Mexico’s state-owned utility company, Comisión Federal de Electricidad (CFE), is making it easier for households to switch to solar power. Many people are hesitant to install solar panels due to the high upfront costs. However, CFE is offering a free installation service for those who buy their own solar panels.
How to Save with CFE
To qualify for the free installation, households need to meet certain requirements. They must consume more than 1,500 pesos worth of electricity per month. The process involves several steps. First, customers need to review their electricity consumption and check if they meet the eligibility criteria. Next, they must visit a CFE customer service center to apply for an interconnection contract. CFE offers three different contract options: Net Energy Metering, Net Billing, and Total Energy Sale.
Once the contract is signed, CFE technicians will visit the property to assess its suitability for solar panel installation. Homeowners need to provide a sketch of their electrical system, the technical specifications of the solar panel, and a single-line diagram of the system. Failure to notify CFE about the installation may result in penalties and ineligibility for benefits.
Free Solar Panels for Low-Income Households
In addition to the free installation service, CFE has launched a program called “Sol del Norte” to provide free solar panels to low-income households in Mexicali, Baja California. The program is available to households that meet certain eligibility criteria, including being a domestic tariff user, owning the property, and being part of a vulnerable group such as the elderly or people with disabilities. Eligible households must also consume between 400 and 750 kWh of electricity per month. The properties need to have a suitable roof with 6-8 square meters of free space and the structural capacity to support the weight of the solar panels, which is around 18-33 kilos each.
To apply for the program, interested households can register online. CFE officials will visit the properties to verify that they meet the eligibility criteria before distributing the free solar panels.