RURAL Mexican communities are looking forward powering their houses using the sun’s power thanks to a new energy bill.
The announcement came after the Mexican government finally approved amendments to the country’s renewable energy bill aimed at promoting rooftop PV at public schools.
Not only will the education centres benefit from a free and environmentally friendly source of energy, but surplus energy will be able to be sold back to others in the community.
Mexico was the second country in the world to implement long-term climate change targets into national legislation.
The renewable energy bill calls for a 30% reduction in emission growth by 2020, and 50% by 2050 with 35% of energy to come from renewable sources by 2024.
Currently Mexico offers a generous reward scheme for those who want to invest in solar PV.
According to www.pv-tech.org Deputy Ricardo Astudillo Suarez from the Green Ecologist Party said renewable energy will combat climate change and reduce dependence on fossil fuels adding that energy independence is particularly important for schools in rural communities.
It is hoped the decision will show the government’s commitment to extending the renewable energy programmes currently in place and further schemes will take place.
A spokesperson from www.theecoexperts.co.uk said: “Often in rural areas of Mexico power supply can be temperamental so a utilising a constant source like the sun is the best if not only option. On top of that energy from solar PV is free and safe.
“We hope that other schemes like this one take place, not just in Mexico, but all over Central and South America. The falling cost of PV installs have lead to increased revenue from the renewable sector and we predict the solar PV market will continue to grow and grow.”
