Application of solar panels: real cases and projects in Mexico

The use of solar panels on an industrial scale can reduce electricity consumption by up to 45%, with a return on investment in less than two years. In Mexico, projects ranging from 500 kW to 1.5 MW are installed under the regulation of the National Energy Commission (CNE), making use of roofs, parking lots, or reinforced structures. In addition to reducing CO₂ emissions, tax incentives and financing are available through CFE and SENER to facilitate adoption.

The transition to cleaner and more sustainable energy sources is now a strategic necessity worldwide. That is why energy-intensive industrial companies are using solar energy to reduce their dependence on the power grid and significantly lower their electricity bills and environmental footprint.

In Mexico, the use of solar panels has grown exponentially, driven by the Energy Transition Law and the Electricity Industry Law (LIE), which promote distributed generation through clean sources and offer regulatory facilities for installations smaller than 0.5 MW.

Below, we present real cases developed by Industronic, a leader in industrial photovoltaic solutions, which demonstrate the tangible impact of these systems in different regions of the country.

Read also: Electricity costs in Mexico: rates and how to reduce your bill.

Flagship projects: innovative assembly and industrial use

As a key player in this transformation in the application of solar panels, Industronic has developed projects adapted to the climatic and operational conditions of different regions of the country. Among the most recent are:

• El Bajío: a system interconnected to three meters to optimize self-consumption in a manufacturing plant, achieving a 1.5 MW project.
• Ciudad Juárez: a 0.5 MW carport-type photovoltaic structure in parking lots, combining energy savings and workplace comfort.
• Ciudad Juárez: 0.5 MW installation on industrial roofs with structural reinforcements to withstand extreme weather conditions.

Each case reflects technical adaptability to respond to specific needs, from the management of multiple electrical services to the optimization of spaces, with a clear focus on return on investment (ROI).

1.5 MW solar plant: design, assembly, and energy return

In Bajío, an industrial plant had three independent meters with the CFE. To this end, a 0.5 MW system was designed and installed in each one, reaching a total capacity of 1.5 MW.

The application of solar panels was planned to facilitate maintenance of the existing roof infrastructure, with strategic walkways on the roof and easily accessible inverter cabinets.

Each system can generate up to 800 MWh per year, with estimated savings of between 2 and 2.5 million Mexican pesos per year, which translates into an ROI of 18 to 24 months. This project avoids the emission of up to 615 tons of CO₂ annually, equivalent to planting more than 15,800 trees.

Project stages and main challenges

In the case of the 1.5 MW system in Bajío (as in other Industronic developments), the stages range from gathering information on site to commissioning:

1. Initial site assessment with verification unit.
2. Load analysis per meter and design of 0.5 MW systems per service.
3. Preparation of single-line diagrams and trajectories.
4. Structural verification of roof type and resistance to the weight of solar panels.
5. Installation with adequate access for maintenance.
6. Connection to the self-consumption system by meter.

Each project involving photovoltaic cell applications requires a specific solution to ensure coordinated management between the client, structural engineers, and construction team, thereby guaranteeing its operational success. The most common challenges are:

• Assessment of roof integrity in the face of wind, snow, or concentrated loads.
• Structural reinforcement based on certified technical studies.
• Logistical coordination in continuously operating parking lots (case of solar carport in Juárez).
• Obtaining and managing municipal building permits.
• Drafting complex bilateral contracts in a variety of languages.

Learn more about the development of this 1.5 MW solar project:

Tangible benefits and return on investment in solar panel installation

Taking the three installations mentioned above as a reference, there are specific benefits that every photovoltaic project should deliver:

1. Immediate electricity savings: up to a 45% reduction in bills, as in the case of La Nogalera in Ciudad Juárez, and annual savings of up to MXN 3 million, as achieved at the 1.5 MW plant in Bajío.
2. Emissions reduction: in the latter project, the estimated reduction was 615 tons of CO₂ per year, equivalent to planting more than 15,800 trees, which directly contributes to ESG and decarbonization goals.
3. Fast return on investment (ROI): In standard 0.5 MW installations, the return is between 1.5 and 2 years, depending on consumption and location, generating financial benefits from the first year.
4. Competitive advantage and reputation: Projects such as solar parking lots demonstrate how companies can combine energy efficiency and employee well-being, enhancing their environmental and social positioning with customers and partners.
5. Institutional support: Agencies such as SENER, CNE, and CFE promote these projects with financing programs or tax incentives that facilitate their adoption in the industrial sector.

Learn more about: Industrial solar panels in Mexico: benefits, costs, and how to choose the best system.

Regulations, sizing, and technology selection

In Mexico, the National Energy Commission (CNE) allows distributed generation facilities smaller than 0.5 MW without requiring complex generation permits. This makes 500 kW systems the ideal standard for industries seeking a quick return and streamlined procedures.

The main regulations applicable to these projects are NOM-001-SEDE-2012 for electrical installations, including articles 690 (photovoltaics) and 705 (interconnection). And the Energy Transition Law, which promotes the efficient use of energy in all productive sectors.

However, for photovoltaic systems of this capacity, the dimensions of the space and the type of technology vary. Some parameters to consider are:

• The material and its resistance to temperature or humidity are crucial. There are monocrystalline, polycrystalline, or thin-film solar panels, and the material can be silicon, copper, selenium, or gallium.
• A 1 MW system requires an average of between 5,000 and 6,500 m² of surface area, depending on the type of panel and its efficiency.
• Factors such as inclination, orientation, and absence of shadows are crucial in the calculation.

Frequently asked questions about solar panel applications

What type of solar panel is most recommended for an industrial project?

The most suitable type of solar panel for industrial projects depends on structural capacity, energy efficiency goals, and budget. Some monocrystalline panels are optimal for small spaces, and polycrystalline panels are a slightly more economical option for large areas.

How much space do I need to install a 1 MW or 500 kW solar system?

Considering standard 2 m² panels and space for walkways, inverters, and maintenance, installing a 1 MW solar system requires between 5,000 and 6,500 m², while a 500 kW system requires between 2,000 and 2,500 m². The final design depends on the type of roof, orientation, and efficiency of the equipment. It is always essential to carry out a preliminary technical study to ensure correct sizing.

In conclusion, Industronic has developed comprehensive solutions for industrial plants in Mexico focused on high-efficiency solar systems. Its success stories demonstrate its expertise in design, installation, and business optimization. For more information, please contact our advisors.