexico's commercial and industrial sectors stand out as hotspots for large-scale solar heat, with a significant decrease of 39% in levelized costs of heat from 2010 to 2020, as reported by IRENA and the Solar Payback project.
Mexico is also recognized as a leading market for solar heat in industrial processes (SHIP), with 67% of energy consumption in the Mexican industrial sector dedicated to heat, predominantly sourced from fossil fuels. The potential for solar heat in low-temperature processes (below 150 °C) is substantial, offering a clean and sustainable alternative.
Mexico takes pride in its local solar thermal technologies, including both stationary and tracking systems designed for low-temperature processes. The levelized costs of heat in Mexico are highly competitive, surpassing those in Southern and Central Europe. As evidence of Mexico's growing influence in the global solar heat market, four Mexican suppliers are listed in the global ranking of the latest solrico survey, with projects dispersed across the country.
Laura Barrera, Show Director at Tarsus, presented the highlights of this year’s edition of Intersolar Mexico which will take place from September 5-7 at the Centro Citibanamex in Mexico City. The event will take place simultaneously with The GREEN Expo, Aquatech Mexico and Mexico WindPower. Together, the co-located events are the largest gathering of professionals in Mexico for international manufacturers and distributors looking to meet regional buyers in the fields of solar, renewable energy and cleantech. 300+ exhibitors and 11,000 visitors from over 35 countries are expected to participate.
About BSW:
The German Solar Energy Association (BSW) is a renowned industry association representing the interests of the German solar energy sector. With a focus on promoting renewable energy and driving sustainable development, the BSW plays a pivotal role in advancing solar technologies and facilitating international cooperation.
https://www.solarwirtschaft.de/
About ANES:
The National Solar Energy Association in Mexico (ANES) is a prominent organization dedicated to promoting the adoption of solar energy solutions across Mexico. By fostering collaboration between academia, public sector and industry stakeholders, ANES drives the growth of solar technologies and supports Mexico's transition towards a sustainable energy future.
https://anes.org.mx/
About Intersolar Mexico:
Intersolar Mexico serves as the industry’s go-to source for invaluable technology trends and premier B2B contacts in the promising Mexican solar market. Intersolar Mexico sits at the cross-section of photovoltaics, solar heating & cooling technologies, and energy storage.
www.intersolar.mx