Data from El Salvador’s General Superintendent of Electricity and Telecommunications (SIGET) shows that the total installed solar capacity in EL Salvador was 676 MW in 2024.⁷

The average annual growth rate (CAGR) of solar energy capacity in El Salvador from 2015 to 2024 is approximately 49.7%. ⁷

Linear Regression Model predicted that Solar panel capacity will reach approximately 1233 MW in the year 2030.

IRENA analysis estimated that El Salvador’s land area can boost up to 12.2 GW of solar energy.⁸

• Solar Energy: 101 USD/MWh to 107 USD/MWh. ⁸
• On Shore Wind: 116 USD/MWh to 157 USD/MWh. ⁸

⁷

Data from SIGET shows that El Salvador’s total installed power capacity in 2024 was 3,040.78 MW, with 1881.22 MW (62.4%)  renewable and  1159.56 MW (37.6%) non-renewable contributions.

Other fossil fuels lead at 757.12 MW (24.9%), followed by photovoltaic (676.01 MW, 22.2%) and hydraulic (638.06 MW, 21.0%). LNG accounts for 387.7 MW (12.8%), while biomass (295.4 MW, 9.7%) and geothermal (209.4 MW, 6.9%).

Smaller contributions include wind (54 MW, 1.8%), GDT (14.74 MW, 0.5%), and biogas (8.35 MW, 0.3%). The data underscores a balanced mix, dominated by solar and hydro renewables but reliant on fossil fuels for grid stability.

Technology	Total Capacity (MW)	Percentage
Other Fossil Fuels	757.12	24.90%
Photovoltaic	676.01	22.23%
Hydraulic	638.06	20.98%
LNG	387.7	12.75%
Biomass	295.4	9.71%
Geothermal	209.4	6.89%
Wind	54	1.78%
(Distributed Thermal Generation)GDT	14.74	0.48%
Biogas	8.35	0.27%
TOTAL	3,040.78	100%

Projected Renewable Energy: EL Salvador has the potential to install over 1,200 MW of renewable energy capacity.⁹

SAIDI and SIAFI indices indicate that power outages have been very rare and brief in recent years in El Salvador.

It is observed that in some regions planned power outages are announced for 4 to 6 hour duration for System upgradation and installation of new electric lines to the network.¹⁰

Data from (SIGET) shows that 1,670 solar installations in EL Salvador were connected to the national grid in 2024.⁷

¹¹

Installed:  As of October 2024, El Salvador had more than 60 solar farms operating.

Projected: 21 new solar projects have been approved by the administration of President Nayib Bukele in 2024.

¹²

The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) estimated that the Off-grid solar capacity installed in El Salvador was 4.12 MW in 2023.

Projected: Off-grid solar is not the primary focus in El Salvador due to high grid penetration, off grid is a popular option only in remote areas.

In the last five years, there is no significant increase has been observed in off-grid solar installations in El Salvador.

¹²

The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) estimated that the On-grid solar capacity installed in El Salvador was 581 MW in 2023.

Projected: The linear regression model predicted that On-Grid Capacity will be 1131 MW in the year 2030.

• The average monthly solar engineer salary in El Salvador is 1575 USD. ¹³
• The average monthly salary of a Solar PV Installer in El Salvador is 1015 USD.¹⁴

¹⁵

The population of El Salvador was 6,353,349 on Monday, January 20, 2025. 80% of its population lives in Urban areas and 20% lives in rural areas.

Its population density is 307 people per Km². The total land area of El Salvador is  20,720 Km².

Estimate for Factory Rent: The average rent for Industrial properties (factories and warehouses) in El Salvador is estimated to be 10.39 USD /m² /month.¹⁶

Industrial Electricity Rates: ¹⁷

For industrial electricity consumers, the average charges offered by all 4 distributors (AES CLESA, EEO, and DEUSEM) are as follows:

• Commercialization Charges (fixed monthly): $12.66/month
• Distribution charge: For Low Voltage distribution the charges are $28.64/kW/month and for medium voltage distribution the charges are $18.08/kW/month

Water Costs: The average tariff for industrial and commercial water usage in EL Salvador is 1.5 USD/ m³.¹⁸

Key Components of Administrative Costs

Salaries and Wages:

• The average monthly solar engineer salary in El Salvador is 1575 USD. ¹³
• The average monthly salary of a Solar PV Installer in El Salvador is 1015 USD.¹⁴

Rent for Office Space: The average rent for Offices in El Salvador is estimated to be 20.38 USD /m² /month.¹⁹

Insurance: As per Statista, average spending per capita in the insurance market is expected to be 155 USD in the year 2025.²⁰

• Total installed electricity generation capacity: 2997 MW in 2023. [21] and 3040.78 MW in 2024. ⁷
• Total generation: 8.151 TWh in 2023.²¹
• Per capita consumption: 1134 kWh. ²²

Generation mix: ²¹

In 2023, El Salvador generated 8,151.85 GWh of electricity, with 60.8% (4,958.79 GWh) from renewable sources and 39.2% (3,193.06 GWh) from non-renewables.

LNG (2,480.60 GWh, 30.4%) dominated the mix, followed by hydraulic (1,568.30 GWh, 19.2%) and geothermal (1,482.71 GWh, 18.2%). Solar (1,185.24 GWh, 14.5%) and biomass (526.99 GWh, 6.5%) bolstered renewables, while wind (2%) and biogas (0.4%) contributed minimally. Non-renewables included other fossil fuels (712.46 GWh, 8.7%), reflecting continued reliance on fossil fuels despite renewables’ majority share. The split underscores progress in clean energy but highlights LNG’s critical role in meeting demand.

Technology	Electricity Generation (GWh)	Percentage
LNG	2,480.60	30.40%
Hydraulic	1,568.30	19.20%
Geothermal	1,482.71	18.20%
Photovoltaic	1,185.24	14.50%
Other Fossil Fuels	712.46	8.70%
Biomass	526.99	6.50%
Wind	166.81	2.00%
Biogas	28.74	0.40%
Total	8,151.85	100%

Leading players: ²³²⁴

El Salvador’s electricity sector is characterized by a mix of public and private companies operating in generation, transmission, and distribution.

Generation Companies

Public Sector

CEL (Comisión Ejecutiva Hidroeléctrica del Río Lempa)

• The primary state-owned company in electricity generation.
• Owns and operates 97% of the country’s hydroelectric capacity.

Major subsidiaries include:

• LaGeo: Focuses on geothermal energy production
• CECSA (Compañía Eléctrica Cucumacayán)
• INE (Inversiones Energéticas)

Private Sector:  Several private companies contribute to electricity generation, including thermal and renewable energy sources.

• Duke Energy: Operates thermal power plants.
• Nejapa Power Company: Operates a thermal power plant
• Borealis: Operates in the retail market with thermal generation.
• CASSA (Compañía Azucarera Salvadoreña): Involved in thermal power generation.
• Ingenio La Cabaña: Operates biomass cogeneration plants.
• Hanesbrands El Salvador: Operates a cogeneration plant.

Distribution companies: ²³²⁵

El Salvador’s electricity distribution system is made up of five distribution companies, including AES CAESS, AES CLESA, AES EEO, AES DEUSEM, and DELSUR.

• ES CAESS: Serves the departments of Chalatenango, Cuscatlán, Cabañas, and part of San Salvador.
• AES CLESA: Serves the departments of Santa Ana, Sonsonate, Ahuachapán, and part of La Libertad.
• AES EEO: Serves the departments of San Miguel, Morazán, La Unión, San Vicente, and parts of Usulután.
• AES DEUSEM: Serves the department of Usulután.
• Distribuidora de Electricidad del Sur (DELSUR) which supplies energy in the south-central area of the country.

Transmission system ²⁶

ETESAL: The Empresa Transmisora de El Salvador (ETESAL) government-owned and only company responsible for the transmission of electricity across El Salvador.

ETESAL operates on transmission having voltage 115 kV and 230 kV and substations with processing capacities of 46 kV, 34.5 kV and 23 kV.

Transmission Network: ²⁷

ETESAL is responsible for transmitting all of El Salvador’s electricity. Their network includes:

• 28 substations distributing power throughout the country.
• Over 1,402 kilometres of transmission lines covering the entire nation.

Regional Distribution: ETESAL also plays a crucial role in regional energy distribution:

• Connection to the Central American Regional Transmission Network: This is achieved through 4 transmission lines operating at 230 kV, facilitating energy exchange with neighbouring countries.
• Integration with SIEPAC: ETESAL connects to the Central American Electrical Interconnection System (SIEPAC) via the Ahuachapán substation. This link with Guatemala extends through the Nejapa substation and continues across El Salvador to the substation near the Lempa River, ultimately connecting with Honduras.

Major power plants: ²¹

In 2023 total power generation entities connected to the national grid was 1533:

• Hydroelectric: 15
• Biogas: 5
• Biomass: 2
• Geothermal: 3
• Wind:1

Solar Photovoltaic Dominance: Solar accounts for 1,507 entities (98% of the total), including:

• 1,360 UPR (end-user solar installations).
• 134 GDR (distributed solar plants).
• 13 APR (self-generating solar producers)

In 2024 total power plants connected to the national grid were 1724.⁷

Thermal Power Plants: ²⁸²⁹

Energía del Pacífico (LNG)

• Capacity: 378 MW
• Fuel Type: Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG)
• Operator: Energía del Pacífico
• Location: Port of Acajutla, Sonsonate
• Technology: Combined Cycle with 19 internal combustion engines and a steam turbine
• Details: This modern LNG plant is a key contributor to El Salvador’s energy grid. It represents the country’s shift toward cleaner fossil fuels, reducing reliance on oil. LNG accounted for 29% of national electricity generation in 2024, reflecting its growing role.

Acajutla Thermal Power Plant

• Capacity: 338 MW
• Fuel Type: Oil
• Operator: Duke Energy Internacional
• Details: A major oil-fired plant, Acajutla has historically been critical for meeting peak demand. In 2024, thermal plants using petroleum products contributed 5.6% (417.1 GWh) of national generation, with Acajutla playing a central role.

Nejapa Power Plant

• Capacity: 144 MW
• Fuel Type: Oil
• Operator: Nejapa (Private)
• Details: This plant is part of El Salvador’s privatized thermal generation fleet Nejapa remains a backup for grid stability.

Central Eléctrica Talnique-INE

• Capacity: 100 MW
• Fuel Type: Oil
• Operator: Inversiones Energéticas
• Details: A mid-sized thermal facility, Talnique supports regional demand. Thermal plants like this are increasingly used during droughts affecting hydropower.

Termopuerto

• Capacity: 74 MW
• Fuel Type: Oil
• Details: A smaller but strategic plant, Termopuerto helps balance the grid during high-demand periods.

Renewable Energy sources

Wind energy: ³⁰

El Salvador currently has one operational wind farm, the Ventus Wind Project.

Ventus Wind Project

• Location: Municipio de Metapán, Departamento de Santa Ana, El Salvador.
• Capacity: 54 MW
• Turbines: 15 Vestas V136-3.45 MW turbines, delivered in 3.6 MW power .
• Commission in: July 2021
• Developer and Owner: Tracia Network Corporation (a joint venture between Grupo Luz y Fuerza and Grupo Centrans).

Geo Thermal Plants: ³¹

Ahuachapán Geothermal Power Plant

• Capacity: 95 MW, divided into three units: Unit 1 (30 MW), Unit 2 (30 MW), and Unit 3 (35 MW). A fourth unit (6 MW) was added in 2023.
• Technology: Flash steam technology, which uses high-pressure hot water from geothermal reservoirs to generate steam and power turbines.
• Location: Ahuachapán, El Salvador.
• Operator: LaGeo, a subsidiary of the Comisión Ejecutiva Hidroeléctrica del Río Lempa (CEL).

Berlin Geothermal Power Plant

• Capacity: 109 MW (initially 66 MW, later expanded to 110 MW).
• Technology: Flash steam technology.
• Location: Usulután, El Salvador.
• Operator: LaGeo.
• History: Operational since 1992, it has undergone upgrades, including a recent expansion

Hydropower: ³²

In the year 2024, 20 hydropower plants were producing electricity in El Salvador. The top 5 Hydropower plants operating in El Salvador are the following:

15 de Septiembre Hydroelectric Plant

• Location: Near the city of San Vicente.
• Capacity: 180 MW.
• Details: Also known as the Cerrón Grande Dam, this plant was commissioned in 1976 and is the largest hydroelectric facility in El Salvador.

Cerron Grande Hydroelectric Power Plant

• Location: Lempa River
• Capacity: 170.0 MW
• Operator: Comisión Ejecutiva Hidroeléctrica del Río Lempa (CEL)
• Details: The second-largest hydroelectric plant in El Salvador, Cerron Grande plays a crucial role in meeting the country’s energy demands.

5 de Noviembre Hydroelectric Power Plant

• Capacity: 179 MW
• Location: Lempa River
• Operator: Comisión Ejecutiva Hidroeléctrica del Río Lempa (CEL)
• Details: This plant is another major contributor to El Salvador’s hydroelectric capacity. It is part of the Lempa River system and is operated by CEL, ensuring a stable supply of renewable energy.

El Chaparral Hydroelectric Power Plant ³³

• Capacity: 67.42 MW
• Location: Torola River, San Miguel
• Operator: Comisión Ejecutiva Hidroeléctrica del Río Lempa (CEL)
• Details: A relatively newer addition to El Salvador’s hydroelectric portfolio, El Chaparral began commercial operations in 2023.

Guajoyo Hydroelectric Power Plant ³⁴

• Capacity: 19.80 MW
• Location: Lempa River
• Operator: Comisión Ejecutiva Hidroeléctrica del Río Lempa (CEL)
• Details: Although smaller in capacity compared to the others, Guajoyo is an important part of El Salvador’s hydroelectric infrastructure

³⁵

Certification and Quality Standards: Solar panel manufacturers in El Salvador typically adhere to globally recognized certifications such as:

• IEC 61215 (performance and durability testing for crystalline silicon modules).
• IEC 61730 (safety qualification for photovoltaic modules).
• UL 1703 (safety standards for flat-plate PV modules).

El Salvador has implemented several government initiatives and incentives to promote solar energy production and investment.

Tax and Duty-Free Advantages: ²³

Total exemption from import tariff duties on machinery, equipment, and supplies for the first ten years.

Income Tax Exemptions: Income tax exemption for renewable energy projects:

• 10-year exemption for projects less than10 megawatts (MW)
• 5-year exemption for projects greater than 10 MW

Solar Farms Development: ³⁶

El Salvador government has granted permits for 21 new solar farms. The estimated investment in these photovoltaic parks amounts to $152.6 million, according to data from the Ministry of Housing.

Capella Solar ³⁷

• Capacity: 140 MWp.
• Location: Usulután department, about 100km southeast of San Salvador.
• Details: The Albireo power project in El Salvador, developed by Neoen at a cost exceeding $133 million, comprises two solar plants (Albireo 1 and Albireo 2) paired with a 3.2MW/2.2MWh lithium-ion battery storage system.

Providencia Solar ³⁸

• Capacity: 101 MW.
• Location: La Paz department, 40 km from the capital.
• Details: The solar power project, comprising two sub-stations (Antares at 75 MWc and Spica at 25 MWc), utilizes 300,000 solar panels to generate electricity for approximately 176,000 people annually, with a project cost of $150 million.

Bósforo Solar Park ³⁹

• Capacity: 100 MW.
• Details: This renewable energy project, developed by AES in partnership with Corporación Multinversiones (CMI), comprises 10 plants, each with a capacity of 10 MW, totalling 100 MW of installed power.

Talnique Solar ⁴⁰

• Capacity: 17 MW.
• Location: Talnique, La Libertad department.
• Details: El Salvador’s first state-owned solar power plant, operated by Inversiones Energéticas (INE)—a subsidiary of the national utility CEL—features 29,600 bifacial solar panels and represents a $20 million investment. It was completed in December 2023.

Opico Power ⁴¹

• Capacity: 5.2 MWp.
• Details: It was developed by AES, this solar project comprises 12,834 solar panels spread across 50,000 square meters.

Projected Solar Projects:

15 de Septiembre Solar Project ⁴²

• Capacity: 19.2 MW
• Status: Under development.

Agrisal Edecsa solar farm ⁴³

• Capacity: 9.6 MW.
• Status: Announced.
• Owner: Agrisal; Grupo Energía, Desarrollo y Consultoría (EDECSA)

Some other farms that have been planned to be built are San Isidro Photovoltaic Solar Park in Cabañas, the Solar Planta La Independencia 2 in La Libertad and La Esperanza in Cuscatlán.⁴⁴

AES EL Salvador:

AES El Salvador is a major player in solar energy.  Their first venture was a 2.5-megawatt solar farm in Moncagua back in 2015. Since then, they’ve expanded significantly, constructing a total of 34 solar plants.¹¹

Website: https://www.aes-elsalvador.com/

Aristos Energy

Aristos Energy is a leader in the development, construction, management, and operation of photovoltaic solar energy projects in El Salvador. They have started El Salvador’s largest rooftop solar initiative, deploying 130,000 solar panels across rooftops to achieve a 56 MW capacity. By offsetting 63,000 tons of CO2 emissions annually.

Website: https://grupoaristos.com/en/aristos-energy-2/

MPC Energy Solutions (MPCES)

MPCES is an international company with significant solar operations in El Salvador. They have installed Santa Rosa and Villa Sol solar PV plants, recently inaugurated, have a combined installed capacity of 21.3 MW and generate 45.7 GWh of clean energy annually.

Website: mpc-energysolutions

Neoen

Neoen is a French renewable power producer with significant investments in El Salvador. They have developed the Capella Solar project, a 140 MW solar PV facility with an investment exceeding $133 million, alongside the 101 MW Providencia Solar project.

Website: neoen

DISSETI Green Engineering

Based in San Salvador, this company focuses on solar engineering and corporate solutions, including campus-wide solar systems and sustainable infrastructure design.

Website: https://dissetigreen.com/