Distributed generation in Mexico is entering a new stage marked by regulatory changes, greater technical requirements, and the consolidation of new concepts such as self-consumption and storage.
In a webinar organized by Intersolar Mexico, Gilberto Sánchez, vice president of the National Solar Energy Association (ANES) , highlighted that the country is on the cusp of "distributed generation 2.0," with 5,000 megawatts installed by the first half of 2025, a figure equivalent to 8.15% of the peak demand recorded in the National Electric System (SEN) . "It is important to keep in mind that distributed generation is helping to reduce the capacity that the SEN must meet from large-scale sources ," Sánchez explained.
This participation exceeds the 5% threshold established in Resolution 142 of 2017, which necessitates a review of the technical requirements and reinforces the need for additional regulation. One of the most significant changes is the increase in the threshold for exempt generators, which rises from 0.5 MW to 0.7 MW . According to Elisa Márquez, CEO of Dobotica , this adjustment responds to a demand from the sector, but also to the current limitations of the national grid. "Adding 200 kilowatts already makes sense for many commercial clients; it definitely doesn't yet benefit the industrial sector, but it does benefit commercial ones ," Márquez stated. The executive added that this change opens up opportunities for medium-voltage users and requires integrators to conduct simulations and forecasts with their clients, anticipating new savings scenarios. "It's time to prepare clients for systems up to 700 kilowatts, even though the regulations are still pending ," she maintained. In parallel, the concept of self-consumption is formalized, replacing isolated supply, which until now has been little known and subject to regulatory limitations.
"The beneficiary for their own use is the permit holder."
This new self-consumption model helps them generate clean energy within their facilities and meet corporate emissions reduction commitments,” Sánchez emphasized. This model will allow companies with environmental goals to move towards decarbonization, although technical questions remain about how it will interconnect with distributed generation on a grid that is already saturated in several circuits. “There will come a time when distributed generation and self-consumption share the same grid, and there is already allocated capacity for that.”
"We'll see how CENACE and the National Energy Commission will handle this issue when issuing regulations," warned the vice president of ANES. The other key focus is energy storage, which is being recognized for the first time as an activity within the electricity sector.
"Storage is one of the most important additions to this law, because it will provide greater security for investments," he stressed.
The regulations open five ways to integrate battery systems, from their use in power plants with variable sources to their incorporation into transmission and distribution networks.
For Márquez, this change transforms the business model: "Adding storage to a photovoltaic project can triple its economic value, but it also involves training staff and explaining the real risks and benefits to customers," he stated.
The challenge will be both technical and commercial.
Most of the batteries that arrive in the country are lithium, with new, safer variants, but they require advanced communication systems, long-term consumption management, and a comprehensive understanding of customer needs.
"It's not enough to just look at the electricity bill; we're talking about monitoring for six months to a year, or even permanent monitoring, to offer comprehensive solutions," Márquez adds.
Finally, both experts agreed that the second wave of distributed generation will not be immediate or simple, but it will mark a leap in maturity for the sector.
"Energy storage will support the national electricity system, but we will need to ensure that its application and scope are fully understood," Sánchez concludes.
With 5 GW installed and an evolving regulatory framework, Mexico is opening a new chapter in the deployment of distributed energy, where self-consumption, storage and technical requirements will be the pillars of its consolidation.