El Salvador has increased its solar energy capacity in the last few years

During 2023, El Salvador’s photovoltaic plants generated around 539,067.71 MWh, which represented 7.13 % of the energy matrix, assured the DGEHM.

The energy sector in El Salvador has experienced significant growth in recent years, positioning the country as a regional leader in the transition to renewable, cleaner, and more sustainable sources.

According to statistics from the Latin American Energy Organization (Olade), El Salvador has experienced a 160-fold increase in its solar power generation capacity from 2015 to last year, marking a significant transformation towards energy self-sufficiency.

The data also goes in sync with those presented by the General Directorate of Energy, Hydrocarbons and Mines (DGEHM), which indicated that during 2023, photovoltaic plants generated around 539,067.71 megawatt hours (MWh), which represented 7.13 % of the Salvadoran energy matrix.

This generation produced by sunlight was only surpassed by energy based on natural gas, as well as geothermal and hydroelectric, he explained.

The dynamism of the sector is reflected in the number of projects executed in recent years. In the last year, for example, more than 35 photovoltaic projects were registered between private and public, which supply the energy demand of 500,000 Salvadoran homes (estimated in one year).

The institution also estimates that the considerable investment of a company in a solar plant could mean savings of up to 50% in the energy bill, with recovery periods of approximately five years, while the useful life of a solar panel is around 20 years.

State solar projects

Recently, the president of the Comisión Ejecutiva Hidroeléctrica del Río Lempa (CEL), Daniel Álvarez, informed that as part of the commitment to renewables, this year they will continue with the construction of projects, among them the second photovoltaic plant of the State, which will be located in the Central Hidroeléctrica 15 de Septiembre.

According to the official, the plant will be built on CEL’s land, specifically on the land of the Hydroelectric Power Plant. The photovoltaic project, which would be the second one executed by the Bukele administration, is expected to generate around 20 megawatts (MW) installed with solar panels.

The official assured that, at present, they are analyzing the financing of the photovoltaic project.

“We already have the feasibility, we have everything to launch the project. [We are currently seeking financing so that construction can begin in the next few months,” he reaffirmed.

This would join the Talnique Solar plant, operated by Inversiones Energéticas (INE), which has an installed capacity of 17 megawatts thanks to the 29,600 bifacial solar panels placed on a 19-block plot of land.

Álvarez indicated that Talnique Solar was executed with a total investment of $20 million and the plant became fully operational in December 2023. 

On the other hand, the president of CEL assured that, at present, photovoltaic energy is one of the main sectors of investment attraction in the country.

Source: Diario El Salvador