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Solar Energy Potential in Mexico
Country or Region Overview
Country or Region: Mexico
Capital: Mexico City
Total Population: Approximately 129 million (as of 2025)
Geographical Location: Located in North America, Mexico is bordered by the United States to the north, Belize and Guatemala to the southeast, the Pacific Ocean to the west, and the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea to the east. It features diverse terrain, including the Sierra Madre mountain ranges, central highlands, northern deserts, and tropical coastal plains along both coasts.
Solar resource map copyright at 2021 Solargis. Licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution license (CC BY-SA 4.0). This is a solar resource map from Solargis. For a higher resolution map, please visit and download.
Table of Contents
Solar Irradiation Data in Mexico
Mexico is endowed with exceptional solar potential, boasting an annual average solar irradiation of 4.5 kWh/m²/day to 6.5 kWh/m²/day, among the highest in North America. Northern desert regions like Sonora and Chihuahua, as well as the Baja California peninsula, receive intense sunlight year-round, while southern tropical areas still offer ample solar resources despite higher cloud cover.
Key Solar Irradiation Data:
- Annual Solar Irradiation: 5.5 kWh/m²/day on average nationwide
- High Irradiation Regions: Sonora, Chihuahua, Baja California, and Coahuila, reaching 6.0 to 6.5 kWh/m²/day
- Peak Irradiation: Up to 6.5 kWh/m²/day in northern deserts
Mexico’s installed solar capacity surpassed 9 GW by 2024, driven by utility-scale projects like the Villanueva Solar Park (754 MW) and growing residential adoption. The country aims to generate 35% of its electricity from clean sources by 2024 (a target met) and 50% by 2050, with solar as a cornerstone of this transition.
If you need to learn more solar power potential in Mexico, please feel free to contact Solarvance for more details.
Temperature Factors in Mexico
- Average Annual Temperature: Mexico’s climate varies by region—northern deserts average 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F), central highlands like Mexico City range from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F), and southern tropical zones hover between 25°C to 35°C (77°F to 95°F). Summer highs in the north can exceed 40°C (104°F), while coastal areas remain humid and warm year-round.
- Impact on Solar Panels: High temperatures in northern and central regions slightly reduce panel efficiency due to the temperature coefficient, though abundant sunlight compensates. Tropical humidity in the south has minimal impact, and cooler highland areas optimize performance.
- Recommendation: Solar systems should use heat-tolerant panels (e.g., PERC or bifacial) in the north, paired with efficient cooling and durable inverters. In cooler highlands and humid south, standard high-efficiency panels suffice, with weatherproofing for coastal zones.
Energy Demand and Grid Situation in Mexico
- National Energy Demand: Mexico’s energy consumption is rising with its growing population, industrial sector (e.g., automotive manufacturing), and urban expansion, totaling over 300 TWh annually. Historically reliant on natural gas and oil, the country is shifting toward renewables, with solar and wind contributing 10% of electricity by 2024, up from 4% a decade ago.
- Grid Infrastructure: Mexico’s grid, managed by the Federal Electricity Commission (CFE), is robust in urban areas like Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey but weaker in rural and southern regions. The 2013 Energy Reform opened the market to private investment, spurring solar projects, though grid congestion and limited storage remain challenges. The government targets 13 GW of solar capacity by 2030, supported by international financing.
- Opportunities from Global Events: Mexico’s co-hosting of the 2026 FIFA World Cup with the U.S. and Canada offers a chance to showcase sustainable energy in stadiums and infrastructure, particularly in solar-rich cities like Monterrey and Guadalajara, boosting demand for clean power solutions.
Preferred System Type in Mexico
- Grid-Connected Systems: Ideal for urban centers and industrial hubs like Mexico City, Monterrey, and Puebla, where net metering and wholesale electricity markets allow users to offset costs. Rooftop solar is surging, with over 2 GW installed by 2024.
- Off-Grid Systems: In rural areas of Oaxaca, Chiapas, and northern deserts, off-grid solar with battery storage powers homes, farms, and small businesses, reducing reliance on diesel in off-grid communities.
- Hybrid Systems: For industrial parks and large resorts in tourist areas like Cancún, hybrid systems combining solar with batteries or gas backups ensure reliability, especially during peak demand or cloudy periods.
Dust and Sand Factor in Mexico
- Dust and Sandstorms: Northern desert regions like Sonora and Chihuahua face occasional dust storms, reducing panel efficiency if not addressed. Central and southern areas see minimal dust due to higher humidity and vegetation.
- Recommendation: In dusty northern regions, tilted panels, dust-resistant coatings, and periodic cleaning are recommended. Self-cleaning technologies can enhance performance, while southern and central installations require only basic maintenance.
Humidity and Rainfall (Humidity Factor) in Mexico
- Humidity Levels: Humidity varies—20% to 40% in northern deserts, 60% to 80% in central highlands, and 80% to 95% in southern tropical zones like Yucatán. Rainfall ranges from 100 mm/year in the north to over 2,000 mm/year in the southeast.
- Impact on Solar Panels: High humidity and rainfall in the south pose a slight risk of moisture buildup, though modern sealing mitigates this. Dry northern climates are ideal, with minimal moisture concerns.
- Recommendation: Panels with robust encapsulation suit humid southern regions, while standard designs work in the north. Coastal areas benefit from weatherproofing to handle rain and humidity.
Ocean (Salt Corrosion Factor) in Mexico
- Saltwater Corrosion: Mexico’s 11,000 km of coastline along the Pacific, Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean (e.g., Baja California, Yucatán) exposes coastal areas to saltwater corrosion. Inland regions, including most population centers, are unaffected.
- Recommendation: Coastal installations should use marine-grade materials and anti-corrosion coatings. Regular cleaning removes salt deposits, ensuring longevity in areas like Tijuana or Cancún.
Government Policies and Solar Incentives in Mexico
Mexico’s renewable energy framework supports solar growth:
- Energy Transition Law: Targets 35% clean energy by 2024 (achieved) and 50% by 2050, with solar as a priority.
- Net Metering: Allows residential and small commercial users to sell excess power to the grid, enhancing ROI.
- Clean Energy Certificates (CELs): Mandates utilities to source a percentage of power from renewables, driving large-scale solar investment.
Despite recent policy shifts favoring state-owned CFE, private solar projects continue to thrive, supported by international partnerships and financing.
ROI on Solar Systems in Mexico
- ROI Period: Solar ROI in Mexico ranges from 4 to 7 years, with northern regions achieving payback in 4 to 5 years due to high irradiation and southern areas taking 6 to 7 years with incentives factored in.
- Long-Term Savings: Over a 25-year lifespan, savings reach 60% to 80% on electricity bills, with greater returns in high-cost rural areas replacing diesel or in industrial zones offsetting peak rates.
Conclusion on Solar Power in Mexico
Mexico’s abundant solar resources, strategic location, and evolving energy policies make it a prime market for solar solutions. From the sun-soaked deserts of the north to the bustling cities of the south, solar offers a sustainable path to meet growing demand and global commitments.
For homeowners, businesses, and developers, now is the ideal time to invest in efficient solar systems tailored to Mexico’s diverse needs. Solarvance is ready to deliver customized solutions to power your future. Contact us today to explore how solar can drive Mexico’s clean energy revolution.
Choose Solarvance for Your Solar System
Contact us today to explore customized solar solutions for your needs, whether you’re interested in grid-connected, off-grid, or hybrid solar systems. Our team at Solarvance is here to guide you through every step of the process, from system design to installation and maintenance.
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