The New 0.7 MW Solar Rule: Finally, Real Savings for High-Consumption Facilities
In a country where energy costs continue to rise and regulations shift to encourage cleaner alternatives, even modest policy changes can have a strategic impact. That’s exactly the case with Mexico’s recent update to the National Electric Sector Strategy, which increased the threshold for permit-free solar generation from 0.5 MW to 0.7 MW.
At first glance, a 0.2 MW increase may not seem transformative. But for many high-consumption facilities, this adjustment is enough to reconsider or unlock solar projects that previously didn’t offer a compelling return. The ability to generate up to 0.7 MW without a permit simplifies planning, accelerates timelines, and reduces the regulatory burden—making solar a more viable path for a wider range of industrial users.
Why the 0.7 MW Threshold Changes the Game
For years, companies with medium to high electricity consumption often disregarded solar energy because the permitted 0.5 MW limit didn’t offset a meaningful portion of their load—making it hard to justify the investment. Projects above that threshold also triggered a complex and costly permitting process, adding further hesitation.
With the new 0.7 MW cap, more industrial and commercial users—particularly in manufacturing, logistics, retail, and agribusiness—can now generate a larger share of their energy needs without waiting months for a generation permit.
Even more importantly, the new threshold has opened the door to a more phased approach. Many companies that aim for more than 0.7 MW are now choosing to launch an initial 0.7 MW system to begin generating savings within 3 months, while simultaneously preparing the necessary paperwork and feasibility for a second, larger phase with full permits. It’s a strategy that balances agility with long-term capacity.
What does 0.7 MW really mean?
A 0.7 MW solar system can generate around 750 MWh per year, depending on location and system design. Based on an average commercial tariff of $2.7 MXN/kWh, this translates to potential savings of up to $2.02 million pesos annually.
For many companies, this pushes solar energy from “nice to have” to strategic business decision.
Benefits Beyond the Numbers
Beyond the raw savings, the 0.7 MW exemption allows for:
Faster project execution – Without requiring a generation permit, companies can move from planning to installation in a matter of months.
Reduced administrative burden – Avoiding the Comisión Reguladora de Energía (CRE) permit process simplifies legal and operational logistics.
Improved energy independence – A larger self-supply system means more protection from energy market volatility.
Better environmental positioning – As ESG expectations grow, investing in solar improves compliance with sustainability goals.
Who Can Benefit from This Rule?
Who Can Benefit from This Rule?
This regulatory update is especially beneficial for companies that previously found themselves “in-between”—those whose energy consumption exceeded the benefits of a 0.5 MW system, but who weren’t ready to commit to a fully permitted large-scale installation.
Industries that are prime candidates include:
- Manufacturing plants with medium to high power loads
- Cold storage and refrigeration facilities
- Food and beverage processors
- Retail and distribution centers with daytime consumption peaks
- Hotels and resorts located in solar-rich regions
But it’s not just mid-sized operations. Larger companies aiming for more extensive solar adoption are now choosing to start with a 0.7 MW system as a first stage. This allows them to begin capturing savings quickly—often within 3 months—while preparing for a second phase that includes permitting and expanded generation capacity.
In both cases, the rule creates a more flexible, phased, and realistic entry point into solar energy.
A Gateway to Long-Term Strategy
For some businesses, the 0.7 MW exemption is just the starting point. It allows them to pilot solar, measure impact, and later scale to larger systems—possibly with full permits—once internal buy-in is secured.
In other cases, the 0.7 MW system will cover a significant portion of energy usage, providing stable costs over 25 years with minimal maintenance and excellent ROI.
How Prodensa Energy Can Help
At Prodensa Energy, we work closely with businesses to design and execute solar solutions that align with your consumption, financial goals, and regulatory reality.
Whether you’re looking to install a permit-free 0.7 MW system or considering a larger, scalable solar project, we handle the entire process—from technical design and economic modeling to procurement, construction, and grid connection.
And for those looking beyond self-generation, we also support projects with capacities of 6 MW and beyond, with experience in multi-megawatt installations across Mexico.
This regulatory shift isn’t just a policy change—it’s an opportunity. If your business has been holding back on solar, now might be the moment to move forward.
The 0.7 MW rule makes solar make sense.
Let’s talk about how to turn this opportunity into real savings for your facility.
