Acknowledgements - sari-energy.org · Flowers, Roberto Fuentes, Paul Klimas, Martín Gómez Rocha, Shannon Graham, Deborah Ley, Gray Lowery, Charles Newcomb, John Rogers, Arturo Romero

Acknowledgements

This document presents a synopsis of the Mexico Renewable Energy Program sponsored by the U.S. Agency

for International Development (USAID) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), which has been managed

and implemented by Sandia National Laboratories. This book was designed and written by Alma D. Cota of New

Mexico State University (NMSU), under the direction of Robert Foster, NMSU International Programs Manager,

and Michael Ross, Sandia MREP manager. Additional comments, photos, and manuscript reviews were pro-

vided by Gabriela Cisneros and Luis Estrada of NMSU; Debora Ley of Sandia; and Jorge Landa of USAID.

Special thanks as well to the Mexican Asociación Nacional de Energía Solar, Ecoturismo y Nuevas Tecnologías,

and the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México for additional photo contributions. Ron Donaghe of NMSU

assisted with editing and production.

No program of this scope can be undertaken without the dedicated efforts of many visionary people who have

contributed a significant part of their lives to MREP. First, thanks to the original MREP pioneers - Ron Pate,

Chris Rovero, and Robert Foster for turning a dream into a reality. The leadership at the USAID mission in

Mexico was critical for having the vision to establish a viable long-term program, especially Jorge Landa, Art

Danart, Paul White, and Frank Zadroga; as well as the support of USAID personnel in Washington including

Patricia Flanagan, Heather Huppe, Erik Streed, and Griff Thompson. The subsequent Sandia MREP program

managers - Elizabeth Richards, Charles Hanley, and Michael Ross - were the glue that held the evolving pro-

gram together and in navigating both the U.S. and Mexican political terrain. The many key MREP team mem-

bers kept things running day to day and were willing to face difficult travel conditions to remote sites. Key MREP

staff included Marcia Anderson, Yolanda Aragon, Margo Burnham, Lisa Büttner, Omar Carrillo, Shirley Chavez,

Gabriela Cisneros, Alma Cota, David Corbus, Phil Covell, Abraham Ellis, Dennis Elliott, Luis Estrada, Larry

Flowers, Roberto Fuentes, Paul Klimas, Martín Gómez Rocha, Shannon Graham, Deborah Ley, Gray Lowery,

Charles Newcomb, John Rogers, Arturo Romero Paredes Rubio, Lilly Ojinaga Santana, Ron Orozco, Aaron

Sanchez, Pete Smith, John Strachan, Marc Schwartz, Andre Verani, and Terry Wilson.

Special thanks to the many supportive and enthusiastic Mexican program partners. Those that have been

especially key to MREP success have included Roberto Best y Brown, Arnoldo Bautista Corral, Manuel Contijoch.

José Luis Esparza Corral, Claudio Alejandro Estrada Gasca, Horacio González de las Casas, and Octavio

Montufar Avilez. Likewise there have been many other Mexican partners who have significantly supported

MREP over the years, from agencies, academia, private sector, etc., Some of the key Mexican contributors

include

Jaime Agredano DíazJuan José Ambriz GarcíaAna Laura Aranda ChávezJosé Manuel ArangoFelipe ArceMarcela AscensioRoger BarrientosMarco Antonio Borja DíazRamiro Javier Cabrera GuillermoRefugio Cabrera V.Roberto Cadenas TovarJavier Castañeda PedrazaJorge ColmeneroArturo Baca LópezOdón de Buen RodríguezRafael Enrique Cabanillas LópezAnselmo Cigarroa de AquinoRubén DorantesErnesto C. EnkerlinVicente Estrada CajigalAnselmo Cigarrora de AquinoCarlos Flores MacíasMauricio García de la CadenaMauricia GonzálezCarlos González Navarro

Ramón GuerreroAlejandro Hernández YáñezLaura HernándezVictor Hugo Hernández ObregónFederico Hungler SalcedaJosé Luis Ibarra NorisJosé Jesús Jordan PerezMarco Antonio LemusVictor LeyNoe Iván Licon VázquezJaime MagdalenoEdgar MaravíFrancisco Marquez MendozaManuel Martínez FernándezRodolfo Martinez TrevelJavier de la MazaJuan Mata SandovalMiguel MéndezVíctor Meraz RamosFernando Mimiaga SosaEfraín Niembro DominguezJosé Refugio CabreraHéctor de la O. SantanaRaúl Orpinel G.Simón Ortiz Gurrola

Adolfo Tres PalaciosJesús Parada TarínMaría Pía GallinaCelia Piguerón WirzMiguel Angel Plata OsorioGaudencio RamosAlejandro Robles GonzálezJosé Esteban Rodríguez MárquezFrancisco Rosado MayRicardo Saldaña FloresMartín SillerCarlos Arturo TanúsCeferino Trujillo HerreraJuan Carlos Velasco FarreraLuis Hector ValdezClaudia VerdugoFrancisco Xochipa SánchezEnrique Zapote

and many others

NOTICE

This report was prepared under contract to the USDOE Solar Energy

Technology Program by the Southwest Technology Development

Institute at NMSU in support of Sandia National Laboratories and

USAID. Neither DOE, USAID, Sandia, NMSU, or any of their

employees or contractors gives any warranty, expressed or implied,

nor assumes any responsibility or liability from the use of any

information presented in this book. Any application of information

and results obtained are solely the responsibility of the user.

References herein to any specific commercial products, process.

or service by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise,

does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation of these

products or the accuracy of the data. Information used herein

was subject to availability and any omissions are not deliberate.

SUMMARY

This document provides a summary of key accomplishments of the Mexico Renewable Energy Program

(MREP) for the U.S. Agency for International Development and the U.S. Department of Energy, which

has been managed by Sandia National Laboratories. The MREP has been specially designed to bring

development in rural areas by introducing renewable energy technologies for applications such as

water pumping, lighting, refrigeration, and distance education. Examples of actual installations and

results are provided throughout to illustrate the impacts of solar and wind energy technologies.

Copyright 2004All rights reserved

CONTENTS

40 Monitoring and Evaluation40 Monitoring41 Project Implementation45 MREP Resource Monitoring Sites46 Insolation in Mexico47 Economic Feasibility50 Project Replication

52 Financing52 End-User Financing53 FIRCO-World Bank/GEF RE for Agriculture56 Mexican Rural Development Foundation57 FIDEAPECH60 Protected Areas Management RE Support

62 MREP Lessons Learned64 Key Lessons Learned

67 Program Results67 Summary of Projects in Mexico68 Survey Results on PV Water Pumping71 Survey Results on PV Home Lighting Systems73 Overall Results

75 Program Overview77 MREP Managers80 MREP Contacts

81 Index

1 Mexico Renewable Energy Program 1 Early Years 2 Original Partners 3 PROCER Activities 5 USAID Interested in PROCER 5 The Evolution of the MREP 6 Sandia’s Role in MREP 7 Sustainable Market Focus 8 MREP Partnerships 14 MREP Training Collaborators 15 Bilateral Agreement for Energy 15 Trilateral Agreement for Energy

16 Applications of Renewable Energy in Rural Areas16 Photovoltaic Water Pumping19 Photovoltaic Remote Network Communications20 Protected Areas Management22 Photovoltaic Lighting25 Hybrid Applications26 PV Refrigeration28 Water Purification

29 Training in the Use of Renewable Energy Technologies30 Data Acquisition Workshops30 Training Vendors30 Training on Distance Eduation31 Training of FIRCO Trainers34 Wind Energy Application Training Symposium35 Wind Workshops in Mexico36 FSEC Solar Thermal Workshop37 INI Workshop38 Summary of Mexico Renewable Energy Program Training Activities

11111

Early YearsOn November 12, 1991, Sandia National

Laboratories (Sandia) announced the

establishment of a U.S.-sponsored cooperation

program with Mexico to expand the use of

renewable energy technologies for Mexico’s rural

development needs. This cooperative program

called Cooperación en Energía Renovable

(PROCER) was implemented in Mexico through

Sandia by a U.S. team formed by public and

private organizations. PROCER was created to

assist Mexican government programs to move

toward a leadership position in the use of

renewable energy. It was sponsored in part by

the U.S. Department of Energy (USDOE) and the

U.S. Committee on Renewable Energy Commerce

and Trade (CORECT).

Technical program management and oversight

was provided by Sandia on behalf of USDOE and

CORECT. Program guidance was provided by a

PROCER working committee consisting of U.S. team

representatives and key counterparts from Mexico.

This original effort formed the basis for an

expanded U.S. Agency for International

Development (USAID) program in 1994.

Mexico Renewable Energy Program

Former Chihuahuan governor Francisco Barrios

Terrazas signing the agreement of understanding

with Sandia, Robert Park, right, and USAID Mexico

Director Arthur Danart, left (1995). [Photo Sandia]

Installation of a solar water pumping system at the

ranch El Reventón in the state of San Luis Potosí

(or SLP). This 1530 watts system provides 17 m3 of

water per day for livestock and domestic use. [Photo

NMSU]

Translation from photo: The Mexican Secretariat of Public Education

(SEP) in the state of Chiapas, through the office of Televised Education

and in collaboration with the U.S. Agency for International Development

(USAID), donate this photovoltaic (PV) system to the community of Nuevo

Veracruz as a joint effort to improve infrastructure in education, and as a

mean to demonstrate the benefits of photovoltaic technology applied to

distance education. January 2003, Nuevo Veracruz, Chiapas. [Photo

Ecoturismo y Nuevas Tecnologías (EyNT)]

22222

Original PartnersSandia began forming strategic partnerships with Mexican counterparts in 1992 through

PROCER. These partnerships were critical for the progress and success in the introduction of

a renewable energy program.

Sandia’s Original PartnersSolar Energy Laboratory-National Autonomous University of Mexico (Laboratorio de Energía Solar-Universidad

Nacional Autónoma de México, LES-UNAM) now called Energy Research Center (Centro de Investigación en

Energía, CIE)

Mexican National Solar Energy Association (Asociación Nacional de Energía Solar, ANES)

National Energy Conservation Commission (Comisión Nacional para el Ahorro de Energía, CONAE)

Federal Electric Commission (Comisión Federal de Electricidad, CFE)

Electric Research Institute (Instituto de Investigaciones Eléctricas, IIE)

Sandia’s Original U.S. PartnersSouthwest Technology Development Institute-New Mexico State University (SWTDI-NMSU)

Meridian Associates

Ron Pate, the first MREP manager, at the first water

pumping workshop organized by PROCER and CFE.

Mexico City, 1992. [Photo NMSU]

Water pumping workshop at the Rancho 77 in

Baja California Sur (or BCS), 1995. [Photo NMSU]

Michael Ross, current MREP

manager, at a training workshop

in Chihuahua for distance

education, 2002. [Photo Sandia]

I I I I INTRODUCTIONNTRODUCTIONNTRODUCTIONNTRODUCTIONNTRODUCTION TOTOTOTOTO THETHETHETHETHE M M M M MEXICOEXICOEXICOEXICOEXICO R R R R RENEWABLEENEWABLEENEWABLEENEWABLEENEWABLE E E E E ENERGYNERGYNERGYNERGYNERGY P P P P PROGRAMROGRAMROGRAMROGRAMROGRAM

33333

PROCER ActivitiesTraining WorkshopsBesides establishing strong partnerships to support and contribute to the development of

Mexican rural areas, PROCER’s task was to bring technical knowledge to its partners. Targeted

training workshops and seminars were efficient means of reaching a relatively large number

of people and organizations.

Technical workshops on solar water pumping were held in

several locations in both Mexico and the U.S. Actual

installations were performed during such workshops to assure

participants acquire the most knowledge possible. PROCER

also took as an initial and indispensable task the design and

implementation of monitoring systems to establish a measure

of quality to the first photovoltaic (PV) system installations.

Training workshops were specially prepared for ANES, CFE,

and IIE.

1. Expand renewable energy capabilities and commercial

markets for solar and wind technologies in Mexico.

2. Develop institutional awareness and knowledge needed

for selecting and applying renewable energy technologies.

3. Improve local capabilities and networks necessary for the

long-term successful application of renewable energy

technologies.

Training Goals

The first training workshop conducted by

PROCER in Mexico City with Dr. Vaughn

Nelson and Chris Rovero, 1992. [Photo NMSU]

Practical workshop for water pumping

through solar and wind energy in

Hermosillo, Sonora, 1994. [Photo NMSU]

Workshop held

in El Rancho

77, BCS in

October, 1995.

Workshop

participants

are assembling

the PV array

structure. This

was the first system installation in the

state of BCS. [Photo NMSU]

44444

Xcalak Monitoring

In 1993, PROCER played an important role in the monitoring of the electrification hybrid project

for the fishing village of Xcalak in the state of Quintana Roo (or Q. Roo). Xcalak’s population

was about 300 residents in 60 homes. The village has never been connected to the electrical

grid due to its small size, and remotness make it very expensive. After four attempts to electrify

it with diesel-electric generators, it was

energized with a hybrid PV-wind system which

was installed by Condumex S. A. in 1992. This

system was funded by the state of Q. Roo and

a federal rural development program called

National Solidarity Program (Programa Nacional

de Solidaridad, PRONASOL).

The Xcalak system performance was monitored

by NMSU and the National Renewable Energy

Laboratory (NREL). The data from the monitoring

later provided key modeling information for

development of the HOMER program

developed by NREL.

11 kW PV array in Xcalak Q. Roo, 1993. [Photo NMSU]

Arturo Romero of EyNT showing workshop

participants how to determine the state of charge

of batteries at the 400 kW-h Xcalak battery bank.

1996. [Photo EyNT]

7.5 kW Bergey wind

turbine installed in

Xcalak, 1992. [Photo NREL]

Xcalak received a 71 kW renewable energy power

system consisting of six 7.5 kW Bergey wind turbines

and an 11 kW PV array. Other components in the hybrid

system included a 400 kW-h battery bank and 40 kW

static inverter. The system uses a 240 V direct current

electrical bus. 1997. [Photo NMSU]


55555

During the PROCER period from

1992-1994, the USAID became

interested in Sandia and the USDOE

efforts for further renewable energy

development in Mexico. This interest

led to a cooperative agreement

between Sandia, USDOE and USAID.

USAID Interested in PROCER

Jorge Landa, USAID-Mexico’s Energy

Advisor, visiting Robert Foster at

SWTDI-NMSU facilities in Las

Cruces, NM in 2000. [Photo Sandia]

The Evolution of the MREPThe Mexico Renewable Energy Program (MREP) evolved from PROCER in 1994 and continue

to be managed by Sandia on behalf of the USDOE and the USAID.

The USDOE funds were leveraged by USAID, and most USAID funds were made available for

hardware procurement for pilot projects. US$2.2 million were available to buy-down the risk

of relatively unknown PV technologies and were cost-shared with Mexican partners program

funds.

The primary goals of the MREP have

been established to increase the

appropriate and sustainable use of

renewable energy technologies

while creating sustainable markets

for US industry and combating

global climate change, especially

greenhouse emissions.

66666

The role of Sandia and its U.S. partners was to provide training and technical assistance to

Mexican rural development and conservation organizations who wished to improve their

technical and institutional capabilities in order to appropriately utilize renewable energy

within their ongoing programs. The role was also to initiate renewable energy pilot projects

that could be easily replicated by area residents and help pay for a portion of the total

project costs.

Sandia’s Role in MREP

Simón Ortiz and Jesús Parada, engineers of the Federal Trust of Share Risk (Fideicomiso de Riesgo Compartido or

FIRCO), discuss the installation of a couple of PV water pumping systems at the ranch El Sagitario in BCS, August 2000.

[Photo Sandia]


77777

Sustainable Market FocusThe MREP unites the goals of promoting the appropriate and sustainable use of renewable

energy systems, enhancing economic and social development, creating new business

opportunities, and offsetting greenhouse gas emissions. The MREP is focused on rural, off grid,

productive-use applications of renewable energy, particularly photovoltaics, wind, small

hydropower and solar thermal systems.

The MREP focuses on selected end-use applications, such as agricultural water pumping,

purification of water, distance education, electrification and remote communications, and

incorporates the appropriate use of renewable energy into associated ongoing and funded

development programs.

The MREP augments existing local project implementation and capacity with the necessary

training in assessment, selection, procurement, and use of renewable energy technologies.

This approach leads to widespread replication and reduces the time required to implement

viable, locally-championed renewable energy-based projects.

PV water pumping for livestock applications in

Q. Roo, 1996. [Photo NMSU]

Chajul Community

Center, Chiapas,

1998. [Photo NMSU]

Lighting system in

Moris, Chihuahua,

1999. [Photo NMSU]

Rural off-grid applications are currently the most cost-effective andeconomical for small renewable energy systems. Productive-useapplications are those that provide an economic or social benefitto the user of the technology, such as water pumping for agriculturaluse or lighting systems for homes or ecotourism facilities. Because ofthe income they provide, productive-use applications provide a built-in means for paying a renewable energy system and can competesuccessfully in markets that are influenced by subsidies, such as thoseprovided by the Mexican government for solar home lighting systems.

88888

The MREP program development activities have been

closely coordinated with Mexican partner organizations

at both the state and federal levels, as well as with U.S.

and Mexican industries.

The most significant and important in-

country partnership has been with the

Federal Trust for Shared Risk (Fideicomiso

de Riesgo Compartido or FIRCO), which

is an agricultural development non-profit

organization under the Secretariat of Agriculture, Livestock Farming, Rural Development,

Fishing and Feeding (Secretaría de Agricultura, Ganadería, Desarrollo Rural, Pesca y

Alimentación-SAGARPA). Although FIRCO is a federal agency, it operates in a decentralized

manner through offices in each of the 31 Mexican states. Its mission is to improve agricultural

productivity through the introduction of new technologies and procedures, as well as to

manage several rural poverty-related programs.

Sandia initially established contracts with FIRCO in the states of BCS, Q. Roo, San Luis Potosí

(or SLP) and Sonora for cost-sharing watering projects. By the end of 2000, FIRCO and Sandia

had partnered with ranchers and local institutions on the installation of almost 200 pilot water-

pumping projects in 14 Mexican states. Most of the projects utilized PV technology, but several

small wind-electric system have also been employed.

Terry Schuyler and Charles Hanley of Sandia

at the first PV water pumping system installed

by Sandia and FIRCO in Estación Torres,

Sonora in 1994. System verified as still

working in 2004. [Photo NMSU]

MREP Partnerships

MEXICAN STATES IN WHICH

MREP HAS COLLABORATED TO

BETTER RURAL DEVELOPMENT

FIRCO


99999

PV water pumping

system installed in

1995 with Sandia and

FIRCO efforts in the

El Jeromín Ranch,

Chihuahua. The old

system is also shown.

System still functional

in 2003. [Photo NMSU]

NMSU and FIRCO staff working on a technical inspection and conducting a survey to evaluate the performance of the

PV water pumping installation in El Jeromín, Chihuahua. After 8 years of operation, the PV water pumping system had

fully provided the water required for the livestock and not a single replacement had been required. The PV panels, the

controller/inverter box and all the connections were in excellent condition at the time of the visit. During the survey, Don

Rodolfo Pacheco Morales, owner of the system at the El Jeromín Ranch, expressed his satisfaction with his PV system as

“El sistema trabaja a toda máquina” meaning the system works very well. July, 2003. [Photos NMSU]

A significant outcome of the FIRCO/Sandia partnership is the level of support that the Mexican

federal government has shown for the implementation of renewable energy technologies in

other agricultural-related program structures. This has required formalizing and enacting

basic policy changes within several government programs in which FIRCO plays a role, such

as Alianza para el Campo (Alliance for the Countryside), Empleo Temporal (Temporary

Employment), and the Sequías (Drought) program. Each one is a federal program aimed at

increasing agricultural production, and each has enacted fundamental changes to include

the demonstration of PV and other renewable energy technologies.

1010101010

In 1993, amidst of a four-year drought in

Chihuahua, Sandia in cooperation with

NMSU began working with the State

Directorate of Rural Development

(Dirección General de Desarrollo Rural,

DGDR) for widespread dissemination of

solar energy technologies in Chihuahua.

As a result, they managed to gather

twelve governmental organizations to

implement renewable energy projects in

the state. Formed under the leadership

of DGDR, the Chihuahuan Renewable

Energy Working Group (Grupo de

Trabajo de Energías Renovables, GTER)

provides a central point of contact and

coordination in the state.

The Chihuahua program was showcased

at the Mexican National Solar Energy

Association (ANES) meeting in October

1997 and gained national recognition as

a model for renewable energy project

implementation.

Chihuahuan Renewable Energy Working Group (GTER)

Lilly Ojinaga of DGDR assisting with making pump connections

at the Simosol Rancho Nogales installation in Chihuahua, 1995.

[Photo NMSU]

Project bid selection meeting of

NMSU and GTER in Chihuahua,

1996. [Photo NMSU]

Installation of a solar resource monitoring

tower in Chorreras, Chihuahua by NMSU

and GTER, 1996. [Photo NMSU]

Jeff Mazer, USDOE energy advisor, in a PV water pumping

system installation performed by GTER and Sandia in Palomas,

Chihuahua, 1996. [Photo NMSU]


1111111111

Protected Areas Management

Ecotourist facility in Chajul, Chiapas,

1998. [Photo NMSU]

Linea Biosfera workshop participants installing a

PV lighting system. Chiapas, 1995. [Photo NMSU]

In 1996, the Contoy Island in Q. Roo was declared

national wildlife reserve, 2002. [Photo NMSU]

Sandia established contracts with Conservation International,

The Nature Conservancy, and World Wildlife Fund to

implement renewable energy projects for the management

of protected areas in and near ecologically sensitive regions.

These partnerships allowed the Sandia team to work

directly with local non-government development

organizations in Mexico and also ensured

environmental objectives were being met. Projects

were implemented in the states of Quintana Roo,

Oaxaca, Chiapas and Yucatán, to provide power

for ranger stations, training centers, ecotourism

facilities, communications systems, and water

pumping.

Transportation in the ecotourist hotel of Estación Ixcán, which

is powered by a solar system. Chiapas, 1998. [Photo NMSU]

1212121212

Sandia has established a cooperative

agreement with ANES, which represents

Mexico’s largest renewable energy

community and serves as Mexico’s chapter

of the International Solar Energy Society (ISES).

ANES has been involved in the USAID/USDOE

Mexico Renewable Energy Program since the

program’s inception, and it facilitates the

program acceptance by Mexico’s

renewable energy community.

Mexican National Solar Energy Association (ANES)

Dr. Claudio Estrada Gasca at the XXII ANES Conference

promoting use of solar energy technology among

children. Chihuahua, 1997. [Photo NMSU]

Every year since 1994, the MREP has

participated in the annual ANES conferences

conducting training workshops about solar

technologies. Among the workshops imparted

are water pumping, water purification,

protected areas management and distance

education.

Solar oven (left) and solar thermal ice maker (below)

donated by Sandia to the University of Sonora. XVII

Annual ANES Conference in Hermosillo, Sonora 1994.

[Photo NMSU]

Lilly Ojinaga of Winrock and Arturo Romero of EyNT at

the Sandia stand during the ISES millenium 2000 Solar

Forum in Mexico City. October 2000. [Photo Sandia]

Colima (1992)

Mexicali (1999)


1313131313

Industry involvement is an integral part of the MREP. More than 50 U.S. and Mexican companies

have participated in program activities, such as training workshops. Many of the program’s

training workshops involved the installation of actual systems led by industry technicians,

and more than a dozen companies have participated in these field training exercises.

The Sandia team has worked closely with local suppliers to improve their ability to provide

adequate responses to procurement opportunities. As a result of these interactions, several

cross-border industrial partnerships have been formed to the benefit of both the U.S. and

Mexican businesses. The Sandia program has also worked with the U.S. industry members to

develop and improve technologies aimed at the Mexican market.

Tim Ball of Applied Power Corporation discussing field installation procedures during a workshop at the Rancho 77 in

BCS, 1995. [Photo NMSU]

Industry Partnerships

1414141414

Past U.S. and Mexican Industry Providing Training Installation Services

Applied Power Corporation

Condumex S.A. de C.V.

Ecoturismo y Nuevas Tecnologías S.A. de C.V.

Energía Alterna S.A de C.V.

Energía Solar de Ciudad Juárez (ENSO)

Entec S.A. de C.V.

Plantas Eléctricas Solares del Sureste

Simosol

Past Commercial U.S. Training Presenters

ASE Americas, Inc.

A.Y. McDonald Mfg. Co.

Applied Power Corporation

Bergey Windpower

BesiCorp Group, Inc.

Burns-Milwaukee, Inc.

Clean Power Works

Dankoff Solar Products, Inc.

Daystar, Inc.

Direct Power and Water Corp.

Dyncorp EENSP

Energy Concepts Co.

Energy Conversion Devices

Energía Total

Golden Genesis

KPMG

Los Alamos Technical Associates, Inc.

McCracken Solar Co.

Meridian Corporation

Midway Labs, Inc.

NEOS Corporation

Oxi Generators, Inc.

Ovonics

Photocomm, Inc.

Power Light Corp.

Solo Power, Inc.

Sophisticated Systems, Inc.

Southwest Windpower

Spencer Management Associates

SunWize Energy Systems, Inc.

Texas Renewable Energy Industries Association

U.S. Export Council on Renewable Energy

Vestas-American Wind Technology, Inc.

Past Non-Commercial U.S. Presenters

American Wind Energy Association

Arizona Public Service

Arizona State University

Committee on Renewable Energy Commerce and Trade

El Paso Solar Energy Association

Enersol Associates, Inc.

Environmental Enterprises Assistance Fund

International Institute of Education

National Renewable Energy Laboratory

National Rural Electric Cooperative Association

Navajo Tribal Utility Authority

New Mexico State University (SWTDI)

Research Triangle Institute

Sandia National Laboratories

Salt River Project

Solar Energy Industries Association

Solar Energy International

Texas Department of Commerce

U.S. Agency for International Development

Utah Division of Energy

West Texas A&M University (AEI)

Winrock International

World Bank

Past Commercial Mexican Presenters

Acumuladores Orozco

Condumex S.A. de C.V.

Damlier-Benz, Inc.

Ecoturismo y Nuevas Tecnologías S.A. de C.V.

Energía Alterna S.A. de C.V.

Energía Solar de Ciudad Juárez S.A. de C.V. (ENSO)

Entec S.A. de C.V.

Linea Biosfera

Plantas Eléctricas Solares del Sureste (PES)

Orpinel Electronics

Ovite Ingeniería

Poder Solar S.A. de C.V.

Productos y Servicios Agropecuarios S.A. de C.V.

Radio Sol

Rancho Minerva

Riego Gana (RG)

Simosol S.A. de C.V.

Solartronic S.A. de C.V.

Sun Power Systems

Sunergy S.A. de C.V.

Past Non-Commercial Mexican Presenters

Asociación Nacional de Energía Solar (ANES)

Centro de Investigaciones en Energía-Universidad Nacional

Autónoma de México (CIE-UNAM)

Comisión Federal de Electricidad (CFE)

Comisión Nacional del Agua (CNA)

Coordinador Estatal de Tursimo-Edo de Baja Califronia Sur

Comisión Nacional para el Ahorro de Energía (CONAE)

Comisión Técnico Consultiva de Coeficientes de

Agostadero (COTECOCA)

Centro de Investigaciones Avanzados (CINVESTAV)

Dirección General de Desarrollo Rural - Gobierno Estatal de

Chihuahua (DGDR)

Fideicomiso Estatal para el Fomento de Actividades

Productivas de Chih. (FIDEAPECH)

Fideicomiso de Riesgo Compartido (FIRCO)

Fundación Mexicana de Desarrollo Rural (FMDR)

Secretaría de Obras Públicas - Gobierno del Estado de

Quintana Roo

Instituto Tecnológico de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey

(ITESM)

Instituto Tecnológico de La Paz (ITLP)

Instituto de Investigaciones Eléctricas (IIE)

Instituto Tecnológico de Zacatepec

Laboratorio de Energía Solar - Universidad Nacional

Autónoma de México (UNAM)

Secretaría de Ganadería, Agricultura, y Recursos

Hidraúlicos (SAGAR)

Secretaría de Agricultura y Recursos Hidraúlicos (SARH)

Secretaría de Energía y Minas

Secretaría de Medio Ambiente y Recursos Naturales

(SEMARNAT)

Subsecretario de Promoción Económica - Edo de Baja

California Sur

Universidad Autónoma de Ciudad Juárez (UACJ)

Universidad Autónoma de Chihuahua (UACH)

Universidad de Colima

Universidad de Sonora (UNISON)

Universidad de Quintana Roo (UQROO)

MREP Training Collaborators 1992-2004


1515151515

MREP has also played an important role in the US/Mexico Bilateral Agreement for Energy

Cooperation-Annex 1 for Renewable Energy created in 1998. In the agreement, it was

stipulated that Sandia and Mexico’s National Commission for Energy Conservation (CONAE)

are the technical coordinators to comply with energy cooperation commitments. The main

activities performed under Annex 1 formed part of the MREP. Due to the success of Annex 1,

it was extended from 2000 through 2003; and is planned to be extended again. Among the

joint activities developed during this agreement are research on renewable energy systems,

components and materials; study of wind and insolation resources; training of researchers,

engineers, technicians, and providers; and support to public and private sectors on the use

of renewable energy.

Trilateral Agreement for Energy

Bilateral Agreement for Energy

The experience gained from the US/Mexico Bilateral Agreement for Energy led to an extension

of the Trilateral Agreement for Energy in March 2002. Collaboration in the areas of energy

efficiency and renewable energy are managed by the North American Energy Working

Group (NAEWG), experts in science and technology which consists of representatives from

Natural Resources (NRCan)-Canada, Secretariat of Energy (Secretaría de Energía or SENER)-

Mexico and Sandia on behalf of USDOE-US. Currently, one of the NAWEG’s major tasks is the

design and construction of a prototype self sustainable community which would be built in

Mexico and will be later replicated in Canada and the U.S. This project is called La Casa

Nueva (The New House). MREP’s partnerships in Mexico have been a great starting point for

the performance of this task. The houses should also be affordable enough so that the

government could provide financing mechanisms such as the current social-interest houses

in Mexico financed by the Mexican National Fund Institute for the Worker Housing (El Instituto

del Fondo Nacional de la Vivienda para

los Trabajadores, Infonavit).

Steering committee of La Casa Nueva Program at the

XXVII ANES conference in Chihuahua. Mark Riley and

Robin Sinha of NRCan (two on left), Michael Ross

(middle) and Debora Ley of Sandia, Gary Sharp of

Sharp’s Environmental Canada (on right) and David

Morillón of ANES/Engineering Institute-UNAM.

October 2003. [Photo Sandia]

1616161616

Many regions in Mexico suffer from severe shortages of rain and groundwater. Oftentimes

the surface water that is available is either contaminated by human or animal activity. Thus,

people sometimes depend on underground water for their supply. Traditional water pumping

systems, such as diesel motors, represent a simple solution for their daily water supply; however,

the costs of fuel, maintenance and transportation make these water pumping technologies

prohibitively expensive for many rural towns and communities, the population that needs

them most.

Applications ofRenewable Energy in Rural Areas

Photovoltaic Water PumpingCommunity, Domestic, and Livestock Applications

Photovoltaic water pumping

system at the ranch El

Sagitario in BCS, 2001.

[Photo Sandia]

Conventional animal traction

system for water pumping in


Conventional diesel system for

water pumping in BCS, 2001.

[Photo Sandia]

AAAAAPPLICATIONSPPLICATIONSPPLICATIONSPPLICATIONSPPLICATIONS OFOFOFOFOF R R R R RENEWABLEENEWABLEENEWABLEENEWABLEENEWABLE E E E E ENERGYNERGYNERGYNERGYNERGY INININININ R R R R RURALURALURALURALURAL A A A A AREASREASREASREASREAS

1717171717

Photovoltaic water pumping systems have proven to

be a valuable resource to many rural communities

throughout Mexico. This technology has solved the

water problem for many communities by bringing

accessible water supply for drinking and domestic uses.

Photovoltaic water pumping systems have also

provided relief to ranchers throughout the region by

providing an adequate water supply for their livestock.

Most of these ranchers depend on livestock for their

income; without an adequate water supply to sustain

their livestock they often have to choose to sell or loose

them.

PV water pumping

system in Coahuila,

2001. [Photo Sandia]

This solar water pumping system does not use a

storage tank, it uses aluminun-cut bottles to collect

the water, 2001. [Photo Sandia]

Cows have plenty of water from

solar water pumping system,


1818181818

Water is one of the most important nutrients required for the survival of agricultural products.

Sustainable agriculture is required to support the supply of food for increasing populations

and to increase agricultural production without negative environmental impact. Throughout

Mexico, the use of photovoltaic systems is a reliable alternative for irrigation sites, which are

often remote from the utility-grid. Ranchers are realizing that it is technically feasible to use

photovoltaic systems for small-scale (micro) irrigation (under one hectare), since it is a more

efficient method of irrigation (cutting water consumption from 50 to 70%).

Water pumping system for irrigation

installed by FIRCO at the Agua Blanca

Ranch in BCS, 2001. [Photo Sandia]

Solar irrigated forage field at the

Agua Blanca Ranch in BCS, 2001.

[Photo Sandia]

Agricultural Applications

Renewable Energy at the Tlaquiltenango 2002 Farmers’

and Ranchers’ Fair. CIE and FIRCO-Morelos continue

their Renewable Energy for Agriculture and Cattle

Promotional Campaign in Morelos, 2002. [Photo CIE-UNAM]


1919191919

Communication is very important for any

type of region. It is especially important in

remote regions without any other source of

communicating an emergency such as a

forest fire. Photovoltaics are playing an

important role in Mexico’s southern regions,

in the states of Chiapas, Oaxaca, and

Quintana Roo. Radio communications

between regions separated by kilometers

of mountainous terrain have been

established with PV systems. For instance,

PV-powered communications systems in

Chiapas are helping rural coffee growers

be more responsive to market demands

and receive better prices for their products.

Photovoltaic Remote Network Communications

With the introduction of wireless telephony,

rural villages are further empowered

economically. Up-to-date knowledge of

farming techniques and market prices help

farmers to obtain higher value for their

produce. Access to the Internet offers even

more far-reaching possibilities. By taking

digital photographs of locally made arts

and crafts, and uploading these images

onto a website, village artisans can make

their goods directly available to a worldwide audience. Cultural products, such as music,

are especially well-suited for village-based e-commerce since they can be transmitted

electronically without having to deal with the cost, logistics, and delay of physical

transportation. Solar-powered connectivity provides a conduct through which information

as well as trade and commerce may flow to and from rural parts of the world previously

isolated and cut off.

Jaime Magdaleno and PV systems support radio network for

consistent communications in 30 communities in El Ocote,

Chiapas, 1997. [Photo NMSU]

2020202020

Protected Areas ManagementSandia has also developed strategic partnerships in the

Protected Areas Management (PAM) sector and has

identified and developed renewable energy applications

to facilitate the management of reserves and protected

areas.

Dormitory for workers and visitors at

Contoy Island facility in Q. Roo, 2002.

[Photo NMSU]

Arturo Romero of EyNT

inspecting the controllers

of the hybrid wind-PV

system in Contoy Island,


More than 70 independent systems have been installed

through these partnerships, primarily in the southern states of

Chiapas, Oaxaca, and Quintana Roo. These projects meet

a variety of energy needs such as PV-powered

communications, facilities power for ranger’s quarters and

biological research stations, water pumping for visitor’s centers

and communities, and outdoor lighting systems. Other

projects with these partners have focused on the economic

development of the communities that buffer Mexican

reserves.

Flora under study in Contoy Island, Q. Roo, 2002. [Photo NMSU]


2121212121

PV direct drive refrigerator with

thermal storage at the Mahahual

Marine Research Center in Q. Roo,

2002. [Photo NMSU]

Training workshop of PAM

designed for Central American

participants. Sian Ka’an

Research Center, Q. Roo, 2002.

[Photo NMSU]

First private ecological

reserve in Mexico, El

Edén, Q. Roo, 2002.

[Photo NMSU]

Fauna under study by the ResearchEcological Center El Edén, Q. Roo,2002. [Photo NMSU]

Training workshop of wind

technologies in Mahahual, Q.

Roo, 2001. [Photo EyNT]

2222222222

Photovoltaic Lighting

About five percent of the Mexican population has no access to electricity. Many of the

unelectrified communities rely on candles, small kerosene lamps, or automobile batteries for

light, which can cause health and environmental problems. Bringing electricity to remote

communities makes it possible to il luminate homes, maintain refrigeration,

and possibly establish home businesses for a more productive and

quality life.

Solar lighting empowers rural families by

allowing them to engage in productive

activities at home during evening hours. The

solar electricity can be used to power various

types of village micro-enterprises such as

electric sewing machines, refrigeration,

battery charging, and a wide variety of

cottage industries which can be powered

with modest amounts of solar electricity.

Stand-Alone Applications

PV lighting systems providing basic house functions and entertainment. Chihuahua, 1999 (left) and Yucatán, 1999.

[Photos NMSU and EyNT respectively]

Women showing creativity by

decorating a PV lighting system

controller in Moris, Chihuahua,

1999. [Photo NMSU]


2323232323

Tarahumara family benefiting

from a PV lighting system,

Chihuahua, 1999. [Photo ENSO]

PV home lighting system in

Moris, Chihuahua, 1999.

[Photo NMSU]

Small photovoltaic systems are proving to be a practical

and safe alternative to provide electricity. Most

household’s electrical needs can be as little as 200 Wh

per day and a photovoltaic lighting system can provide

this required output. Having access to electricity brings

a new meaning to life in many of these remote

communities, such as night classes for older generations,

the establishment of small home businesses such as

grocery stores or home theaters, or just the ability to

spend more time with family members.

People watching TV with a PV system

in Moris, Chihuahua, 1999. [Photo NMSU]

2424242424

Photovoltaic systems for rural schools allow for the development of curriculums comparable

to the ones in urban areas. Photovoltaics not only bring lighting to the schools for night

classes, but also provide power for televisions, computers, and other electronic equipment.

Using these tools through the availability of electricity brings a new universe of information

and education resources to the children, teachers, and community members.

Some of the advantages of electricity for

schools includes: improving literacy through

the availability of lighting for night reading,

increasing access to news and information,

and developing evening education classes for

adults.

EDUSAT technician training as part of PV

telesecundarias workshop conducted at the first

of 54 PV powered schools in Chorreras,

Chihuahua. September, 2002. [Photo NMSU]

People of the Mexican

Secretariat of Public Education

(SEP), Winrock, EyNT and

Sandia show a mobile PV system

for educational purposes in

Durango, 2000. [Photo Sandia]

Students benefiting from a

rural PV telesecundaria in

Durango [Photo Sandia]

Education


2525252525

Ninety percent of the population of Baja California Norte

and Sur live on an area of 15 percent of the total state

land. The remaining 10% live dispersed across 173,000 km2,

in small villages with long distances between them. Grid

electrification is lacking and expensive. Besides the great

geothermal potential in the north, and a little in the south,

these states have great natural energy sources such as

sun and wind.

San Juanico

Hybrid system built in collaboration with Arizona

Public Service, Niagara Mohawk and Mexico’s

Federal Electricity Commission. The state of

Baja California, the municipality of Comondoe,

the USDOE and the USAID participated in this

project. This system provides electricity to 400

people and began operating in May 1999.

The hybrid power system design includes a 85-kW standby generator, 10 Bergey Windpower Company, Inc., 7 kW windturbines, and 5 ASE Americas, Inc., 300 W-DC/50 volt PV modules rated at 3.4 kW. Energy storage is comprised of fiveparallel banks of Trojan L16 batteries configured for a nominal 240 volts. The system, which is controlled with a 90 kWTrace inverter, is designed to supply about 65% of the power to the village from renewable technologies, with the gensetsupplying the remainder of the power (mostly during the non-windy season). [Photos USAID]

Hybrid Applications

2626262626

Some regions in Mexico suffer from high temperatures during

the whole year. For some communities, discomfort is not

the only problem that hot weather brings. This also represents

high cost in productivity. Such is the case for fishing

communities where they have to conserve fish fresh;

otherwise, they would experience money losses. The MREP

has participated in the implementation of projects that help

increase productivity of rural people.

A PV refrigeration system and an

ice-making machine have

benefited the people from

Chorreras, Chihuahua. This system

was installed by Sunwize and NMSU.

Its performance was monitored by

NMSU for 4 years. The PV refrigerator

is the first in its class in the world.

The ice maker produces from 70 to

90 kg of ice/day.

Ice-maker machine

Fish conserved in refrigerator

PV array not only supplying electricity

but also keeping out of the shinning

sun. 1998. [Photo NMSU]

PV ice-maker machine in Chorreras,


PV Refrigeration


2727272727

Direct-drive PV refrigerator at the

Tarahumara Indian Reservation in


Tarahumras indians

have benefited from a

PV refrigerator

donated by NMSU and

NASA. [Photo Sandia]

Installation of a community PV refrigeration system donated by NMSU and NASA in

Urique, Chihuahua. March, 2003. [Photo NMSU]

2828282828

Water Purification

Solar still installed in San Francisco del Refugio, for

a family of six. San Luis Potosí, 2000. [Photo Winrock]

Solar stills installed in Palomas, Chihuahua. This system provides fresh water to

a family of six. In the picture are the municipal president and the mayor of

Palomas, a representative of the Secretariat of Municipal Developement,

representative of NMSU and user. This system was donated by EPSEA. Palomas,


Jose Luis Esparza, representative of the Secretariat of Municipal Developement of Chihuahua’s state

government, shows operation of a solar still to users in Chihuahua, 2002. [Photo NMSU]

Water purification projects in the states of San Luis

Potosí and Chihuahua have been supported by

the MREP. In San Luis Potosí, Winrock together with

the Mexican Rural Development Foundation

(Fundación Mexicana de Desarrollo Rural or

FMDR) implemented three projects of this kind.

Water analyses indicated the presence of

biological and chemical contaminants in water.

Solar stills were utilized to improve drinking-water

quality. Several projects with solar stills have also

been implemented in Chihuahua. The MREP implemented two systems in the Sierra

Tarahumara benefiting the Hostel Guillermo y Parres in 1996. By 2000, twelve solar stills were

installed in the Colonia Anapra, four in the Colonia Pánfilo Natera in Cd. Juárez, Chihuahua

and two in Palomas, Chihuahua. These systems were installed by EL Paso Solar Energy

Association (EPSEA) in collaboration with NMSU and the GTER, using BorderPact funds (Ford

Foundation).

2929292929

The cornerstone of any successful renewable energy

development program is a high-quality and practical

training program. In Mexico, workshops have been

presented to both federal and state decision-makers

focused on the technical, environmental, and

economic benefits of renewable energy over

conventional options. In addition, some workshops

were also specially designed for installers, vendors and

users.

Workshops have helped improve local design and installation practices by vendors. To date,

MREP has trained over 4,000 participants from more than 200 organizations in 20 Mexican

states. Over 100 workshops and seminars have been conducted since 1992, representing

over 10,000 person-days of training. Presentations incude three dozen U.S. and two dozen

Mexican companies. Many workshop graduates have since become project developers or

installers of renewable energy projects.

Operation and maintenance training for

promoters at the ecological reserve El Triunfo,


PV water pumping training workshop at the

Autonomous University of Chihuahua in


Renewable Energy Technologies

Training in the Use of

3030303030

In the beginning of MREP, data acquisition

systems workshops were conducted to develop

good monitoring practices for aiding technical

assesments of installed systems. This helps

identify problems with the technology that

needed to be improved. Participants had the

opportunity to learn data acquisition design,

programming software, as well as installation of

meteorological stations.

Training VendorsAs part of the expanded program, Sandia’s renewable energy technology partners

accomplished a major task of training PV vendors. Vendors learned the electrical code

specifications for designing renewable energy projects and selecting the appropriate

technology for particular energy demands. Field training helped them improve their

installation capabilities by performing acceptance testing of systems in compliance with

Mexican electrical code standards. These workshops were held in several Mexican states

and took place during the early years of the program. Sandia, in collaboration with federal

and state agencies, developed technical specifications to improve the quality of PV system

equipment and installation.

Data Acquisition Workshops

Dr. Abraham Ellis of NMSU giving instruction at the data acquisition system workshop

held at the University of Sonora. Above: Installation of a wind sensor in a

meteorological station. Left: Classroom session, learning to program CR10 acquisition

data software provided by NMSU. Hermosillo, Sonora, May 1995. [Photo NMSU]

Training on Distance EduationSix training workshops on distance education especially designed for teachers and system

supervisors have been held in the states of Chihuahua, Chiapas, Quintana Roo and Mexico

City. Actual PV-powered telesecundarias were used during the training as demostrations.

47 middle-school teachers were given instructions in the

proper operation and care of school PV systems.

Chihuahua, September 2002. [Photo Winrock]

T T T T TRAININGRAININGRAININGRAININGRAINING INININININ THETHETHETHETHE U U U U USESESESESE OFOFOFOFOF R R R R RENEWABLEENEWABLEENEWABLEENEWABLEENEWABLE E E E E ENERGYNERGYNERGYNERGYNERGY T T T T TECHNOLOGIESECHNOLOGIESECHNOLOGIESECHNOLOGIESECHNOLOGIES

3131313131

Training of FIRCO Trainers

First (left) and second (below) generations of FIRCO engineers taking

the ¨Train the Trainers¨ workshop at the SWTDI facilities in Las

Cruces, New Mexico. 1999 and 2000. [Photo NMSU]

New Mexico State University solar engineers developed the “train-the-trainers” training

workshops where Mexican program partners learned how to teach others to install, operate

and maintain systems. These workshops were conducted from 1999-2001.

Four solar water pumping workshops took place at the Southwest Technlogy Development

Institute, NMSU in Las Cruces, New Mexico. The USAID Mexico mission enabled the training

events by providing scholarships to the FIRCO participants.

The four courses were prepared in such a way that

the FIRCO engineers learned the fundamentals of

solar energy and basics to install high quality PV

water pumping installations in Mexico. Among the

topics presented were electrical characteristics of

photovoltaic components, operation and

selection of pumps, controllers, batteries and PV

panels.

One of the course highlights was the design of a

PV water pumping system. The participants were

involved in planning, designing and applying the

Mexican National Electric Code (NOM-Norma

Oficial Mexicana) practices as a final project.

These FIRCO engineers have gone on to train

hundreds of people in dozens of courses

throughout Mexico since 1999.

Visit to the Salt River Project system, Phoenix,

Arizona. First generation of FIRCO engineers

taking the training course of PV water

pumping, 1999. [Photo NMSU]

3232323232

This mobile water pumping system was developedThis mobile water pumping system was developedThis mobile water pumping system was developedThis mobile water pumping system was developedThis mobile water pumping system was developed

for training purposes by SWTDI. Workshopfor training purposes by SWTDI. Workshopfor training purposes by SWTDI. Workshopfor training purposes by SWTDI. Workshopfor training purposes by SWTDI. Workshop

participants have used the system to learn sizing,participants have used the system to learn sizing,participants have used the system to learn sizing,participants have used the system to learn sizing,participants have used the system to learn sizing,

assembly, instrumentation, performance, andassembly, instrumentation, performance, andassembly, instrumentation, performance, andassembly, instrumentation, performance, andassembly, instrumentation, performance, and

acceptance testing.acceptance testing.acceptance testing.acceptance testing.acceptance testing.

Not only FIRCO engineers have benefited, but itNot only FIRCO engineers have benefited, but itNot only FIRCO engineers have benefited, but itNot only FIRCO engineers have benefited, but itNot only FIRCO engineers have benefited, but it

has also been a great demonstration tool forhas also been a great demonstration tool forhas also been a great demonstration tool forhas also been a great demonstration tool forhas also been a great demonstration tool for

disseminating information about the use ofdisseminating information about the use ofdisseminating information about the use ofdisseminating information about the use ofdisseminating information about the use of

renewable energy technology.renewable energy technology.renewable energy technology.renewable energy technology.renewable energy technology.


3333333333

FIRCO engineers working

with the mobile water

pumping system at SWTDI in

Las Cruces, New Mexico,

2001. [Photo NMSU]

FIRCO engineers measuring output in solar panels at the Train the

Trainers workshop at SWTDI in Las Cruces, New Mexico, 2001.

[Photo NMSU]

Omar Carillo of NMSU and FIRCO engineers performing

an acceptance test on a PV water pumping system at

SWTDI in Las Cruces, New Mexico, 2001. [Photo NMSU]

3434343434

The Wind Energy Application Training Symposium (WEATS) is an

internationally acclaimed hands-on workshop on wind energy.

Together with various sponsors and organizers such as NREL, Alternative

Energy Institute, American Wind Energy Association (AWEA), and NMSU,

the WEATS training symposium is often held in conjunction with the

annual AWEA Windpower Conference.

The event is designed for project planners,

developers, utility officials, and engineers directly

involved with energy projects who are considering

wind energy development and want to learn more

about wind energy technology applications.

Wind Energy Application Training Symposium

Each year, the one week workshop enables around

60 participants to observe large and small wind

systems operation in the field, meet with leaders in

the U.S. wind energy industry, get acquainted with

participants from other countries, and develop

useful contacts and practical expertise that will

help bring a wind energy project to fruition and

ensure it operates successfully in the long term.

WEATS 2002 at the Ponnequin wind farm in

Colorado including State of Oaxaca

participants. [Photo NMSU]

WEATS training including

Mexican engineers at NREL,

2001. [Photo NMSU]

WEATS training including Mexican engineers at

NREL, 2001. [Photo NMSU]


3535353535

WEATS has been conducted on the campus of

West Texas A&M University in Amarillo, Texas and

at the National Wind Technology Center

(NWTC) in Rocky Flats, Colorado.

Attendees from FIRCO and the State of Oaxaca

are now utilizing this knowledge to implement

wind projects in Mexico.

Wind Workshops in Mexico

NWTC demonstration of wind turbine at WEATS 2002.

[Photo NMSU]

Wind energy workshops have been conducted

under the MREP in Oaxaca, Quintana Roo,

Zacatecas, and Mexico City. This has led to the

installation of small wind pilot projects in all these

states with MREP partners such as FIRCO.

Jorge Ayarza of Southwest Windpower with

AEI, and NMSU conducting a wind energy

workshop at the University of Quintana Roo in

Q. Roo, March 2001. [Photo NMSU]

Participants of a wind workshop get practice with assembly and

erection of a wind power tower and system in Q. Roo, March


3636363636

FSEC Solar Thermal WorkshopSandia and Winrock sponsored members of the Mexican National Association of Solar Energy

(ANES) to attend a 5-day workshop “Solar Thermal Certification and Testing Laboratories” at

the facilities of the Florida Solar Energy Center (FSEC) in Cocoa, Florida in September, 2002.

This 40-hr workshop dealt with testing and certification of solar thermal collectors and systems,

including flat plate glazed collectors, swimming pool collectors, integral collector storage

(ICS) systems and thermo-siphon systems.

The main objective of this workshop was

to determine the technical criteria that

must be applied in Mexico by

manufacturers, installers, and evaluators

of solar domestic hot water and pool

heating systems in order to enhance

long term system performance and

reliability.

The workshop provided technical

experience in conducting tests related

to safety and performance ratings of

solar water heating systems.

Participants discussing real time acquisition data at FSEC’s

facilities, Cocoa, Florida, September, 2002. [Photo ANES]

Solar water heaters

at the FSEC’s

facilities in Cocoa,

Florida, September,

2002. [Photo ANES]


3737373737

INI Workshop

Participants of the INI workshop visiting Navajo

indian reservation, 2000. [Photo Sandia]

Members of Mexico’s National Indigenous Institute visit Sandiaand US Indian reservations to see solar energy installations

The visitors saw distributed energy, photovoltaic, and solar thermal test

facilities at Sandia and the renewable energy installations at the

Southwestern Indian Polytechnic Institute in Albuquerque. [Photo Sandia]

INI’s people visited homes totally

powered by a combined photovoltaics/

wind power system. [Photo Sandia]

Sandia organized a workshop of renewable energy

technologies designed for Mexico’s National

Indigenous Institute (Instituto Nacional Indigenista,

INI). The goal of this workshop was to educate the

Mexican participants about the possibilities and the

benefits of implementing renewable energy

technology to their native pueblos, which are similar

to the Navajo reservation in the U.S.

The visitors went to the Navajo Nation where they

learned about the Navajo Tribal Utility Authority

(NTUA) photovoltaic systems lease program to tribal members whose homes are off the

electric grid. They toured homes on the Navajo Nation where the NTUA, with the help of

Sandia, has installed photovoltaic systems at private residences to furnish electrical power .

3838383838

2004

Sistemas Foltovoltaicos para Comunidades Indígenas

[PV Systems for Indigenous Communities]

Sponsors: Comisión para el Desarrollo de Pueblos Indígenas, Coordinadora

Estatal de la Tarahumara (CET), DOE

Participants: 30 from CET

Presenters: NMSU, UACJ

Chihuahua, Chihuahua, May 18, 2004.

2003

Bombeo con Energía Eólica

[Wind Water Pumping]

Sponsors: FIRCO, Sandia

Participants: 40 from FIRCO

Presenters: EyNT, NMSU

Zacatecas, Zacatecas, Mexico, November 5-7, 2003.

Bombeo con Energía Solar

[Solar Water Pumping]

Sponsors: ANES, Sandia

Participants: 25 from academia and industry

Presenters: EyNT, UNAM

XXVII Semana Nacional de Energía Solar

Chihuahua, Chihuahua, Mexico, October 6-7, 2003.

Energía Fotovoltaica en la Educación de la Zona Rural

Sponsors: Sandia, ANES

Participants: 16 from academia and industry

Presenters: NMSU, Sandia, Winrock, EDUSAT

XXVII Semana Nacional de Energía Solar Conference

Chihuahua, Chihuahua. October 6-7, 2003.

PV Water Pumping Diplomado

Sponsors: FIRCO

Participants: 11 FIRCO engineers

Presenters: UNAM, NMSU, Condumex, Grundfos

Temixco, Morelos, September-October, 2003.

Wind Energy Applications Training Symposium

Sponsors: NREL, DOE

Participants: 6 from Mexican government and industry

Presenters: NREL, NMSU, AEI,

Boulder, Ponnequin Windfarm, Colorado, October 27-31, 2003.

Introducción a las Energías Renovables

[Introduction to Renewable Energy]

Sponsors: FMDR, Winrock, USAID

Participants: 12 from FMDR

Presenters: FMDR, Winrock, NMSU, FIRCO, USAID

Mexico City, July 15, 2003.

Latin American Renewable Energy Development Workshop

Sponsors: ASES , TXSES

Participants: 25 from NGOs, National Labs, industry

Presenters: NMSU, Sandia

SOLAR 2003, ASES, TXSES, NMSU

Austin, Texas, June 22, 2003.

Wind Energy Applications Training Symposium

NREL, NMSU, AEI, Boulder, and Ponnequin Windfarm

Colorado, October 27-31, 2003.

Introducción a las Energías Renovables

[Introduction to Renewable Energy]

Reunion Informativa para Centrales de Oficinas de Desarrollo Rural

Fundación Mexicana de Desarrollo Rural, Winrock, NMSU, FIRCO, USAID

July 15, 2003.

Latin American Renewable Energy Development Workshop

Sponsors: ASES , TXSES

Participants: 25 from NGOs, National Labs, industry

Presenters: NMSU, Sandia

SOLAR 2003, ASES, TXSES, NMSU

Austin, Texas, June 22, 2003.

2002

Energía Fotovoltaica para áreas Protegidas

[PV Energy for Protected Areas]

Sponsors: USAID, DOE, SNL, ANES

Participants: 9 from Central America and 6 from Mexico

Presenters: NMSU, EyNT, Winrock, SNL

Cancún, Isla Contoy, El Edén, Sian Ka’an, and Chetumal,

Quintana Roo, November 6-16, 2002.

Principios Básicos para Microempresas

[Small Business Basics]

Sponsors: USAID, DOE, SNL

Participants: 39 participants

Presenters: EyNT

Frontera Corozal, Chiapas, November 28-30 and December 12-13, 2002.

Bombeo de Agua con Energía Fotovoltaica

[PV Water Pumping]

Sponsors: ANES, SNL, USAID

Participants: 18

Presenters: UNAM, EyNT

Chetumal, Quintana Roo, November 11-12, 2002.

Solar Energy Diplomado

Sponsors: EDUSAT/SEP, DOE

Participants: 10 from FIRCO and 2 from industry

Presenters: UNAM, EyNT, NMSU

Cuernavaca, Morelos, September 30–November 6, 2002.


[PV Water Pumping]

Sponsors: Instituto Tecnológico de Zacatepec, UNAM

Participants: 25

Presenters: UNAM, Instituto Tecnológico de Zacatepec

Zacatepec, Morelos, October 28–November 2, 2002.

Sistemas Fotovoltaicos para Telesecundarias

[PV Systems for Televised Education]

Sponsors: EDUSAT/SEP, DOE

Participants: 26 EDUSAT technicians from 7 states and 54 schoolteachers

Presenters: NMSU, Winrock

Chihuahua and Chorreras, Chihuahua, September 17-19, 2002.

MREP Training Activities 1992-2004Bombeo de Agua con Energía Fotovoltaica

[PV Water Pumping]

Sponsors: FIRCO, GEF, SNL, USAID

Participants: 25

Presenters: FIRCO, UNAM

Chilpancingo, Guerrero, September 12-14, 2002.

Renewables for Indigenous Regions Training

Sponsors: USAID, DOE, INI

Participants: 5 from INI

Presenters: SNL, NTUA

Albuquerque, New Mexico and Navajo Nation , Arizona, August

19-23, 2002.


[PV Water Pumping]


Participants: 54


Comarca Lagunera, Torreón, Coahuila, July 10-12, 2002.

Sistemas FV Aplicados en la Educación a Distnacia

[PV for Distance Education]

Sponsors: SEP, SNL, USAID

Participants: 18

Presenters: SNL, Winrock, EyNT, UNAM

SEP, Mexico City, June 10-13, 2002.


[PV Water Pumping]

Sponsors: UNAM

Participants: 18

Presenters: UNAM

Temixco, Morelos, June 3-5, 2002.

Wind Energy Applications Training Symposium WEATS 2002

Sponsors: NREL, DOE

Participants: 5 from Mexico (State of Oaxaca and FMDR)

Presenters: NREL, NMSU, AEI

Boulder, and Ponnequin Windfarm, Colorado, May 29-June 1,

2002.


[PV Water Pumping]

Sponsors: FIRCO, GEF, SNL, USAID, Universidad Veracruzana

Participants: 22


Xalapa, Veracruz, May 28-29, 2002.

Proyectos de Energía Eólica para Comunidades en la Zona del

Istmo

[Wind Energy for Isthmus Communities]

Sponsors: USAID, State of Oaxaca

Participants: 500 participants from 7 communities

Presenters: Winrock, FMDR, IIE

Juchitán, Oaxaca, April 23-25, 2002.

Introducción a las Energías Renovables y sus Aplicaciones

[Renewable Energy Introduction and Applications]

Sponsors: Instituto Tecnológico de Oaxaca

Participants: 57

Presenters: EyNT

Oaxaca, Oaxaca, April 25-26, 2002.

2001


[PV Water Pumping]


Participants: 24


Estado de México, Xochimilco, Mexico City, November 21-23,

2001.


[PV Water Pumping]


Participants: 20


Zacatecas, Zacatecas, November 14-16, 2001.

Sistemas Fotovoltaicos de Acuerdo a las Normas de Seguridad

[PV Systems Safety Codes]

Sponsors: ANES, DOE

Participants: 12 from industry and government

Presenters: NMSU, EyNT

San Luis Potosí, San Luis Potosí, October 1-2, 2001.


[PV Water Pumping]

Sponsors: ANES, SNL

Participants: 17

Presenters: UNAM, EyNT, SWTDI

San Luis Potosí, San Luis Potosí, October 1-2, 2001.


[PV Water Pumping]


Participants: 25


San Luis Potosí, San Luis Potosí, July 9-11, 2001.


[PV Water Pumping]


Participants: 44


UNAM, Mexico City, June 29-30, 2001.


[PV Water Pumping]


Participants: 40


Oaxaca, Oaxaca, June 20-22, 2001.


Sponsors: NREL, DOE

Participants: 2 from Mexico

Presenters: NREL, NMSU, AEI

Canyon, Texas, Boulder and Ponnequin Windfarm, Colorado,

May 28 - June 1, 2001.


[PV Water Pumping]

Sponsors: UNAM

Participants: 10

Presenters: UNAM

Temixco, Morelos, May 29-31, 2001.


[PV Water Pumping]


Participants: 26


Aguascalientes, Aguascalientes, April 24, 2001.

Curso Solar y Eólico para Capacitadores de FIRCO

[Train the FIRCO Trainers Solar and Wind Course]

Sponsors: USAID

Participants: 10 from FIRCO and 6 from CEPAE

Presenters: NMSU, SNL, Dankoff Solar, Energía Total, Kyocera, SWWP, APS

Las Cruces, Albuquerque and Santa Fe, New Mexico, Flagstaff and Phoenix,

Arizona, April 23 - May 11, 2001.


[PV Water Pumping]

Sponsors: UNAM

Participants: 22

Presenters: UNAM

Temixco, Morelos, March 28-30, 2001.

Energía Fotovoltaica para la Agricultura

[PV Energy for Agriculture]

Sponsors: FIRCO, SNL, DOE

Participants: 35 from FIRCO, academis, State government

Presenters: Winrock, NMSU, Linea Biosfera

Tuxtla Gutiérrez, Chiapas, March 21-23, 2001.

Energía Eólica para Aplicaciones Productivas

[Wind Energy for Productive Applications]

Sponsors: FIRCO, SNL, USAID, DOE

Participants: 60 from FIRCO, UQROO, State of QROO

Presenters: NMSU, AEI, EyNT

Universidad de Quintana Roo, Chetumal, Quintana Roo, March 14-17, 2001.

Implementación de Sistemas Fotovoltaicos en la Agricultura [PV for

Agriculture]


Participants: 22


FIRCO, Mexico City, March 7-9, 2001.

2000


Sponsors: NREL, DOE

Participants: 4 from FIRCO, 1 from UNAM

Presenters: NREL, AEI, NMSU

Boulder, Colorado, Canyon - Big Spring, Texas, November 27 -December 1,

2000.

Sistemas FV Aplicados en la Educación a Distnacia

[PV for Distance Education]

Sponsors: SEP, SNL, USAID

Participants: 20

Presenters: SNL, Winrock, EyNT, UNAM

SEP, Mexico City, November, 2000.

Curso Solar para Capacitadores de FIRCO

[Train the FIRCO Trainers Solar Course]

Sponsors: USAID, FIRCO


Presenters: NMSU, SNL, SWWP, Dankoff Solar, Kyocera

Las Cruces, New Mexico and Phoenix, Arizona, October 3 - November 17,

2000.

Photovoltaic Systems and Safety Standards: Requirement and

Recommendations

Sponsors: ISES, ANES, DOE

Participants: 25 from academia, industry, and government

Presenters: NMSU, EyNT, UNAM

Mexico City, September 17-18, 2000.

Photovoltaic Water Pumping Systems

Sponsors: ISES, ANES, USAID, DOE

Participants: 3

Presenters: UNAM, EyNT, NMSU

Mexico City, September 17-18, 2000.

Sistemas Fotovoltaicos

Sponsors: UQROO, SNL, USAID, DOE

Participants: 35 from UQROO

Presenters: EyNT, NMSU

Chetumal and Sian Ka’An Biological Reserve, Quintana Roo, July 7-9, 2000.

Sistemas de Bombeo de Agua FV

[PV Water Pumping Systems]

Sponsors: Expoganadera 2000, SNL, FIRCO

Participants: 90 ranchers

Presenters: FIRCO, NMSU

La Paz, Baja California Sur, May 2, 2000

Train the FIRCO Trainers PV Course

Sponsors: USAID, FIRCO


Presenters: NMSU, A.Y. McDonald, ENSO

Las Cruces, New Mexico and Chihuahua, April 3-20, 2000.

Electrificación Rural Fuera de la Red: Opciones para el Suministro y

Mecanismos de Financiamiento [Off-Grid Rural Electrification: Financing

Mechanisms and Options]

Sponsors: World Bank, Winrock International, Gobierno del Estado de

Chihuahua,

Secretaría de Energía, USAID, SNL

Participants: 70 from industry, government, academia

Presenters: World Bank, Winrock, SNL, GTER, NMSU, Energía Total, IIE

Chihuahua, Chihuahua, April 4-5, 2000.


3939393939

1999

Sistemas de Bombeo con FV

[PV Water Pumping]

Sponsors: FIRCO, SNL

Participants: 18 ranchers, State, FIRCO


Mérida, Yucatán, December 1-3, 1999.


[PV Water Pumping]

Sponsors: FIRCO, SNL, Universidad de Guadalajara

Participants: 150 from academia, State, industry, FIRCO


Guadalajara, Jalisco, October 20-22, 1999.


[PV Water Pumping]


Participants: 42 from academia, industry, FIRCO


Monclova, Coahuila, October 6-8, 1999.

Bombeo de Agua con Sistemas Fotovoltaicos

[PV Water Pumping Systems]

Sponsors: XXIII Semana Nacional de Energía Solar, ANES, SNL Universidad Michoacana

de San Nicolás de Hidalgo

Participants: 15 from academia

Presenters: EyNT, CIE-UNAM, NMSU

Morelia, Michoacán, October 4-5, 1999.

Usos Productivos de Energía Solar

[Solar Energy Productive Uses]

Sponsors: Fundación Mexicana de Desarrollo Rural, A. C., SNL

Participants: 15 from FMDR

Presenters: NMSU, Winrock, FMDR

San Luis Potosí, San Luis Potosí, September 23-24, 1999.


[PV Water Pumping]


Participants: 7 from LTH-ESB


Monterrey, Nuevo León, July 20-22, 1999.


[PV Water Pumping]

Sponsors: Development Associates, USAID

Participants: 40 from FIRCO and State

Presenters: FIRCO, CIE-UNAM, NMSU

Temixco-Cuernavaca, Morelos, June 15-18, 1999.

Train the FIRCO Trainers on PV Systems

Sponsors: Development Associates, USAID

Participants: 5 from FIRCO, 1 from industry, 1 from UNAM

Presenters: NMSU, SNL, CIE-UNAM, APC, Golden Genesis, Dankoff Solar, ENSO

Las Cruces and Albuquerque, New Mexico, Phoenix and Tucson, Arizona, Fort Davis,

Texas, and Chihuahua, April 12-May 28, 1999.

Curso-Taller Básico Sobre Energía FV

[Basic PV Course]

Sponsors: SNL, WWF, CESMACH, SEMARNAP

Participants: 17 from CESMACH, SEMARNAP, local communities

Presenters: Enersol

Los Chimalapas, Oaxaca, January 22-24, 1999.

Taller de Proyectos de Bombeo de Agua con la Energía Solar

[PV Water Pumping]

Sponsors: SNL, FIRCO


Presenters: Enersol

Oaxaca, Oaxaca, January 13, 1999.

1998


[PV Water Pumping]

Sponsors: ANES, SNL

Participants: 40 from ANES, academia


Mexicali, Baja California, September 29-30, 1998.

Financiamiento de Sistemas Fotovoltaicos

[PV Systems Financing]

Sponsors: DGDR, ANES, SNL, USAID, USDOE

Participants: 45 from banks (BANRURAL, etc.) and state agencies

Presenters: GTER, NMSU, Winrock

Chihuahua, Chihuahua, June 26, 1998.

Seminario Bi-Nacional de Energía Renovable parar el Sector Agropecuario y

Electrificación Rural [Bi-National Seminar for Renewable Energy for

Agricultural Development and Rural Electrification]

Sponsors: DAI, SNL, FIRCO, ANES


Presenters: SNL, NMSU, USAID, FIRCO, TREIA, Golden Genesis, CFE, CONAE

Mexico City, June 9-10, 1998.

Bombeo de Agua con FV

[PV Water Pumping]

Sponsors: DAI, FIRCO, Golden Genesis, SNL, USAID, USDOE


Presenters: NMSU, Golden Genesis

Tuxtla Gutierrez and Tonalá, Chiapas, May 15-16, 1998.

1997

Energía Fotovoltaica

[PV Power]

Sponsors: UNISON, SNL, Photocomm, USDOE

Participants: 19 from UNISON, Ranchers, Industry

Presenters: SNL, NMSU

Hermosillo, Sonora, November 24-25, 1997

Diseño y Construcción de Destiladores Solares

[Design and Construction of Solar Stills]

Sponsors: ANES, SNL, USDOE, EPSEA

Parcticipants: 15 from ANES, academia

Presenters: EPSEA, NMSU

Chihuahua, Chihuahua, September 29-30, 1997.


[PV Water Pumping]

Sponsors: ANES, SNL, USDOE

Participants: 45 from ANES, academia

Presenters: NMSU, GTER


Desarrollo de Proyectos de Bombeo de Agua con Energía Renovable

[Renewable Energy Water Pumping] Programa de Cooperación FIRCO-SNL

Sponsors: SNL, USDOE, FIRCO, USAID

Presenters: NMSU, FIRCO

Participants: 35 from FIRCO, industry, academia + 80 observers (incl. State

senator)

San Luis Potosí, San Luis Potosí, August 13-15, 1997.

Seminario de Energía Solar

[Renewable Energy Seminar]

Sponsors: SNL, USAID, USDOE

Presenters: NMSU, FIRCO

Participants: about 40 persons from FIRCO, racnhers, local industry, USAID

La Paz, Baja California Sur, June 18-19, 1997.

Mini-Curso de Como Seleccionar Sistemas FV de Bombeo [Mini PV Water

Pumping Systems Selection Course]

Sponsors, SNL, USAID, USDOE

Presenters: NMSU

Participants: 17 persons from FIRCO, FIRA, SINDER, Bufete Banase, Agrotec de

Valles, Corp. de Ing. Financiera, Agropecuario Tecnocampo

Valles, San Luis Potosí, June 16, 1997.

Taller de Sistemas Fotovoltaicos para Areas Protegidas

[Protected Areas PV Systems Workshop]


Presenters: Enersol, NMSU, RG

Participants: 24 from IHN, CESMACH, Maderas del Pueblo, WWF, INE

La Encrucijada, Chiapas, April 24-25, 1997.

Taller Sobre Aplicaciones para Usos Productivos de Energías Renovables

[Renewable Energy Productive Uses Workshop]

Sponsors: FIRCO, USAID, USDOE, SNL

Presenters: NMSU, SNL

Participants: 70 in class, 40 in installation

Xalapa, Veracruz, April 14-16, 1997.

1996

Taller Sobre Aplicaciones Productivas de la Energía Eólica y Fotovoltaica

[Productive Uses Workshop for Solar and Wind Energy]

Sponsors: IIE, USAID, SNL, FIRCO

Presenters: ENT, NMSU, SNL, NREL, FIRCO, DGDR, Rancho Minerva

Participants: 39 from FIRCO, PAM, SAGAR, COTECOCA, CNA, IEEPO, IPN,

SEDAF, COPLADE, ITI, INI,

Oaxaca and Juchitán, Oaxaca, July 29-August 2, 1996.

Sistemas Energéticos Fotovoltaicos

[Photovoltaic Energy Systems]

Sponsors: DGDR, SNL

Presenters: DGDR, NMSU

Participants: 25 from DGDR and CFM

Chihuahua, Chihuahua, July 8, 1996.

Instalación de Sistemas Fotovoltaicos

[Photovoltaic Energy Systems Installation]

Sponsors: SNL

Presenters: Enersol, DynCorp

Participants: 10 from CESMACH

El Triunfo, Chiapas, January, 1996.

1995

Instalación de Sistemas FV y Preparación de Solicitud de Licitaciones

[PV System Installation and Preparation of Requests for Bid]

Sponsors: SNL, Centro Eco-Desarrollo de la Reserva Ecologica El Ocote

(CEDRO),

Presenters: NMSU, DynCorp, Enersol, Plantas El�ctricas Sureste

Participants: 12 from CEDRO, Linea Biosfera, CI, WWF, CESMACH

Linea Biosfera, Chiapas, December 6-8, 1995

Photovoltaic and Wind Electric Water Pumping

Texas Renewables ’95 and Border States Solar Conference

Presenters: NMSU, DGDR

Participants: 25 participants (including CFM from Chih.)

Sponsors: TREIA, SECO, EPSEA, NMSU

El Paso, Texas, November 16, 1995.

Solar Still Design and Construction: Texas Renewables ‘95

Sponsors: SECO, EPSEA, TXSES, NMSU


Participants: 15 participants including DGDR


Solar Energy Display at UACH: UACH Fer’a

November 9-11

Chihuahua, Chihuahua, Mexico

Sponsors: UACH, EPSEA, NMSU/SNL

Participants: Over 2,000 from general public, industry, government

Chihuahua, Chihuahua, November, 1995.

Sistemas Energéticos Fotovoltaicos

[Photovoltaic Energy Systems]

Sponsors: DGDR, SNL

Presenters: DGDR, NMSU

Participants: 25 residentes from DGDR, CFM

Chihuahua, Chihuahua, November 6, 1995.

Taller Sobre Applicaciones Productivas de la Energía Eólica y Fotovoltaica

[Wind and Solar Energy Productive Use Applications Workshop]

Sponsors: IIE, USAID, SNL, FIRCO

Presenters: SNL, NMSU, AWEA, NREL, Inst. Tec. de La Paz, FIRCO, NRECA,

SEMARNAP, Ecoturismo y Nvas Tec., CFE, Applied Power Corp.

Participants: 49 from FIRCO, ITLP, Sun Power, SEMARNAP, SDFE, PUE, Simosol, ITLP,

Gob. de Edo, SARH, CFE, Condumex, SAPA, SAGAR, SEMARNAP, Cibnor

La Paz and Rancho 77, Baja California Sur, October 9-13, 1995.

Taller Sobre Applicaciones Productivas de la Energía Eólica y Fotovoltaica

[Wind and Solar Energy Productive Use Applications Workshop]

Sponsors: IIE, USAID, SNL, State Government of Quintana Roo

Presenters: SNL, NMSU, AWEA, NREL, UQROO, Enersol, ENT

Participants: 71 Participants from FIRCO, CFE, SAGAR, UQROO, Gob. de Edo,

FONESOL, ITA, SIMAP, CI, CNA, CCI, ITC, Lin Biosfera, SPE, Sian Kaan, FIDECARIBE,

Nva Tec QRoo, Sec de Salud, SEMARNAP, SPEDR, SDS, CFE, Asoc. Ing. Elec,

PRONATURA, CAPA, Camp Ecologicos, Condumex

Chetumal and Xcalak, Quintana Roo, September 19-23, 1995.

Renewable Energy Educational Display

at Exposición Comercial-Binacional Chihuahua-Texas

Sponsors: DGDR, EPSEA, NMSU/SNL

Participants: Over 2,000 from general public, industry, government


Desarrollo de Propuestas y Cotizaciones

[Proposal and RFQ Development]


Presenters: SNL, Enersol, DynCorp, PES, RG

Participants: 22 from CI, WWF, CESMACH, Lin Biosfera, IHN, PES, RG, Radio

Tuxtla Gutiérrez, Chiapas, June 27-28, 1995.

Sistemas de Adquisición de Datos para Energía Solar

[Data Acquisition Systems for Solar Energy]

Sponsors: SNL Solar Thermal Design Assistance Center

Presenters: NMSU, SNL

Participants: 15 from University of Sonora, LES-UNAM

Hermosillo and Puerto Lobos, Sonora, May 22-26, 1995.

Solar Energy Educational Display at ITESM

Passive solar conference solar energy display

Sponsors: ITESM, NMSU/SNL, EPSEA, UTEP

Participants: Over 300 from Chih. universities, industry, and public

Chihuahua, Chihuahua, Mexico, May 4, 1995.

Solar Distillation: Design, Construction and Application

Sponsors: SEDC - State of Texas, EPSEA, NMSU

Presenters: NMSU, EPSEA, SNL

Participants: 100 from El Paso and Cd. Ju‡rez (including UACJ)

El Paso/Socorro/Montana Vista, Texas, April 6-8, 1995.

Mejoramiento del Desarrollo de Proyectos Fotovoltaicos: Tecnología,

Convocatorias, y Propuestas - Taller de Actualización para Desarrolladores del

Sector Público y Privado

[Improving Photovoltaic Project Development: Technology, Tenders, and Proposals

- A Practical Workshop for Private and Public Sector Developers]

Sponsors: IIE, USAID, SNL, USDOE, DGDR

Presenters: SNL, NMSU, FIRCO, ENT, DGDR, FIDEAPECH, NRECA, Enersol

Participants: 45 from FIRCO, DGDR, CFM, FIDEAPECH, ENSO, Simosol, SunEnergy,

Besi Corp, ASE Americas

Chihuahua, Chihuahua, March 13-16, 1995.

SNL Chihuahuan Educational Institutions Orientation

Chih. educational institutions visit SNL Albuquerque, New Mexico

12 participants from Chih. tecnológicos

Sponsors: SNL, Chihuahuan Tecnológicos


Participants: 12 Chihuahuan University representatives

Albuquerque, New Mexico, January 30, 1995.

Usos Productivos de Energía Renovable

[Productive Uses of Renewable Energy]

ENERCON Mexico 1995,

Sponsors: REETI, OLADE, SEIA, USDOE, USAID, SNL

Presenters: SNL, DynCorp, NRECA, NMSU, Condumex,

Participants: 25 from Mexican industry, government, and military

Mexico City, January 25-27, 1995.

SWRES Chihuahua Orientation

Sponsors: NMSU, SNL, Chihuahuan universities


Participants: 15 from Chihuahuan universities (UACH, Tecnologicos)

Las Cruces, New Mexico, January 25-27, 1995.

1994

Taller de Usos Productivos de Energía Renovable

[Renewable Energy Productive Uses Workshop]

Sponsors: ANES, SNL

Presenters: SNL, NMSU, Burns-Milwaukee, Energy Concepts, Bergey Windpower,

Condumex, Entec

Participants: 70 from ANES

Hermosillo, Sonora, September, 1994.

Taller Práctico Sobre Bombeo de Agua Mediante Energía Solar y Eólica

[Practical Workshop for Water Pumping Through Solar and Wind Energy]

Sponsors: IIE, USAID, SNL, USDOE, DGDR, FIRCO, Mpo. de Meoqui, UACH

Participants: 70 from ANES

Chihuahua, Chihuahua, September, 1994.

1993

Taller Sobre Baterías y Controladores de Carga para Sistemas Fotovoltaicos

[Photovoltaic Systems Battery and Charge Controller Workshop]

Sponsors: SNL, USDOE, ANES

Presenters: SNL, IIE, NMSU

Participants: 50 from ANES and Mexican industry

Colima, Colima, October 4-5, 1993.

Taller Sobre Baterías y Controladores de Carga para Sistemas Fotovoltaicos

[Photovoltaic Systems Battery and Charge Controller Workshop]

Sponsors: SNL, USDOE, IIE

Presenters: SNL, IIE, NMSU

Participants: 20 from IIE, LES-UNAM, Condumex, Entec

Cuernavaca, Morelos, October 1, 1993.

1992

Latin American Photovoltaic Instrumentation, Lighting, and Water Pumping Systems

Sponsors: SNL, USDOE, USAID, NRECA

Presenters: NMSU, SNL, SEI

Participants: 12 from NRECA Central America and CFE Chetumal

Las Cruces, New Mexico, August 3-14, 1992

El Bombeo de Agua Mediante Energía Solar y Eólica

[Water Pumping Through Solar and Wind Energy]

Sponsors: SNL, USAID, USDOE, USECRE

Presenters: SNL, NMSU, NEOS, Energy Concepts, Midway Labs, A.Y. McDonald,

Bergey Windpower, AWEA, Research Triangle Inst.

Participants: 150 from Mexican industry, NGOs, federal, and state governments

Mexico City, Mexico, May 18-20, 1992.

1991

Photovoltaic System Design

Border States Solar Conference

Sponsors: TXSES


Participants: 35 TXSES members and Mexican industry, government


4040404040

Installation of the performancemonitoring system and weather station in

the solar sea water distillation systemlocated in Puerto Lobos, Sonora. This

480 m2 of solar collectors purify seawater to supply fresh water to the

community, 1995. [Photo NMSU]

MonitoringMonitoring the results of the MREP activities is necessary to assess

overall program effectiveness, to learn from the mistakes and

successes, and to apply the lessons learned for future work. The

monitoring program has tracked the technical performance

of pilot projects and sustainability issues such as user training,

operation and maintenance actions, and customer satisfaction.

It is important to design renewable energy development with

monitoring included from the beginning and to provide sufficient

resources to ensure that information collected provides

accurate and meaningful data for program management.

Steve Durand of NMSU discussing

the Xcalak’s data acquisition

system performance with

representatives of Sandia and IIE.


Monitoring andEvaluation

MMMMMONITORINGONITORINGONITORINGONITORINGONITORING ANDANDANDANDAND E E E E EVALUATIONVALUATIONVALUATIONVALUATIONVALUATION

4141414141

The Mexico team is maintaining an extensive web accesible database regarding the

technical, operational, economic, social, and environmental impacts of the installed

renewable energy systems. Utilizing the information from this database, project developers

can better determine the appropriateness in life cycle cost of renewable energy technologies

to meet their future needs. This provides valuable benchmarking and performance feedback

for further technology improvements.

The experiences gained by MREP and its partners have led to a refined methodology to help

ensure project implementation success. This methodology considers that project planners

should at a minimun:

1. meet basic energy needs and community objectives;

2. secure a real commitment from implementing agencies. This commitment encourages project follow-up;

3. conduct resource assessment as needed;

4. obtain cost-shared funding for maintenance;

5. develop and seek qualified and experienced partners and vendors for project installations; and,

6. train users on how to operate and maintain their systems.

Project Implementation

MREP Project Methodology for Success

1. Meeting User Needs

Ultimately, an end-user is interested in is meeting their basic energy needs, which are not

technology focused. Thus, a renewable energy project will be most successful if it is reliably

and cost-effectively meeting end-user needs as part of the overall energy demand

requirements. These may include housing, education, water, or communications. This

approach helps avoid failed projects. Thus, the renewable energy system must have high

quality and reliability to best meet long-term user energy requirements.

People from Urique, Chihuahua.

discussing the needs of energy with

MREP representatives. [Photo NMSU]

Bid review: MREP and State of

Chihuahua representatives.

Chihuahua 1995. [Photo NMSU]

4242424242

A champion is an essential component for the success of any project. Many projects have

failed because they lacked adequate partner commitment. Project partners must actively

participate in project planning and implementation. Numerous Mexican MREP partners served

as champions with local communities for implementation.

For any renewable eneryg project, it is important to know and

understand the local solar, wind, or hydro resource. Accurate

resource data is an element often overlooked in the rush to get

a project completed. Oftentimes, maps and databases exist

which can provide the necessary information. An assessment

should look at available resources and which technology is most

cost-effective. Sometimes, it is necessary to directly monitor the

resource, especially wind, in an unproven area.

2. Partner Commitment

3. Resource Assessment

30 meter solar/wind resource

assessment tower in San José de

Baqueachi, Chihuahua, 1996.

[Photo NMSU]

Cross border radio repeater station for Boquillas,

Coahuila to Big Bend, Texas for a 30 meter wind/

solar resource assessment tower. 1992 [Photo NMSU]

Verifying solar insolation on

the PV water pumping array

in La Gallina, Chihuahua,

1996. [Photo NMSU]

4. Cost Sharing

Renewable energy projects should never be implemented as a simple “give-away” energy

program. All potential users already have energy expenses for conventional technologies.

It is important to leverage “smart subsidies” and get partners and users to pay what they

comfortably can afford. This demonstrates interest and creates buy-in and long-term

sustainability. Leveraging of funding sources from government agencies, users, and NGOs is

essential. Consider developing innovative financing approaches to assist users in purchasing

renewable power systems.


4343434343

Consider operation and maintenance costs as a component of the total project cost. These

costs are typically small, less than 2 percent of the system cost per year. The best planned

project, with high quality equipment at a proper site and with qualified installers, will fail if the

project is not operated and maintained properly. Develop a funded program to perform

operation and maintenance requirements.

5. Professional Installation

Rural and even impoverished users deserve a good quality

renewable energy system. A well designed and installed system

will provide years of reliable service at a more competitive life

cycle cost. Thus, the local PV industry and project implementors

need to learn minimum technical specifications that meet

electrical code requirements for quality, safety, and

workmanship. A PV panel is guaranteed for 25 years, thus the

rest of the system should be installed to meet similar lifetime goals.

Professionalism and quality are the hallmarks of any successful

renewable energy project. Likewise, training of project

implementation personnel and developing local vendor

networks for parts and service is needed.

Installation of a PV water pumping

system in La Gallina, Chihuahua.

1996. [Photo NMSU]

Installation of a wind turbine for electrification

of the Costa de Cocos Ecotourist Facilities in

Quintana Roo, 1996. [Photo NMSU]

4444444444

6. User Follow-Up

Ideally, quality renewable energy systems should

be installed to minimize maintenance

requirements. If not maintained or operated

properly, the system can fail. Thus, it is important

to provide training to users on how to properly

operate and maintain their system. Teaching

users about load capacities and system

capabilties will reduce any future potential

problems. Training and installation of a PV water pumping

system at the Rancho 77 in Baja California Sur, 1997.

[Photo NMSU]

Workshop on protected areas

management for Central Americans, in

Sian Ka’an Reserve, Quintana Roo,

2002. [Photo NMSU]

Acceptance testing of water pumping system.

Training workshop held in Estación Torres,

Sonora, 1994 [Photo NMSU]

First PV water

pumping workshop

held in Chihuahua,

1994. [Photo NMSU]

CIE-UNAM PV systems accredited

course in Morelos with NMSU support

from August-October 2003. [Photo NMSU]


4545454545

Installation of PV array (left)

and hydraulics (right) in El

Reventón, San Luis Potosí.

1997. [Photo NMSU]

MREP Resource Monitoring Sites

1 Bahía Tortugas, Baja California Sur - Wind

2 El Migrino, Baja california Sur -Wind and Insolation

3 Puerto Nuevo, Baja California Sur - Wind

4 Punta Eugenia, Baja California Sur - Wind

5 San Juanico, Baja California Sur - Wind

6 Arriaga, Chiapas - Wind

7 Chorreras, Aldama, Chihuahua - Wind and Insolation

8 División del Norte, Chihuahua - Wind

9 Ojo de Agua, San Francisco de Conchos, Chihuahua - Wind

10 San José de Baqueachi, Chihuahua - Wind and Insolation

11 Rancho Las Tinajitas, Villa Ahumada, Chihuahua - Wind

12 Boquillas del Carmen, Coahuila - Wind and Insolation

13 Chiquila, Quintana Roo - Wind

14 Costa de cocos/Xcalak, Quintana Roo - Wind and Insolation

15 Isla Contoy, Quintana Roo - Wind

16 Kantunikin, Quintana Roo Wind

17 El Ramonal, Quintana Roo - Wind

18 San Juan, Yucatán - Wind

19 La Virtud, Quintana Roo - Wind

20 Puerto Lobos, Sonora - Insolation

21 Juchitán, Oaxaca - Wind

22 Anapra, Chihuahua - Wind

Two dozen locations in Mexico were monitored by NMSU, NREL, and Sandia to determine

insolation and wind resource availability. Monitoring was a key step for proper project design

and implementation at these sites.

4646464646

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1. Actualización de los mapas de irradiación global solar en la República Mexicana (Update of global insolation mapsin Mexico) . R. Almanza S., E. Cajigal R., J. Barrientos A. 1997

etatS ytiC naJ beF raM rpA yaM nuJ luJ guA peS tcO voN ceD niM xaM gvA

setneilacsaugA setneilacsaugA 5.4 2.5 9.5 6.6 2.7 3.6 1.6 9.5 7.5 1.5 8.4 0.4 0.4 2.7 6.5

ainrofilaCajaB ilacixeM 1.4 4.4 0.5 6.5 6.6 3.7 0.7 1.6 1.6 5.5 5.4 9.3 9.3 3.7 5.5

ainrofilaCajaB reivaJnaS 2.4 6.4 3.5 2.6 5.6 1.7 4.6 3.6 4.6 1.5 7.4 7.3 7.3 1.7 5.5

ruSainrofilaCajaB zaPaL 4.4 5.5 0.6 6.6 5.6 6.6 3.6 2.6 9.5 8.5 9.4 2.4 2.4 6.6 7.5

ruSainrofilaCajaB obaCledesoJ.S 0.5 6.5 8.5 9.5 9.6 1.6 8.5 2.6 8.5 8.5 2.5 4.4 5.4 3.6 7.5

ehcepmaC ehcepmaC 8.4 7.5 0.6 3.5 4.5 9.4 9.4 3.5 2.5 4.5 0.5 3.4 4.4 0.6 2.5

sapaihC agairrA 1.5 4.5 5.5 9.5 6.5 2.5 9.5 5.5 1.5 3.5 1.5 7.4 7.4 9.5 4.5

sapaihC amadlAnauJ 4.4 1.5 9.4 5.4 5.4 1.4 4.4 5.4 1.4 3.4 4.4 2.4 1.4 1.5 5.4

sapaihC labotsirCnaS 0.4 3.4 5.4 5.4 8.4 7.4 4.5 3.5 6.4 2.4 9.3 7.3 7.3 4.5 5.4

sapaihC aluhcapaT 4.5 9.4 8.4 6.4 7.4 7.4 2.5 1.5 6.4 1.4 3.4 1.4 1.4 4.5 7.4

sapaihC zerreituGaltxuT 8.3 4.4 6.4 8.4 3.5 1.5 4.5 3.5 9.4 4.4 1.4 7.3 7.3 4.5 7.4

auhauhihC auhauhihC 8.5 4.6 8.6 9.6 9.6 4.6 4.6 5.6 8.6 8.6 0.6 2.5 3.5 9.8 9.5

auhauhihC ihcohcauG 3.3 5.3 9.3 4.4 1.5 3.5 4.5 6.5 7.5 1.5 9.4 4.4 3.3 9.6 4.6

auhauhihC zerauJ.dC 0.6 2.7 3.7 3.7 9.6 5.6 3.6 5.6 8.6 4.7 6.6 9.5 9.5 4.7 7.6

aliuhaoC sargeNsardeiP 1.3 6.3 2.4 5.4 8.4 0.6 7.6 3.6 9.4 1.4 3.3 9.2 9.2 7.6 5.4

aliuhaoC ollitlaS 8.3 2.4 8.4 1.5 6.5 9.5 9.5 6.5 2.5 4.4 6.3 3.3 3.3 9.5 8.4

amiloC amiloC 4.4 1.5 3.5 8.5 0.6 2.5 9.4 0.5 6.4 4.4 4.4 9.3 9.3 0.6 9.4

.F.D ayabucaT 4.5 0.6 4.6 9.5 3.5 1.5 5.4 9.4 5.4 8.4 2.5 2.5 5.4 4.6 3.5

ognaruD ognaruD 4.4 4..5 5.6 0.7 5.7 8.6 0.6 6.5 7.5 1.5 8.4 9.3 9.3 5.7 7.5

otaujanauG otaujanauG 4.4 1.5 1.6 3.6 6.6 0.6 0.6 9.5 8.5 2.5 8.4 6.4 4.4 6.6 6.5

orerreuG oclupacA 8.4 3.5 1.6 9.5 6.5 1.5 3.5 4.5 9.4 2.5 0.5 7.4 7.4 1.6 3.5

orerreuG sacnalBsaugA 8.5 9.5 0.6 8.5 8.5 4.5 6.5 8.5 5.5 6.5 5.5 5.5 4.5 0.6 7.5

orerreuG ognicnaplihC 1.4 5.4 9.4 2.5 2.5 2.5 1.5 1.5 7.4 4.4 1.4 8.3 8.3 2.5 7.4

ogladiH acuhcaP 6.4 1.5 6.5 8.6 0.6 7.5 9.5 8.5 3.5 9.4 6.4 2.4 2.4 8.6 4.5

ocsilaJ naltaoloC 6.4 7.5 5.6 5.7 2.8 6.6 8.5 6.5 8.5 3.5 9.4 1.4 1.4 2.8 9.5

ocsilaJ arajaladauG 6.4 5.5 3.6 4.7 7.7 9.5 3.5 3.5 2.5 9.4 8.4 0.4 0.4 7.7 6.5

ocsilaJ oneroMed.L 5.4 3.5 1.6 7.6 2.7 1.6 8.5 6.5 5.5 0.5 7.4 0.4 0.4 2.7 5.5

ocsilaJ atrallaVotreuP 2.5 7.5 0.6 8.5 7.5 5.5 6.5 7.5 5.5 6.5 2.5 7.4 7.4 0.6 5.5

ocixeM ognipahC 5.4 1.5 6.5 8.5 9.5 4.5 2.5 2.5 0.5 7.4 6.4 9.3 9.3 9.5 1.5

nacaohciM aileroM 2.4 9.4 5.5 8.5 9.5 2.5 0.5 1.5 9.4 6.4 3.4 7.3 7.3 9.5 9.4

tirayaN cipeT 9.3 3.4 8.4 5.5 1.6 3.5 9.4 3.5 4.4 0.4 8.4 9.3 9.3 1.6 8.4

noeLoveuN yerretnoM 2.3 6.3 1.4 3.4 8.4 5.5 1.6 6.5 0.5 8.3 3.3 0.3 0.3 1.6 4.4

acaxaO acaxaO 9.4 7.5 8.5 5.5 0.6 4.5 9.5 6.5 0.5 9.4 8.4 4.4 4.4 0.6 3.5

acaxaO zurCanilaS 4.5 3.6 6.6 4.6 1.6 0.5 6.5 9.5 2.5 9.5 7.5 2.5 0.5 6.6 8.5

albeuP albeuP 9.4 5.5 2.6 4.6 1.6 7.5 8.5 8.5 2.5 0.5 7.4 4.4 4.4 4.6 5.5

oratereuQ oratereuQ 0.5 7.5 4.6 8.6 9.6 4.6 4.6 4.6 3.6 4.5 0.5 4.4 4.4 9.6 9.5

ooRanatniuQ lamutehC 9.3 7.4 4.5 7.5 3.5 7.4 9.4 0.5 5.4 4.4 0.4 7.3 7.3 7.5 7.4

ooRanatniuQ lemuzoC 9.3 6.4 3.5 7.5 2.5 8.4 9.4 9.4 6.4 4.4 0.4 8.3 8.3 7.5 7.4

isotoPsiuLnaS edreVoiR 6.3 0.4 6.4 9.4 4.5 6.5 8.5 8.5 1.5 3.4 7.3 3.3 3.3 8.5 7.4

isotoPsiuLnaS isotoPsiuLnaS 3.4 3.5 8.5 4.6 3.6 1.6 4.6 0.6 5.5 7.4 2.4 7.3 7.3 4.6 4.5

aolaniS nacailuC 6.3 2.4 8.4 4.5 2.6 2.6 4.5 1.5 2.5 6.4 2.4 4.3 4.3 2.6 9.4

aolaniS sihcoMsoL 9.4 4.5 8.5 9.5 8.5 8.5 3.5 5.5 5.5 8.5 9.4 3.4 3.4 9.5 4.5

aolaniS naltazaM 9.3 8.4 4.5 7.5 7.5 6.5 8.4 9.4 7.4 0.5 5.4 9.3 9.3 7.5 9.4

aronoS nogerbO.dC 8.5 4.6 8.6 9.6 9.6 7.6 4.6 5.6 8.6 3.7 0.6 2.5 3..5 2.7 5.6

aronoS samyauG 5.4 7.5 5.6 2.7 3.7 8.6 9.5 8.5 3.6 9.5 1.5 6.5 5.4 3.7 0.6

aronoS ollisomreH 0.4 6.4 4.5 6.6 3.8 6.8 9.6 6.6 7.6 0.6 7.4 9.3 9.3 6.8 0.6

sapiluamaT aniraMalotoS 4.3 2.4 9.4 9.4 1.5 3.5 4.5 4.5 9.4 6.4 7.3 2.3 2.3 4.5 6.4

sapiluamaT ocipmaT 3.3 1.4 7.4 4.6 0.5 9.4 9.4 9.4 6.4 6.4 7.3 2.3 2.3 4.6 5.4

alacxalT alacxalT 6.4 1.5 5.5 4.5 6.5 2.5 3.5 2.5 1.5 9.4 7.4 0.4 0.4 6.5 1.5

zurcareV abodroC 1.3 3.3 6.3 8.3 1.4 4.4 6.4 5.4 1.4 5.3 1.3 8.2 8.2 6.4 7.3

zurcareV apalaJ 2.3 5.3 8.3 3.4 6.4 4.4 9.4 0.5 4.4 7.3 3.3 0.3 0.3 0.5 0.4

zurcareV zurcareV 7.3 5.4 9.4 1.5 1.5 8.4 7.4 1.5 6.4 8.4 1.4 6.3 6.3 6.3 6.4

natacuY adireM 7.3 0.4 6.4 2.5 7.5 5.5 7.5 5.5 0.5 2.4 8.3 4.3 4.3 7.5 7.4

natacuY osergorP 1.4 9.4 4.5 5.5 3.5 1.5 3.5 3.5 0.5 0.5 4.4 0.4 0.4 5.5 9.4

natacuY dilodallaV 7.3 1.4 1.3 4.5 7.5 3.5 4.5 4.5 9.4 2.4 8.3 5.3 1.3 7.5 5.4

sacetacaZ sacetacaZ 9.4 7.5 6.6 5.7 8.7 2.6 2.6 9.5 4.5 8.4 8.4 1.4 1.4 8.7 8.5

2. Insolation reports of SWTDI-NMSU, 1999.

Sources:


4747474747

The cost of energy delivery includes all of the hardware and labor that are involved in installing

the equipment, plus the operating expenses. The objective of an economic analysis is to

determine of the least-cost method for meeting the energy needs, considering both solar

and non-solar alternatives.

The decision to use a solar system depends mostly on the cost of the system and the expected

economic benefits. PV systems have high initial costs when compared to conventional

systems. However, they do not consume fuel and require less maintenance and care. Due

to these characteristics of PV systems, the long-term costs must be used to determine if the

solar system is financially feasible.

Economic Feasibility

The best way to estimate the cost of a PV system is to obtain price quotations from local

suppliers. The cost can also be estimated using the data from systems recently installed. It is

important to realize that the total cost of an installed system includes the following:

The cost of installation, warranty, and maintenance varies based on the suppliers and

accessibility to the project’s location; however, these costs normally do not exceed 30% of

the total cost of the project.

Because PV systems have high initial costs, they normally do not compete with conventional

electricity service. When there is no access to utility grid, PV and internal combustion systems

are the most feasible alternatives. If there is a good solar resource in the project’s location

(at least 3.0 peak hours) and a hydraulic cycle of less than 1,500 m4 per day is required, PV

systems are often more cost effective in the long-term than internal combustion systems.

Even though internal combustion systems are cheaper initially, they have higher long-term

costs when fuel, maintenance and repair expenses are taken into consideration.

Estimating Costs of the System

• Cost of equipment with all taxes included

• Cost of installation, warranties and maintenance agreement

• Labor

Example of Economic Feasibility: Comparing PumpingAlternatives

4848484848

Case Study: El Jeromín

LIFE CYCLE COST COMPARISON OF RANCHO EL JEROMÍN’S WATER PUMPING SYSTEM

Economic analysis for a solar and non-solar water pumping system that satisfy the energy

needs of the Rancho El Jeromín were performed using the life cycle cost (LCC) method.

Technical Specifications

Total head 40 m

Water pumping capacity 15 m3

Hydraulic cycle 600 m4

PhotovoltaicSystem

Grundfos Pump SP3A-10 848 Wp

Internal combustion system 15 kW

Operation time 397 h/year

Fuel annual consumption 7,989 litters /year

Total cost of fuel per year $3,770

metsySciatlovotohP metsySnoitsubmoClanretnI

raeY tnuomA AFVPtneserP

eulavraeY tnuomA AFVP

tneserP

eulav

tsoclaitinI 0 194,01$ 000.1 194,01$ tsoClaitinI 0 587,3$ 000.1 587,3$

stnemecalpeR stnemecalpeR

pmuPCA 6 575$ 3666.0 383$

rotareneG 01 019,2$ 3805.0 974,1$

pmuPCA 21 575$ 0444.0 552$

pmuPCA 81 575$ 9592.0 071$

&noitarepO

ecnanetniaM

yreve

raey501$ 495.01 111,1$

&noitarepO

ecnanetniaM

yreve

raey002$ 495.01 911,2$

rofnoitatropsnarT

stisivecnanetniam

yreve

raey27$ 495.01 367$

rofnoitatropsnarT

stisivecnanetniam

yreve

raey213$ 495.01 503,3$

leuFyreve

raey0$ 495.01 0$ leuF

yreve

raey077,3$ 495.01 939,93$

CCL

)sraey02(563,21$

CCL

)sraey02(634,15$

LCC is the sum of all the costs associated with an energy delivery system over its lifetime, in today’s dollars,and taking into account the time value of money. The basic idea of LCC is that anticipated future costsare brought back to present cost by calculating how much would have to be invested at a market discountrate to have the funds available when they will be needed. LCC includes inflation when estimating futureexpenses. Life cycle savings (LCS) is defined as the difference between the LCC of a conventional fuel-only system and the LCC of the solar system.

where PVFA corresponds to the Present Value Factor which includes the inflation for N years

Installation of PV water pumping system al the Rancho

El Jeromín in Chihuahua, 1997 and verified as

functional in 2003. [Photo NMSU]


4949494949

Although the Jeromin’s PV system had high initial costs to fully satisfy the energy demand,

the operating costs over time are very low. It also requires few replacements, low

maintenance, and uses no combustible fuel. All this make solar energy systems economically

attractive to users.

When comparing the total costs over time of both solar and diesel systems, it was found that

2 years of operation of the PV water pumping system was enough to recover the initial

investment. The total cost included capital cost, replacements, fuel, transportation, operation,

and maintenance.

COMPARISON OF COSTS

INVESTMENT RECOVERY

5050505050

The best evidence of growing sustainable markets for renewable energy technologies in

Mexico comes from replication of projects through non-program funding, such as other

Mexican development programs, private or public financing, or simply through private

purchases. Working with FIRCO, the MREP has successfully negotiated the inclusion of

renewable energy technologies as a line item in the $1.8 billion six-year rural development

program called Alianza para el Campo (Alliance for the Countryside). Under this program,

ranchers and farmers can receive up to 50% reimbursement of the costs associated with

modernizing their operations. Sandia and FIRCO engineers are collaborating to provide

technical assistance to interested end users. More than 700 pilot PV water pumping projects

under the Alianza program have been installed in Mexico thus far, and several hundred

more have been identified.

Several other examples of project replication imply growing markets based on the activities

of the Sandia program. In general, suppliers of PV pumping systems in Mexico indicate that

each installation done in conjunction with the Sandia program leads to several other sales.

For example, one company in the state of Sonora has reported that in 1997, they installed

31 water-pumping systems for private ranchers. Only four of those were in association with

the Sandia program. The vendor directly attributes the opening of this market in Sonora to

the MREP activities.

Project Replication

Replicated FIRCO

PV water pumping

system in San Lus

Potosí. [Photo Sandia]


5151515151

Replication of projects in the protected area management sector of the program indicate

a significant advance for the industry in Southern Mexico, where the varying quality of past

installations has left many people with negative perceptions of photovoltaics. Collaborations

on several projects with conservation partners have led to greatly improved capabilities of

local suppliers and high quality installations in training centers, ranger stations, and surrounding

communities. These highly visible projects have inspired the residents of five local communities

to purchase more than 10 kW of PV lighting systems for their homes. Additional requests

have been submitted to Sandia for technical assistance in the procurement of lighting systems

in as many as 50 other communities.

Collaboration between the U.S. and

Mexican industries grew through

involvement with the program. More than

45 U.S. and Mexican companies have

participated in the program, forming

several international partnerships.

Through these partnerships, U.S. suppliers

gain access to new growing markets,

while Mexican suppliers receive technical

support and a supply of equipment.

1.8 kW-PV water pumping system in Cerro Prieto, Municipio

de Charcas, San Luis Potosí. This system was designed to

provide 20 m3 of water per day. The system includes an AC

centrifugal submersible pump with an inverter. The PV system

provides water for drip-irrigation in a 700 m2 greenhouse.

A second, smaller 150 W-PV system (seen below) includes

batteries to pump water from the larger PV system’s water

storage tank to the irrigation drip lines. This project was

cost-shared by the community’s farmers, the local

municipality, and the Alianza para el Campo program. July

2001. [Photo CIE-UNAM]

Small business

selling solar

energy systems.

La Paz, BCS,

2003. [Photo

Tecnosol]

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sapaihC,evreseRetocOlE 01 5.3 141 0.8

)ediwnoitaN(OCRIF 591 59 880,1 4.864

)auhauhihC(sloohcSVP 1 54.0 45 5.81

)auhauhihC(gnithgiLVP 541 3.7 395 5.85

Examples of project replication by the end of 2003, where

program-sponsored installations have led to over 1,800

non-program sponsored installations with partner

organizations.

5252525252

Financing

Transport of PV modules in mountainous rural

areas of Chiapas, 1997. [Photo NMSU]

The MREP financing activities included two basic categories of work to support increased

renewable energy project and program development. In the first category, efforts were

made to leverage significant amounts of financing and funding by the Mexican government,

multilateral agencies such as the World Bank, and the private sector. This external financing

and funding is essential to support the public sector components of infrastructure investment

programs and renewable energy industry strengthening activities. And for the second

category, activities were focused on developing end-user financing mechanisms for purchase

of renewable energy systems. Improved access to end-user financing is necessary to support

healthy private sector sales of renewable energy systems for productive uses and household

applications.

In places where it is not possible to provide

electricity service via grid extension, PV

electrification systems for households is an

appropriate alternative. PV technology

represents better quality of service for less money

for rural users who would otherwise have to buy

dry batteries and kerosene at a higher cost per

kWh, on average. PV initial cost still is relatively

high for most potential users in rural areas. End-

user financing permits the users to pay for the

systems over time, out of the increased income

and lower operating costs in the case of

productive use systems, and out of lower energy

expenditures for fuel and batteries in the case of

household systems. The value of the electricity

for the users is directly related to the cost for

traditional options (kerosene lamps, candles, dry batteries, car batteries) and the perceptions

the users have in relationship to the quality of services that electricity purchased would offer

compared to traditional options.

End-User Financing

FFFFFINANCINGINANCINGINANCINGINANCINGINANCING

5353535353

The feasibility of providing end-user financing for renewable energy systems is directly related

to the health and strength of the rural financial sector in general, including the agricultural

finance sector. Unfortunately, for a number of years the rural financial sector in Mexico has

been very weak due to several factors, including financial crisis and related interest rate

surges that undermined the ability and willingness of borrowers to pay off loans. Easy credit

policies are needed due to a relative lack of interest by commercial banks to provide rural

lending.

Due to the financial crisis that extended from the end of 1994 until 1996, and resulting austerity

budgets, it was necessary for MREP to provide cost-share grants for pilot renewable energy

projects. This funding basically helped filled the void. Development of a renewable energy

financing pilot program was initiated in1995. One of the main challenges for the MREP team

was to identify and demonstrate sustainable end-user financing approaches in spite of the

weakness of the rural financial sector and nascent efforts to revive and strengthen it.

0.7 kW-PV water pumping system in the Ejido San

Pedro Tonibabi in Sonora. This system was

installed with MREP and FIRCO efforts in

December 1996. The total cost at the time was

US$10,135. MREP cost shared in a 86%, and

users 14%. [Photo Sandia]

FIRCO - World Bank/GEF RE for AgricultureIn 1994, Mexico began to support the electrification of farms with renewable energy in the

state of Sonora through FIRCO’s participation in the USAID/USDOE-supported MREP. The

experience gained by FIRCO through this program enabled the Mexican government to

develop a joint US$31.5 million renewable energy for agriculture pilot program with the World

Bank/GEF in 2000.

5454545454

Water pumping system for

livestock applications in

Sirebampo, Sonora. This

system was the third PV

water pumping system

installed under MREP, in

December 1994. The total

cost at the time was

US$9,275. MREP cost

shared in a 77% and the

rest was paid by the users.

This system was 25 $/Wp

and 56.90 $/m4. [Photo

Sandia]

Since 1996, with the inclusion of the Alianza para el Campo Program, the Mexican government

has had the capability to increase capitalization in the agriculture sector. This program

fosters agricultural productivity improvement by financing productive investments under a

matching grant scheme and by providing support services for a wide range of agricultural

activities. In providing matching grants for the acquisition of capital equipment, Alianza

para el Campo essentially substituted for absent rural finance services. The cornerstones of

the Alianza program are its decentralized approach, with a delegation of administration

and decision-making to the States, and its demand-driven nature, providing financing and

support services only in response to requests from farmers.

PV water pumping system in the Rancho La Laguna del Rifle

in BCS in 2003. This system was installed under MREP in

January 1997. The total cost at the time was US$9,800.

MREP cost shared in a 35%, users 15% and FIRCO paid

the rest. This system was $10.21/Wp and $20.88/m4. [Photo

NMSU]


5555555555

The Government most recently developed the ALCAMPO (Agricultural Productivity

Improvement) Project to support and improve Alianza’s delivery of financing and technical

services to small farmers and poor rural communities. The total project investment from all

sources is about US$31.5 million. The Government of Mexico, through World Bank financing,

contributed half of the funding and the Global Environment Facility (GEF) contributed 25%.

The remaining 25% will come from private sector and end users. This is the first-ever GEF

program that promotes renewable energy technologies in the agricultural sector and vendor

financing is scheduled to start in late 2004.

The World Bank and the Mexican Government agreed to use partial investment grants or

subsidies of 35%-50% to simulate or replace low-interest loan financing. These investment

“cost-share” grants were channeled through the Alianza para el Campo program and

executed technically by FIRCO. Under this project, the GEF strongly encouraged inclusion of

end-user financing activities. This Renewable Energy for Agriculture project will work to develop

and demonstrate vendor-related financing activities, where financing could be provided

through renewable energy vendors or a loan or lease basis.

Farmers can now receive matching grants from the Alianza program towards the purchase

of renewable energy systems to pump water and power farm equipment. Furthermore,

farmers can receive proportionately larger grants for renewable energy systems than for

conventional energy equipment.

MREP assisting FIRCO with state-level PV

training course for35 attendees in Pachuca,

Hidalgo in April 2001. NMSU trained two

dozen FIRCO trainers who have conducted

over 70 state-level training workshops since

2000. [Photo Winrock]

5656565656

Mexican Rural Development FoundationIn 1999, the Fundación Mexicana de Desarrollo Rural (Mexican Rural Development

Foundation)or FMDR and Winrock International started a program for the use of renewable

energy in the state of San Luis Potosí. The FMDR works with commercial banks and various

guarantees or discounting schemes to provide financing for rural clients. This foundation

employs a number of tactics, including rigorous screening of borrowers and projects, technical

assistance to borrowers, and persuasion on bankers in order to catalyze this financing. Such

a selection process results in a smaller number of more viable projects. Then, FMDR’s close

ties to the business sector appear to help convince commercial banks to lend, albeit with

partial guarantees or loan discounting. In late 1999 and early 2000, the FMDR provided

partial loan financing for a small number of renewable energy projects of water pumping

and water purification in San Luis Potosí, through direct loans to producer groups.

Water purification system

implemented under MREP with

collaboration of Winrock

International and FMDR. San Luis

Potosí, 2000. [Photo Wnrock]

The Tunalillo PV system consists of

a 128 watt PV array powering a

submersible diaphragm type pump to

produce 3,000 liters per day for

storage in a 50 m3 tank. This system

provides drip irrigation on 2

hectares in Zacatecas, November

2001. [Photo CIE-UNAM]


5757575757

Beginning in mid-1994, the renewable energy cooperation activities with the state of

Chihuahua became one of the major players under MREP. Sandia provided cost-share

support through a series of contracts with the State Government of Chihuahua, which

supported the development of the State’s Renewable Energy Program and the GTER. The

financing related activities were implemented through the FIDEAPECH or Fideicomiso Estatal

para el Fomento de las Actividades Productivas en el Estado de Chihuahua (State Trust Fund

for Productive Activities in Chihuahua). This state-controlled trust fund works to fill gaps in the

financial sector, for both rural and small enterprise financing, providing direct loans and

guaranties.

From 1994 up to 1996, FIDEAPECH was the agent in charge of channeling the investment

cost-share funds. During this period, 981 families were benefited by the installation of 32.2 kW

total of PV water pumping for domestic and livestock use with a total productivity of 452.6 m3

per day.

As of 1999, FIDEAPECH was the main implementer of renewable energy financing activities

under MREP, primarily based on direct lending using a $99,000 fund established to support the

Renewable Energy Financing Pilot Program, whose purpose was to demonstrate end-users

willingness to pay a significant portion of the

renewable energy systems.

In total, Sandia provided approximately $400,000

in funding through FIDEAPECH. Approximately

$300,000 was used to cost-share renewable energy

projects, and $100,000 to support development of

the Renewable Energy Financing Pilot Program.

In 1998, a pilot project of Sunwize Solisto Solar home

lighting system was initiated in the Municipality of

Moris, Chihuahua, as part of the first application of

a revolving loan program established in the state

of Chihuahua. The revolving loan was supported with MREP seed capital. The intent of such

a pilot project was to demonstrate economic feasibility of rural electric PV systems providing

quality, reliability and maintenance-free energy provision.

FIDEAPECH

Victor meraz of ENSO checking the controller of a

PV lighting system in Moris, Chihuahua. 1999.

[Photo NMSU]

5858585858

Some of the loans have already been paid in full,

permitting the financing of new projects. In the case

of individual loans, the purchasers are paying 100%

of the system cost. In the case of loans to

municipalities, many end users are paying 33% of

the system cost. In some, users of the poorer

indigenous communities are paying nothing and

receiving the system for free from the municipality.

In the later case, the financing is really just bridge

financing for the municipalities, not end-user

financing.

In late 1999, the Renewable Energy Financing Pilot Program became operational, and solicited

loan requests for productive use and household renewable energy systems. As a result, five

loans were issued to municipalities in packages. The number of systems per package

depended on the need of each municipality. A total of 217 PV lighting systems, with a total

loan value of US$147,239 and total project value of US$300,355, were installed by 2000, with

an aditional 929 systems installed by 2004. Fifteen loans have been given to individuals for

the purchase of 21 PV water pumping private systems.

FIDEAPECH Replication (US$)Lighting systemsLocation # of systems

Moris 120

Bachiniva 10

Nonoava 15

Chihuahua 61

Guachochi 11

Sierra Tarahumara 929

MREP seed capital $99,000

FIDEAPECH $48,239

Other financing sources $757,000*TOTAL $904,205

Productive-Use Projects# of projects 15

# of systems 21

Sites 15

FIDEAPECH $63,605

Owner downpayment $15,901

TOTAL $79,507

FIDEAPECH $111,844

Other financing sources $974,256

T O T A L $1,086,100

TOTAL INSTALLED SYSTEMS 1,167

* estimated

Installation of PV panel in Moris, Chihuahua, 1999.

[Photo NMSU]

50 watt-PV lighting system in Moris,

Chihuahua. 2002. [Photo NMSU]


5959595959

A survey and 4 year system evaluation of the pilot project was conducted in May 2003 by

SWTDI and ENSO. The survey was developed to evaluate the performance of the systems

including energy consumption patterns expenses and end user satisfaction. Thirty-five surveys

and system inspections were conducted at randomly selected houses in the localities of

Talayotes and Bermudez. The results of the survey are presented in two forms: technical

status of the PV systems and the general information related to user satisfaction.

Under FIDEAPECH, new financing schemes have been developed whereby the users pay

from 33% up to 100% of the systems’ cost. The former lower percentage, refers to some of the

home lighting systems, where the municipalities pay 33% of the initial cost up front and finance

34% of the system cost for one year, with the end-users also paying 33% up front. In these

cases, the municipal governments provide a guaranty to FIDEAPECH, assuring the full

repayment of the loans. This guarantee is based on future budget flows from the Federal

Government to the municipalities. In the case of loans to private purchasers, the renewable

energy equipment serves as part of the guaranty, with borrowers required to provide additional

guaranties as well. Under this financing scheme with municipalities, the municipal Presidencies

have been involved in the project promotion, interactions with vendors, and management

of the procurement process. The renewable energy systems financed under this program all

meet the quality requirements and specifications adopted by the Chihuahua GTER at the

suggestion of Sandia.

Miguel de la Cruz, NMSU student, conducting survey in

Moris, Chihuahua, 2003. [Photo NMSU]

PV home lighting user next to his PV

array in Talayotes, Chihuahua, 2003.

[Photo NMSU]

6060606060

The use of renewable energy systems in the management of protected areas was

demonstrated through installations that were conducted in partnerships with the local offices

of The Nature Conservancy (TNC), World Wildlife Fund (WWF), and Conservation International

(CI).

Protected Areas Management RE Support

5 PV systems (0.9 kW total) provide services such as lighting, ac

power and water pumping for agro-ecology community-promoter

training center. This system was installed in March, 1997 for

US$4,097. [Photo NMSU]

The Chajul women’s embroidery co-op next to the Montes Azules Biosphere Reserve conducts business

development and environmental education with PV powered lights, audiovisual, and other equipment with a

2.9 kW array. The total project cost was US$41,837, of which 37% was cost-shared by the Mexican partner.

Chiapas, May, 1998. [Photo NMSU]

Chajul Community Center, Chiapas

Ecological Reserve El Ocote, Chiapas

6161616161

PV systems are use to electrify the main lodge,

laboratories, cabins, and water pump for researchers,

ecotourists, and staff. The El Edén system consists of a

1.8 kW PV array installed for US$30,000 at La Sabana,

in Quintana Roo in 2001. [Photo EyNT]

Ecological Reserve El Edén, Quintana Roo

Total cost of PAM projects

PV communications $64,289

MREP cost-share 98.19%

Mexican part 1.81%

Installation WWF, TNC, NC

States: Chiapas, Quintana Roo, Chihuahua, Oaxaca

PV Electrification $286,594.86

MREP cost-share 87.74%

Installation WWF, TNC, NC

States: Chiapas, Quintana Roo

Ecological Reserve El Triunfo, Chiapas

PV systems support a radio communications network

for international marketing of organic coffe for a buffer

zone producer cooperative near the El Triunfo Reserve.

This system consists of 0.8 kW PV array ins talled in

1997. [Photo Enersol]

6262626262

MREP Lessons LearnedPart of the success of the Mexico Renewable Energy Program is due to the long term vision

of USAID and USDOE for establising a multi-year, multidisciplinary renewable energy

development program in close partnership with key Mexican counterparts. The MREP is

widely regarded as one of the most succesfully implemented USAID renewable energy

development programs. Many lessons have been learned - some easy, some hard - regarding

renewable energy development and

how to do it successfully.

As with all development-related

activities, a grass-roots approach is

essential. This is especially important

in Mexico, where government

activities have become more

decentralized, and more decisions are

made locally. At the local level, a

critical mass of different agencies

provides a strong base for

dissemination and replication.

Strategic planning in collaboration with partners is necessary to create realistic goals for the

integration of renewable energy into their established programs. In addition, the

complementary expertise of partner organizations must be utilized effectively to access rural

markets for renewable energy. Planning should include sufficient promotional and training

activities to accelerate acceptance of the technologies.

MREP helps improve the life style of Mexican rural people in

the Sierra Tarahumara, Chihuahua, 2002. [Photo NMSU]

PV water pumping workshop at El

Jeromin Ranch in Chihuahua.

XVII ANES Conference.


Mexican Electrical

Code Workshop for PV

systems at the ISES

Millenium Solar Forum

2000 in Mexico City.

[Photo NMSU]

MREP LMREP LMREP LMREP LMREP LESSONSESSONSESSONSESSONSESSONS L L L L LEARNEDEARNEDEARNEDEARNEDEARNED

6363636363

Program success depends heavily on the adequate provision of training and technical

assistance to local suppliers of renewable energy systems. Greater technical capacity of

suppliers leads to greater consumer confidence and less work for the consumer and partner

organizations to assure quality projects. In the MREP, suppliers are required to guarantee the

operation of installed systems and offer terms for follow-up maintenance. Program partners

learn how to perform technical acceptance tests of all installed systems. Threfore, suppliers

must be able to meet these requirements and still maintain their profit margins. They are

generally very eager to receive training and learn about safe and Mexican PV code

compliant systems.

In order to have a significant market impact,

the up-front costs of renewable energy

systems must be accessible to rural people

through either cost sharing or financing.

Program investments that help to offset

these initial costs greatly facilitate

renewable technology visibility and

acceptance. In the absence of cost-

sharing, some other form of financing is

needed to keep the rate of acceptance

for PV systems high.Children benefited by a PV system for distance

education in Chiapas 2003. [Photo Sandia]

Controllers and battery bank in Sian

Ka’an, Q. Roo, 1996. [Photo NMSU]

Installation of PV water pumping

system in San Francisco de Borja,


Domestic PV water pumping

system in San Fransico de

Borja, Chihuahua, 1995

[Photo NMSU]

6464646464

Key Lessons Learned

The success of a program such as this one depends on working with in-country organizations

and with industry, in this case, on both sides of the border. In addition, the program team

itself, which is composed of members from different organizations, must be bilingual and

function well together. It is important to choose partners carefully.

Develop Solid Partnerships

Strategic planning with collaborating partners helps create realistic goals and make

renewable energy a part of established programs. The program must be focused to make

the most of available resources; in other words, do one thing well and avoid creating new

agencies or bureaucracies. Planning should include sufficient promotional activities including

training to accelerate acceptance. The development of a

comprehensive program from the project identification

stage to acceptance testing and operation are key themes

that local developers must learn to dominate, yet must keep

program development as simple and straightforward as

possible. In general, many more options for partnering and

tapping into opportunities exist than resources can support;

therefore, focus, limit, and succeed in a few locations, rather

than expand. Government-funded programs generally

impose a one-year cycle on which to base planning and

budgeting. On the contrary, the MREP has greatly benefited

from a long-term perspective as significant results are only

achieved after several years of diligent effort.

Conduct Strategic Planning

Lilly Ojinaga surveying the

installation of a PV water

pumping system near Villa

Matamoros, Chihuahua in 1995.

[Photo NMSU]

Participants of the first PV water

pumping workshop in Meoqui,


Central American PAM tour and

workshop in El Edén, Q. Roo in

2002. [Photo NMSU]

MREP L MREP L MREP L MREP L MREP LESSONSESSONSESSONSESSONSESSONS L L L L LEARNEDEARNEDEARNEDEARNEDEARNED

6565656565

An integrated and grass-roots development approach across a critical mass of different

agency types provides a strong base for dissemination and replication. A local and capable

champion greatly facilitates local renewable energy development. If a program is going to

succeed and have any lasting effects, the work has to be done from a development

perspective first. The MREP has differed from most government renewable energy programs

in its largely grass-roots approach.

Use Grass-Roots Development Approach

Replication: 300 watt-PV water pumping

system at the Rancho El Reparo in

Tlacotepec, Morelos. It was installed in

December 2000 under FIRCO’s

Renewable Energy for Agriculture

program. [Photo CIE-UNAM]

Investments in cost share of pilot projects greatly facilitates renewable energy technology

acceptance and create a sense of local ownership. As project volume increases, system

costs are reduced due to increased competition. Renewable energy must be cost accessible

to rural people, either through cost-sharing or financing. End-user financing at an affordable

level similar to what conventional energy expenses, lowers out-of-pocket initial capital

expenditures and expands renewable energy markets. Pilot projects should be used as a

tool, not an end. Pilot projects should be installed to establish growing and sustainable

markets, not to point out to the number of installations accomplished during the project.

Their primary value is as tools for training and building the capacity of implementing

organizations, businesses, and the user community.

Create Sustainable Markets

6666666666

In-depth training is critical in developing the interest and knowledge required to understand

and successfully apply renewable energy technologies. Technical assistance and training

are a continuous process best served up in an incremental fashion over time. It is important

not only to train project developers, but also local industry (supply side). Local suppliers are

generally very eager to receive training. System suppliers also need to come back and

check (and fix if needed) installations, and the best classroom is the “field.” Success depends

largely on the technical capacity of local technicians and administrators who continue

development efforts and must assure the overall quality of future systems long after the outside

“experts” leave.

Focus on Capacity Building

A PV water pumping

demonstration was given at the

Rancho Puerto Minizo in

Pinotepa, Oaxaca for 25 ranchers

who were interested in acquiring

renewable energy pumping

systems, 1999. [Photo Enersol]

Jorge Landa, USAID México energy

advisor, inaugurating the Mahahual

Marine Research Center in Q. Roo on

September 14, 2002. Solar energy is

now the source for hot water and

electricity. [Photo EyNT]

Monitoring and follow-up are key to understand the true results for any renewable energy

development program. Measuring replication and impacts requires a concerted effort and

significant resources. It is important not to parachute renewable energy technologies into a

rural region, but to establish a solid local industry base that can follow-up on installed projects.

Evaluate Results

6767676767

Program Results

Summary of Projects in MexicoSince the inception of the MREP program in 1994, more than 400 pilot renewable energy

systems, representing over 265 kWp, have been installed to provide energy for more than

28,000 rural Mexicans in 14 states. Two hundred and six of these installations are water pumping

systems for domestic, livestock and agricultural uses, 107 are electrification systems for rural

commuities, and 68 projects were implemented within protected areas for electrification,

water pumping and communication purposes. While the majority of these projects have

utilized PV systems, the program is demonstrating that wind energy systems are also suitable.

Wind energy projects were implemented in hotels and visitor centers at protected reserves

and in centralized community hybrid systems.

KW CAPACITY OF MREP FUNDED SYSTEMS BY APPLICATION AND TECHNOLOGY (1994-2000).

About 45 U.S. and Mexican companies participated in program activities promoting the

development of the renewable energy technology market in Mexico. A major component

of these activities was systems installations. The pilot project implementations began in the

States of Sonora and Chihuahua with six PV water pumping systems installed in 1994. In 1995,

it grew by 11 systems. As project installations increased, so did the commitment or buy-in

from Mexican government partners.

6868686868

A total of 206 PV (101 kW)water pumping pilot systems were installed under MREP benefiting

nearly 9,400 people. For the first three years, MREP was cost-sharing about 80 percent of

total system costs. After 1996, Mexican counterparts were convinced of the effectiveness of

PV technology for water pumping; thus, their willingness to pay gradually increased from

about 20 percent up to 85 percent, dropping MREP cost-sharing to only 15 percent by 2000.

4991 5991 6991 7991 8991 9991 0002

raeyreplatoT latoT

dellatsnIWk 8.1 5.2 9.61 4.43 4.62 6.61 6.2 1.101

smetsySforebmuN 6 5 42 66 95 14 5 602

seiraicifeneBtceriD 284 242 115,1 507,2 900,3 004,1 73 983,9

raeyrepegarevA egarevA

W,eziSmetsySp

003 705 407 125 644 404 415 194

ttaW/$ 10.22$ 78.22$ 69.81$ 60.91$ 18.91$ 94.22$ 77.41$ 89.91$

erahS-tsoCPERM %1.87 %5.68 %9.28 %1.36 %9.14 %4.63 %0.51 %6.75

erahS-tsoCnacixeM %9.12 %5.31 %1.71 %9.63 %1.85 %6.36 %0.58 %5.24

TOTAL MREP INSTALLED PV WATER PUMPING SYSTEMS IN MEXICO.

The graph below presents the average cost in dollars per watt of the PV water pumping pilot

systems by state and installation year of MREP systems. The continuous line corresponds to

the average cost for the installed systems in the State of Chihuahua. During the introduction

of PV technology for water pumping, the cost was 22 and 25 dollars per installed watt in 1994

and 1995, respectively. After 1995, a decrease in cost reflecting PV market maturity was

observed. By the end of 1999, the average cost was US$12/Wp. Over 40 systems were

installed in Chihuahua. Similar results

were also seen in Baja California Sur with

40 installations. In other states, the

program implemented only a few

projects and the PV market had not

sufficiently matured and there was less

vendor competition. MREP experience

shows that key factors for achieving a

mature market include training, program

size, multiple vendors, quality

workmanship, code compliance, and

technologies deployed.

AVERAGED COST OF PV WATER PUMPING SYSTEMS BY YEAR AND BY

STATE.

Survey Results on PV Water Pumping

P P P P PROGRAMROGRAMROGRAMROGRAMROGRAM R R R R RESULTSESULTSESULTSESULTSESULTS

6969696969

After 10 years of MREP’s PV water pumping system implementation, a review was conducted

on 46 of installed PV water pumping systems from late 2003 to early 2004. The objective of the

review was to determine technical status, reliability, and user acceptance of systems after

several years of owning and operating such systems. The survey was conducted in the states

of Baja California Sur, Chihuahua, Quintana Roo, and Sonora.

The majority of surveyed users in Baja California Sur, Chihuahua and Sonora responded that

the work done by vendors and installers ranged from good to excellent regarding installation,

training, post-sales service, and the operation and maintenance manual. On the contrary,

in the state of Quintana Roo, where there were the most systems failures, answers ranged

from bad to adequate on vendor performance (with only two exceptions).

Of the systems surveyed in Baja

California Sur (10), Chihuahua (11),

Quintana Roo (13) and Sonora (12), 25

of the systems were operating as

designed (eight with maintenance

actions previously taken), three were

operating at reduced water production,

and 18 were not operating, two of which

had been dismantled. The average

installed time for all the systems surveyed

was 6.5 years. The oldest systems were

installed ten years ago and included the

review of the very first system installation

in Estación Torres, Sonora. This system has

been operating daily since 1994 with no

parts replaced or maintenance of any

kind.

USER PERCEPCION ABOUT COST EFFECTIVENESS, RELIABILITY, AND

PRODUCTIVITY OF PV WATER PUMPING SYSTEMS.

PERFORMANCE OF SURVEYED SYSTEMS BY STATE.PV water pumping system evaluation at the Los

Llanitos Ranch in Chihuahua, 2004. [Photo NMSU]

7070707070

Dr. Alma Cota of NMSU

inspecting the PV array

at the Los Tepetates

Ranch’s water pumping

system in Baja California

Sur, 2004. [Photo NMSU]

PV water pumping system failures were typically

technology and installer specific. Eighteen systems were

not operational and 26 component failures were

documented during the survey. Eight of those failures

had been repaired by the owners and were again

functional. Most failures were due to defective

equipment. Of the 26 failures, 54 percent occurred with

pumps; 21 percent with controllers/inverters; 17 percent

were due to well-related failures (e.g., drying out or well

collapse); and 8 percent of systems were dismantled due

to theft or the death of the owner and the children no

longer wishing to ranch.

The PV modules were found to be the one of the most reliable system components. The

technical evaluations showed that PV modules, tracking systems, and wiring had not failed.

Electrical measurements on PV arrays showed that they were working within design

specifications and warranties. Of all 46 systems surveyed, no PV modules had failed. Five

out of the 46 surveyed systems had passive tracking systems that were all functional.

PV WATER PUMPING SYSTEMS ORIGINAL

COMPONENT FAILURES FROM 26 OUT OF 46

SYSTEMS SURVEYED (30% OF WICH WERE

LATER REPAIRED BY THE OWNERS).


7171717171

In 1999, one hundred forty five innovative PV home lighting systems were installed in the

State of Chihuahua as part of MREP. The intent of the Chihuahua pilot PV lighting system

project was to demonstrate that simple PV lighting systems can be designed to provide

reliable, essentially maintenance free electrical service for many years with full cost recovery.

After nearly five years of operation, random field surveys were conducted of 35 homes in

Moris and found that the Solisto PV home lighting systems have performed exceptionally

well without any significant problems.

Moris family with Solisto power center, used to

provide light in the evening for the sewing machine

when they have some free time after the day’s

chores. Chihuahua, 2000. [Photo NMSU]

Non-electrified households in Chihuahua were

already spending about US$25 per month for

gas powered lights and small dry cell batteries

for radios, and were willing to pay similar

amounts of money to displace those services

through PV. The main reason for wanting a PV

system was for better quality electric light,

followed by power for entertainment with radio

and TV.

OVERALL 2003 USER SATISFACTION WITH THEIR PV

SYSTEM.

ENSO provided a robust design that met the

Mexican NOM requirements. ENSO bid a newly

developed code compliant PV lighting system

developed by SunWize called the Solisto, that was

developed in collaboration with the New York

State Energy Research Development Authority

(NYSERDA).

SUNWIZE SOLISTO PV SYSTEM SCHEMATIC.

Survey Results on PV Home Lighting Systems

7272727272

Chihuahuan children with Solisto home lighting

system. Chihuahua, 2000. [Photo NMSU]

In March 2001 and again in May 2003, the Moris PV systems were assessed by NMSU.

Performance was assessed through electrical measurements, visual inspection, and an end-

user survey to determine user satisfaction. A total of 29 systems were evaluated in 2001 with

no problems found, and again 35 evaluations were performed in 2003.

PERCENTAGE OF FAILED COMPONENTS AFTER FIVE

YEARS.

Among the few component failures

experienced within the first four years of

operation were individual lamps and

ballasts in 9 systems (note 3 lamps per

system).

The sealed battery lifetimes have been very

good and much better than most similar

PV lighting systems used in Mexico, where

batteries rarely last more than two years.

OPERATIONAL STATUS OF SOLAR HOME SYSTEMS IN CHIHUAHUA,

MEXICO IN 2003.

The PV lighting systems in Moris Chihuahua have performed well over the past five years and

are meeting original system design and life criteria. The PV systems have saved an average

of US$300 over five years in lieu of previous gas and dry cell battery options, while providing

superior light and entertainment capabilities. The end-users have been very satisfied with

the PV lighting systems. The Moris PV lighting systems demonstrate that with proper diligence

and detail to design and installation, PV lighting systems can provide many years of useful

service with little or no maintenance actions required.


7373737373

Program activities resulted in more suppliers providing better systems at generally lower prices

than before the program. In total, more than 30 local system suppliers throughout Mexico

have participated in the program. Increased competition and the improvement in system

quality caused price reductions of PV systems.

Overall Results

MREP PROJECT INSTALLATIONS BY YEAR

4991 5991 6991 7991 8991 9991 0002 latoT

yticapaCWkdellatsnIsciatlovotohP

noitacinummoC 0.0 0.0 1.1 2.2 3.0 7.0 0.0 3.4

noitacifirtcelE 0.0 0.0 0.0 1.3 1.61 4.2 3.4 5.62

gnipmuPretaW 7.0 1.1 3.11 7.23 7.72 2.51 3.21 0.101

dniW

noitacifirtcelE 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.01 0.0 3.2 0.0 3.21

gnipmuPretaW 0.0 0.0 0.0 5.1 5.1 0.0 0.0 0.3

)dniW/VP(dirbyH 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 7.021 0.0 7.021

latoT 7.0 1.1 0.31 5.94 6.54 2.141 6.61 7.762

smetsySforebmuNsciatlovotohP

noitacinummoC 0 0 5 01 6 7 0 82

noitacifirtcelE 0 0 4 32 4 84 67 551

gnipmuPretaW 3 3 71 25 55 45 22 602

dniW

noitacifirtcelE 0 0 0 1 0 4 0 5

gnipmuPretaW 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 2

)dniW/VP(dirbyH 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 3

noitacifiruPretaW 0 1 3 1 0 0 0 5

latoT 3 4 92 88 66 611 89 404

seiraicifeneBtceriDsciatlovotohP

noitacinummoC - - 662,1 782,1 28 040,1 - 576,3

noitacifirtcelE - - 802 176,1 470,2 042 593 885,4

gnipmuPretaW 25 034 254,1 227,1 240,3 419,1 077 283,9

dniW

noitacifirtcelE - - - 041,9 - 08 - 022,9

gnipmuPretaW - - - 52 003 - - 523

)dniW/VP(dirbyH - - - - - 011,1 - 011,1

noitacifiruPretaW - 53 76 51 - - - 711

latoT 25 564 399,2 068,31 894,5 483,4 561,1 714,82

seiraicifeneBtceridnIsciatlovotohP

*noitacinummoC - - 066,21 078,21 028 004,01 - 057,63

*noitacifirtcelE - - 080,2 017,61 047,02 004,2 059,3 088,54

**gnipmuPretaW 031 570,1 036,3 503,4 506,7 587,4 529,1 0554,32

dniW

*noitacifirtcelE - - - 004,19 - 008 - 002,29

**gnipmuPretaW - - - 36 057 - - 318

*)dniW/VP(dirbyH - - - - - 001,11 - 001,11

**noitacifiruPretaW - 88 861 83 - - - 392

latoT 031 361,1 835,81 583,521 519,92 584,92 578,5 092,012

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7474747474

At the Rancho Guadalupe in

Chihuahua, 7,000 liters of

groundwater are pumped

from a depth of 200 meters.

This system consists of a

1,300 watts PV array and a

jack pump. A tracking

system is used to collect

20% more solar radiation

than if it were a fixed array.

The jack pump is a volu-

metric pump that reaches

its highest efficiencies at

great depths and low water

volumetric flow conditions.

The solar and wind energy technologies are environmentally friendly forms of energy delivery.

At the global level, the environmental benefits include reduction in emission of greenhouse

gases. At the local level, benefits are quantified in abatement of air, water and soil pollution

through substitution of gasoline-powered equipment.

El Tepetate well pumping mounting structure,

showing the problems associated with

contamination from grease, oil, and fuel used in

many conventional pumping systems. BCS,

1995. [Photo NMSU]

CO2 EMISSIONS DISPLACED BY RE SYSTEMS INSTALLED UNDER MREP.

metsysfoepyTygolonhceT

decalpsid

dellatsniWk

yticapac

OC2

decalpsidsnoissime

)snoTcirteM(

gnipmupretawVP enigneenilosag 0.101 402,4

gnipmupretawdniW enigneenilosag 0.3 99

noitacifirtceleVP rotareneg 5.34 608,1

noitacinummocVP rotareneg 3.4 871

noitacifirtceledniW rotareneg 8.111 007,3

noitallitsidraloS evotsenaporp 0.5 022

OClatoT2

)snotcirteM(decalpsidsnoissime 702,01

Installation of PV water pumping

system at the Rancho Guadalupe in


7575757575

Phase I of the MREP extended through 1997 and focused on the implementation of cost-

shared pilot projects through partner organizations as the stimulus for further market

conditioning and development. Key partner organizations during Phase I included

government agencies with ongoing development programs, such as FIRCO. The use of

renewable energy systems in the management of protected areas was demonstrated through

installations that were conducted in partnerships with the local offices of The Nature

Conservancy (TNC), World Wildlife Fund (WWF), and Conservation International (CI). During

Phase I, a key partner for implementation and development of MREP was born in Chihuahua,

the GTER (Grupo de Trabajo de Energía Renovable).

Program OverviewThe MREP program was initiated in 1992 and focused on assisting in-country partner

organizations to build the technical capacity needed to appropriately utilize renewable

energy technologies, while increasing public awareness of the benefits that these technologies

can offer. The development of a sustainable infrastructure was emphasized by working with

funded Mexican organizations, and implementing pilot projects as part of their ongoing

activities. Training and technical assistance were provided in regard to the technologies,

applications, and the stages of project implementation. The MREP was divided into three

phases according to completion of specific activities.

Elizabeth Richards of

Sandia, second MREP

manager, Ron Orozco of

NRECA working with

local ranchers in

planning placement of

the foundation for the PV

array for the Rancho 77

water pumping system in

a workshop in BCS,

1995. [Photo NMSU]

7676767676

Phase II of the MREP extended from 1997 to 2000, and was a continuation of the

implementation of cost-shared pilot projects as what was outlined in Phase I, but added a

second focus that was placed on the capacity building of program partners and businesses

in Mexico. The goal was to develop a strong, multi-faceted in-country infrastructure to

facilitate continued sustainable growth in the use of renewable energy technologies.

In 1998, the MREP became a major component of the US/Mexico Bilateral Agreement on

Energy Cooperation, in which CONAE and Sandia were designated as the Mexican and U.S.

technical leads, respectively.

Over 400 renewable energy cost-shared systems were directly installed under MREP, and in

all cases, the partner agencies have demonstrated the technical capability and motivation

to continue to utilize renewable energy technologies to meet their energy needs when

appropriate.

The MREP is now in Phase III which focuses on 2 main themes: 1) large-scale replication by

Mexican partner organizations and 2) capacity building (programmatically and technically)

of Mexican program partners. Cost-shared pilot system installations by the MREP are minimal;

however, such installations are still being implemented by program partners. The Program

concentrates its work in the following four main sectors: agriculture, distance education,

protected areas, and rural off-grid electrification.

Workshop participants at the Linea

Biosfera placing PV modules on

mounting brackets under the

supevision of Lisa Büttner of NMSU.


PPPPPROGRAMROGRAMROGRAMROGRAMROGRAM O O O O OVERVIEWVERVIEWVERVIEWVERVIEWVERVIEW

7777777777

MREP ManagersSandia National Laboratories has managed MREP since its inception in 1992 for USAID and

DOE. There have been four Sandia MREP managers, all of whom have contributed in their

own unique style towards the overall success of the program. Ron Pate was the original

Sandian who blazed the trail and developed the vision and relationships necessary for the

program to be established. Elizabeth Richards filled out the program team and set the goals

for in-country partnerships. Charles Hanley then managed large-scale project implementation

with the MREP team and helped Mexican partners to take the lead. Finally, Michael Ross

took the helm working with program partners such as FIRCO and SEP towards replication

and in developing new horizons. Following are personal viewpoints from the cadre of Sandia

MREP managers:

Ron Pate (1992-1994)

I find it remarkable to look back over the past decade of the Mexico Renewable Energy Program

activities and accomplishments, and to realize that so many disparate organizations and dedicated

individuals from both Mexico and the United States have contributed to the program over the years. I

had the privilege of contributing to the initial vision and team effort that launched and supported this

program in the early 1990’s. The process began in 1991 with DOE-sponsored exploratory activities that later led to the

establishment and initial development of the cooperative USDOE/USAID-Mexico RE Program during the start-up years

of 1992-94. In reflecting on how this program came into being, several personal observations and associated bits of

program history stand out as particularly significant and noteworthy. This includes acknowledgment of vital contributions

by several individuals.

In the beginning, a few perceptive folks within the DOE Renewable Energy community recognized that circumstances

and opportunities might be emerging for the U.S. and Mexico to work more closely and cooperatively on renewable

energy applications development and related sustainability issues of mutual interest. In 1991 Dan Waddle (then at Oak

Ridge National Laboratory) and Pete Smith (then at Oak Ridge Associated Universities), with encouragement and

funding support from Robert “Bud” Annan at DOE’s Office of Solar Energy Technologies, made several visits to Mexico

to explore the apparent growing interest and activities in Mexico involving the use of renewable energy to improve

conditions and services in rural areas under Mexico’s newly initiated “Solidarity” program. Chris Rovero was working at

ORAU under Pete at the time, and was part of this effort. Various states in Mexico, with federal funding assistance

provided by the Solidarity Program, were beginning to invest in the use of renewable energy, particularly PV, for home

lighting, communications, water pumping, distance education, and community power. The need and the interest in

using renewables was clearly there but no coherent or coordinated renewable energy program existed. Although rural

electrification by means of grid extension was problematic for many rural areas in Mexico, the national electric utility

CFE was generally not interested at that time in embracing and coordinating a national renewable energy applications

7878787878

program. Pockets of technical expertise existed among various university, research, and industry organizations in

Mexico, but projects were being funded and implemented at the state and local level in an ad-hoc fashion without

adequate consideration of best technical system design and installation practices, and without addressing the need to

insure local support infrastructure and capability necessary to provide long-term project sustainability. These were (and

still are) common problems hindering the broader successful use of renewable energy everywhere, including within the

United States. This suggested a potential opportunity for building US/Mexico cooperation in renewable energy that

resonated strongly with the programmatic and technical interests of DOE. Bud Annan saw Sandia as the appropriate

technical organization within DOE to lead a program development effort, which we were pleased to do. We joined with

Bud, Dan, Pete, and others to broaden our team effort and establish collaborative Mexico/US activities that ultimately

led to DOE partnering with USAID/Mexico in the establishment of the Mexico RE Program that continues today. Dan

and Pete each subsequently moved on soon after that to head up offices in Bolivia and Central America, respectively,

for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA).

Bud Annan was the key visionary driver and sponsor at DOE who’s bold leadership made this program possible. Also

lending critical funding support and strong encouragement were Ron Bowes and Tom Hall at DOE/OTA. Art Danart

followed suite by displaying bold vision and leadership in his sponsorhip and program champion role at USAID/Mexico

that brought this program into full fruition. This also could not have been accomplished without the able support of Art’s

USAID/Mexico program staff, particularly Frank Zadroga and Jorge Landa. Other keys to success were formation of

broad teaming alliances with other government, industry, and NGOs on both sides of the border. The rest, as they say,

is history... much of which has been reported elsewhere and will continue into the future.

Realizing the full measure of the Mexico RE program impact and lessons learned is continuing and will take time to sort

out, but it was launched with vision, strong leadership, emphasis on the important issues, endorsement and close

cooperation among key stakeholders, and great teamwork involving many organizations and individuals. I’m pleased to

have contributed to the effort.

Elizabeth Ritchards (1995)

The Mexico Renewable Energy Program represented a shift in thinking about the implementation of

renewable energy application programs. We tried to take what was essentially a technology-focused

program and turn it into a development-focused program. This required forming strong partnerships

with key Mexican agencies and individuals and careful assessments of local needs before proceeding

with solutions.

Focusing on development first also meant that instead of viewing installed systems as the goal of the program-and the

measure of success of the program-we needed to view systems installation as one of the tools for building local capacity

and institutionalizing the use of renewables where they made social, economic, and technical sense. The measures of

success became how well the installed systems performed in meeting local needs after the program ended and whether

significant numbers of other systems were successfully installed and operated in the region without assistance from the

program.

PPPPPROGRAMROGRAMROGRAMROGRAMROGRAM O O O O OVERVIEWVERVIEWVERVIEWVERVIEWVERVIEW

7979797979

Charles Hanley ( 1996-2000)

What an incredible experience MREP was! Amazing opportunities and challenges! Comraderie like

I’d never seen before! Tremendous impacts we were making – showing how renewable energy

systems can change the lives of rural ranchers, aid in the management of precious protected areas, provide new rural

business opportunities, and meet some of the simplest needs that we so often take for granted!

During my tenure as manager of the Mexico Renewable Energy Program, we initiated and completed well over 20

agreements with in-country partners, all designed to assist these partners in learning to utilize renewable energy

technologies as part of their regular operations. The program was founded on an innovative model, and today it stands

as an extremely successful implementation program – ten years later, the majority of installed hardware is still functioning

as expected, and markets for these technologies have multiplied in size.

Unquestionably, my greatest personal rewards from MREP came through the caliber of the people with whom I worked.

In this, I refer to our core team and the many program partners. The MREP implementing team represented diversity:

women and men with various backgrounds, from a variety of institutions, who were widely dispersed throughout two

countries. And yet, it was the most well-aligned, highly energetic, and high-performing team on which I’ve had the

pleasure to serve. Our partners were receptive, eager, and extremely accommodating as we all worked together to

institutionalize the use of clean energy technologies for a variety of purposes. I owe a huge debt of gratitude to all those

who assisted my own on-the-job growth (and even those who just put up with it!), including those who preceded and

succeeded me as program managers. I helped to move the train down the tracks, but it was thanks to the diligent and

faithful efforts of others that it left the station in the first place, and that it was even on the right track!

Michael Ross (2000-present)

What we have offered to our partners is technical assistance - everything from system specifications

to training; from pilot projects to performance evaluations. We have raised their level of confidence

in utilizing renewable energy technology to meet their requirements for new and on-going applications.

Our goal has been to make sure that systems are designed, installed, operated and maintained properly to ensure

sustainability, a prerequisite for replication. An effective functioning system promotes the curiosity that enables the

technology to spread throughout the region. On the contrary a nonfunctional system can discourage any further

investigation. We hope that our efforts will be replicated for years to come.

MREP ContactsSandia National Laboratories (SNL, Sandia)-Photovoltaic Program

Charles Hanley

Debora Ley

Ron Pate

Elizabeth Richards

Michael Ross

Telephone: (505) 844-3301

Fax: (505) 844-6541

P.O.Box 5800, MS-0752

Albuquerque, NM 87185 USA

http://www.sandia.gov

Southwest Technology Development Institute-New Mexico State University (SWTDI-NMSU)

Gabriela Cisneros

Alma D. Cota Espericueta

Luis Estrada

Rober Foster

Martín Gómez Rocha

Telephone: (505) 646-1049

Fax: (506) 646-3841

Address:

1505 Payne St. Corner Research Dr. and Sam Steel

MSC 3 SOL/PO Box 30001

Las Cruces NM 88003-0001

http://solar.nmsu.edu

Winrock International - Clean Energy Group

Lilly Ojinaga

Chris Rovero

Lisa Büttner

Telephone: (703) 525-9430

Fax: (703) 243-1175

http://www.winrock.org

Centro de Investigación en Energía-Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (CIE-UNAM)

Aarón Sánchez Juárez

Telephone: 01152 (777) 325-0052 ext. 29716

Fax: 01152 (777) 325-0018

Address: Privada Xochicalco S/N

Temixco, Morelos 62580 Mexico

http://www.cie.unam.mx

Ecoturismo y Nuevas Tecnologías S.A. de C.V. (EyNT)

Arturo Romero Paredes Rubio

Telephone: 01152 (55 5) 816-2704

Fax: 01152 (555) 816-4112

Address: Ruiz Cortines #3-19 Lomas de Atizapan,

Atizapan de Zaragoza, Estado de México 52977. Mexico

http://www.nuevastecnologias.com.mx

APPLICATIONS 16-28

Agricultural 7,18Communications 7, 11, 19Distance education 1-2, 7, 24Domestic 16Ecotourism 7, 11, 60-61Ecological reserves 20-21Electrification 22-25, 60-61Hybrid 4, 24Hydropower 7Ice production 26Irrigation 18Lighting 7, 22-24Livestock 1, 16Off-grid 7Ovens 12Protected areas management 11, 20, 44Refrigeration 12, 21, 26Stand-alone 22Solar thermal systems 7, 12, 36Solar water heating 36Water pumping 1-3, 6, 10, 16, 29, 44, 60, 74Water purification 7, 8, 28Wind 4, 21, 34-35

FINANCING 52-61

Costs 47End-user financing 52FIDEAPECH 57-59FMDR 56Pumping alternatives 47World Bank/GEF 53

MONITORING 40-42, 45

Data acquisition 30Xcalak 4Puerto Lobos 40Resource assessment 42

MREP

Bilateral Agreement for Energy 15, 76Early days 1Evaluation 40Evolution 5Goals 5Lessons learned 62, 64Managers 77-79Market 7Partnerships 2, 8-14Program overview 75-79Project implementation 41Project replication 50-51Results 67-74Surveys 68-72Trilateral Agreement for Energy 15

PARTNERS

American Wind Energy Association 34ANES 2-3, 10, 12, 36Applied Power Corporation 13CFE 2-3, 13, 22CIE-UNAM 2, 18CONAE 2, 15, 76Condumex 4Conservation Internacional 11, 60, 75Contacts 80CORECT 1DGDR 10

Index

EDUSAT 24ENSO 50EPSEA 28EyNT 4, 20, 24FIRCO 6, 8-9, 18, 31, 33, 35, 50, 53, 75FMDR 28, 56GEF 53, 55GTER 10, 28, 57, 59, 75IIE 2-3, 40Industry 13ISES 12LES-UNAM 2Meridian Associates 2Nature Conservancy 11, 60, 75NREL 4, 34NMSU 2, 4, 5, 9-10, 26-28, 30PV TechnologiesSandia, 1-2, 5- 6, 8-13, 15, 20, 24, 30-34, 37, 40, 57, 76-78SAGARPA 8SEP 1, 24Southwest Windpower 35SWTDI-NMSU 2, 5, 31, 33, 50University of Sonora 12, 30USAID 1, 5, 12, 22, 62, 66USDOE 1, 5, 12, 22Winrock 24, 34, 56World Bank 52-53, 55World Wildlife Fund 11, 60, 75

PROGRAMS

Alianza para el Campo 9, 50, 54-55ALCAMPO 55Drought Program 9Empleo Temporal 9FIDEAPECH 57-59HOMER 4La Casa Nueva 15PROCER 1-5PRONASOL 4

TRAINING 29-39

Training WorkshopsActivity Data Acquisition 30 Education 24, 30 Mexican Electrical Code 62 Mexican National Indigenous Institute 37 Protected areas manegement 11, 21, 44, 64 Solar water heating 36 Training vendors 30 Training FIRCO trainers 31-33 Water pumping 2, 3, 12-13, 44, 62, 64 WEATS 34 Wind 21, 34-35Place Baja California 12 Baja California Sur 2-3, 13, 44 Chihuhua 2, 24, 29, 30, 44, 62, 64 Colima 12 Florida 36 Hidalgo 55 Las Cruces 31 Mexico City 2-3, 62 Morelos 44 Quintana Roo 21, 35, 64 Sonora 3, 44

For further information about the Mexican Renewable Energy Program,

please contact the

MREP Manager:

Michael Ross

Sandia National Laboratories

P.O.Box 5800, MS-0755

Albuquerque, NM 87185 USA

Telephone: 1 (505) 844-3301

Fax: 1 (505) 844-6541

e-mail: [email protected]

USAID Energy Advisor:

Jorge Landa Bonilla

U.S. Agency for International Development-Mexico

Paseo de la Reforma No. 305

Colonia Cuauhtemoc 06500 México D.F.

Telephone: 01152 55 5080 2000 extension 2951

email: [email protected]

USDOE Solar Energy Technology Program Manager:

Dr. Raymond A. Sutula

U.S. Department of Energy

Forrestal Building

1000 Independance Ave., S.W.

Washington, DC 20585

Telephone: (202) 586-8064

email: [email protected]

or visit the MREP Web Site: http:// www.re.sandia.gov

Documents

Acknowledgements - sari-energy.org · Flowers, Roberto Fuentes, Paul Klimas, Martín Gómez Rocha, Shannon Graham, Deborah Ley, Gray Lowery, Charles Newcomb, John Rogers, Arturo Romero