Solar power generation system installed in Costa Rica

Like wind power, solar power is another newer energy source in the country. The first solar power projects in the country were established in 1978 by just a few researchers from public universities at the Solar Power Laboratory at the National University. During 2012, Costa Rica inaugurated the Miravalles Solar Plant next to the Miravalles Volcano.

Costa Rica's abundant renewable energy resources can supply all required energy across all sectors, including increased electricity demand for electric vehicles. Utilising about 6% of total solar power potential and 25% of Costa Rica's wind power potential would suffice to supply enough energy to do so.

According to the Costa Rican Institute of Electricity (ICE) and the Costa Rican National Power and Light Company (CNFL), both government entities, the target market for solar energy in Costa Rica, remains to be households or companies that consume between 200kw/h and 3,000kw/h. ICE and CNFL have been installing photovoltaic systems.

ICE has installed 2,559 systems in homes, 649 systems installed for community activities, and 132 systems installed in conservation areas. There are three major solar parks in Costa Rica; Juanilama by Coopeguanacaste, Pocosol by Coopelesca, and Valle Escondido that will be built in 2021 by BMR Energy, contracted by ICE but not in use.

There are many private companies, most of them members of ACESOLAR (Costa Rican Solar Energy Association), and the CDG (Chamber of Distributed Energy Generation of Costa Rica). They have changed the current legislation opening the market and allowing more solar panels and batteries to be installed.

Based on the projections made by the Costa Rican Ministry of Environment and Energy (MINAE), the participation of solar energy in Costa Rica for 2030 will reach 1.3 percent, while the hydroelectric market will increase to 80 percent.