Enel Green Power Starts Construction on the Sonsonate solar project
Enel Green Power, the renewable energy arm of the Enel Group, has officially broken ground on a new 50 MW solar photovoltaic (PV) project in the department of Sonsonate, El Salvador. This significant development marks the company’s first major solar initiative in the country and represents a substantial step forward in El Salvador’s transition to a cleaner energy matrix.
The project, announced on March 6, 2026, underscores a strong commitment to renewable energy in Central America and is poised to deliver clean, sustainable power to tens of thousands of Salvadoran homes.
Powering Progress with the Sonsonate solar project
Located in western El Salvador, the new solar farm will span approximately 100 hectares. Once fully operational, it is expected to generate around 100 GWh of clean electricity annually—enough to meet the energy needs of about 50,000 households.
With an estimated investment of between €40 and €50 million, the project is on a fast-track timeline. Construction is now underway, with the plant targeted to begin full operations in the first quarter of 2027. The energy generated will be fed into the national grid through a high-voltage substation, directly contributing to the country’s energy stability and sustainability.
Harnessing Cutting-Edge Technology for the Sonsonate solar project
To maximize energy production, the Sonsonate plant will utilize advanced solar technology. The facility will feature ground-mounted bifacial solar panels, which can capture sunlight on both sides of the panel, and will be equipped with single-axis trackers. This technology allows the panels to follow the sun’s path throughout the day, significantly boosting efficiency and energy yield compared to fixed-tilt installations. This combination of technologies is crucial for optimizing performance in a region like Sonsonate, which benefits from high solar insolation.
A Milestone for El Salvador’s National Energy Policy: The Sonsonate solar project
This 50 MW project aligns perfectly with El Salvador’s ambitious renewable energy targets outlined in its National Energy Policy, which aims for 1.3 GW of installed solar capacity by 2030. By displacing fossil fuel-based generation, the Sonsonate solar farm will play a vital role in decarbonizing the nation’s grid, which currently relies on thermal sources for approximately 70% of its power.
The environmental impact will be substantial. According to emission factors from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) for El Salvador’s grid, the project is projected to offset approximately 50,000 tons of COâ‚‚ emissions each year. This initiative has received the necessary environmental permits from El Salvador’s Ministry of Environment (MARN), ensuring its development adheres to strict sustainability standards.
Driving Local Growth and Opportunity through the Sonsonate solar project
Beyond its environmental benefits, the project is a catalyst for local economic development. The construction phase is expected to create over 200 jobs, with an additional 20 permanent positions for the plant’s operational and maintenance phase.
According to statements from El Salvador’s Comisión Ejecutiva Hidroeléctrica del RÃo Lempa (CEL), projects like this are key to generating employment and fostering technical skills within the local community. Enel Green Power has also focused on community engagement with local landowners, ensuring the project’s integration and long-term success.
This development is part of a broader global trend, where the rapidly falling cost of solar PV—down 89% since 2010 according to IRENA data—has made clean energy more accessible and economically viable than ever. As the Sonsonate solar project moves from construction to operation, it will stand as a powerful symbol of El Salvador’s bright, renewable future.
For more information on this and other projects, you can visit the official Enel Green Power website.
