Solar parks blossoming in Central America 

Solar parks flourish in Central America, setting the example of obtaining solar energy through more creative outlets. The experimental yet successful channels utilized make this region trailblazers. In the past, renewables energy traditionally has been more connected to wealthier nations in the world. 
 

Financial heavy hitters back Central America 

Outside of the the Honduran solar program, which came from direct support, most support to back solar energy in the region comes indirectly. For instance, the removal of import taxes for solar products and tax incentives for solar projects are a few indirect government support. 

The most important growth of utility-scale solar is financial support from multilateral banks and programs of development agencies. The numerous agencies are the German Development Agency (GIZ), who counsels and supports deployment of renewable energy, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)  who provided  assistance, the French Development Agency (AFD) who supported the 101 MW Providencia solar project, and Spain who helped a 1.4 MW solar project in a university in Honduras. These are just a few agencies that directly support the aims of utility-scale solar. As for the banks, the Inter-American Development Bank (IADB) and the World Bank’s International Finance Corporation (IFC) have granted  finance for the majority of solar projects built in the region.
 

Massive award potential in Central America 

The solar that will be awarded in Central America over the next few years is enormous. A calculation of projects in an advanced state of development claims that 200-300 MW of solar could come online this year. These new projects add to the already high levels of solar in Honduras where estimates met 10.2% of demand in 2016. To continuously improve the reliability of supply to consumers and integrate more electricity from renewables, Central America built a regional high-voltage interconnection. It’s called the Electrical Interconnection System of Central American Nations (SIEPAC). Honduras planned for the solar integration contracted under its solar program. These solar projects were built in close proximity to main transmission lines to integrate high levels of renewable energy. Due to swift deployment, innovation in procurement and integration of record high levels of  solar Central America has certainly claimed its spot as the leader in the global Energy Transition. Falling prices for solar PV guarantees that solar will continue to play a central role in its transition to renewable energy.

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