Mexico has rapidly expanded its photovoltaic power capacity, with major PV plants exceeding 1,000 MW and solar energy contributing significantly to the national grid.

Current Solar PV Capacity

As of 2024, Mexico has 11.99 GW of installed solar PV capacity, generating 27.55 TWh, which accounts for 7.6% of the country's total electricity production . The country benefits from high solar insolation, with 70% of its territory receiving more than 4.5 kWh/m²/day, making it highly suitable for large-scale PV deployment .

Largest Existing PV Plants

Some of the largest operational solar PV plants in Mexico include:

• La Pimienta Solar PV Park in Campeche: 444 MW, the largest in Mexico as of 2024 .
• Villanueva Solar PV Plant in Coahuila: 754 MW, developed by Enel Green Power Mexico, producing approximately 1,700 GWh annually .
• Puerto Libertad Photovoltaic Complex in Sonora: 405 MWp, supplying energy to the Federal Electricity Commission (CFE), .
• Don José PV Facility in Guanajuato: 238 MW, completed ahead of schedule in 2018 . Other notable plants are located in Coahuila, Aguascalientes, and San Luis de la Paz, Guanajuato, reflecting a broad geographic distribution of solar projects .

Upcoming and Planned Projects

Mexico is experiencing a surge in large-scale PV projects, often combined with battery storage systems. Key upcoming projects include:

• Tarafert La Laguna Solar PV Park in Durango: 1,000 MW, expected to enter commercial operation in 2026 .
• Puerto Penasco 1 Solar PV Park in Sonora: 1,000 MW, partially active and under development .
• Hidalgo 1&2 Solar PV Park in Hidalgo: 357 MW, expected to be operational in 2026 .
• La Esperanza Photovoltaica PV Park in Campeche: 350 MW, planned for commissioning in 2026 .
• Alegría Solar Project in Campeche: 788.7 MW, integrated with 177.69 MW/314.98 MWh of battery storage . These projects are supported by recent regulatory reforms that provide clearer rules for private investment and project oversight, encouraging further growth in the sector .

Solar Energy Potential

Mexico's solar potential is enormous. With 15% efficient PV panels, a 25 km × 25 km area in the Sonoran Desert or Chihuahua could theoretically supply the entire country's electricity needs . The 2012 climate law mandates 35% of electricity from renewable sources by 2024 and 50% reduction in carbon emissions by 2050, further driving solar development .

Summary

Mexico is rapidly becoming a solar energy leader in Latin America, with a combination of operational mega-PV plants, ambitious upcoming projects, and favorable solar conditions. The integration of battery storage and regulatory support is expected to further accelerate the deployment of photovoltaic power across the country, contributing significantly to Mexico's renewable energy targets and carbon reduction goals.