Photovoltaic (PV) solar technology in Mexico

By Adina Moloman

Sources: Conermex, Renewable Energy

Today there are different solar energy technologies that create energy for different end uses. Three solar technologies are widely spread around the world: Photovoltaic (PV)[1] and Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) both of which produce electricity, and Solar Thermal Collectors which produces heat for different purposes such as water heating, space heating or cooling, pool heating or process heat.

The market leaders for these technologies are: Germany is the top market for photovoltaic’s PV, Spain is the top market for concentrating solar power CSP, and China is the largest market for solar thermal collectors.

In Mexico the number of solar energy users registered with the state-owned power generation and distribution company, Comision Federal de Electricidad (CFE), is still quite insignificant, 604 registered users in 2011, this in spite of the potential benefit in Mexico given its geographical location and favorable weather.

According to the Mexico Corporation CEO of Conermex, which provides alternative energy solutions for residential, commercial, industrial and institutional users, the number of solar energy users will triple this year in Mexico. There are expected to be more than 2000 users of photovoltaic systems in 2012.

In Mexico solar companies are installing photovoltaic systems, regardless of project size and specifications, but the system remains connected to the CFE network to allow operation of the system when additional power is required that cannot be supplied by the PV system especially during the night.

The limited number of users in Mexico is related to the fact that installing solar requires significant capital investment.

For a growing number of users financial incentives are necessary due to the cost and education initiatives for a better understanding of the environmental and economic impact of solar installations.

In Mexico, important support is given by the Act for the Use of Renewable Energies and Financing Energetic Transition, enacted in 2007, which allows citizens to interconnect their own solar generator with support from CFE.

Greater support is given, for instance, in the United States where financial incentives are available from the federal government, states, and local governments where Federal and State policies drive the accelerated market growth. In 2011 in Florida there were registered more than 120,000 photovoltaic systems installed, nonetheless California remains the largest market in the USA.

Several companies pursuing the benefits to the operation and the environment have announced plans for numerous large solar Projects in Mexico manufacturing power.