Acknowledgements. and many others

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2 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 provided 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 program together and in navigating both the U.S. and Mexican political terrain. The many key MREP team members 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 Díaz Juan José Ambriz García Ana Laura Aranda Chávez José Manuel Arango Felipe Arce Marcela Ascensio Roger Barrientos Marco Antonio Borja Díaz Ramiro Javier Cabrera Guillermo Refugio Cabrera V. Roberto Cadenas Tovar Javier Castañeda Pedraza Jorge Colmenero Arturo Baca López Odón de Buen Rodríguez Rafael Enrique Cabanillas López Anselmo Cigarroa de Aquino Rubén Dorantes Ernesto C. Enkerlin Vicente Estrada Cajigal Anselmo Cigarrora de Aquino Carlos Flores Macías Mauricio García de la Cadena Mauricia González Carlos González Navarro Ramón Guerrero Alejandro Hernández Yáñez Laura Hernández Victor Hugo Hernández Obregón Federico Hungler Salceda José Luis Ibarra Noris José Jesús Jordan Perez Marco Antonio Lemus Victor Ley Noe Iván Licon Vázquez Jaime Magdaleno Edgar Maraví Francisco Marquez Mendoza Manuel Martínez Fernández Rodolfo Martinez Trevel Javier de la Maza Juan Mata Sandoval Miguel Méndez Víctor Meraz Ramos Fernando Mimiaga Sosa Efraín Niembro Dominguez José Refugio Cabrera Héctor de la O. Santana Raúl Orpinel G. Simón Ortiz Gurrola Adolfo Tres Palacios Jesús Parada Tarín María Pía Gallina Celia Piguerón Wirz Miguel Angel Plata Osorio Gaudencio Ramos Alejandro Robles González José Esteban Rodríguez Márquez Francisco Rosado May Ricardo Saldaña Flores Martín Siller Carlos Arturo Tanús Ceferino Trujillo Herrera Juan Carlos Velasco Farrera Luis Hector Valdez Claudia Verdugo Francisco Xochipa Sánchez Enrique Zapote and many others

3 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 2004 All rights reserved

4 CONTENTS 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 Areas 16 Photovoltaic Water Pumping 19 Photovoltaic Remote Network Communications 20 Protected Areas Management 22 Photovoltaic Lighting 25 Hybrid Applications 26 PV Refrigeration 28 Water Purification 29 Training in the Use of Renewable Energy Technologies 30 Data Acquisition Workshops 30 Training Vendors 30 Training on Distance Eduation 31 Training of FIRCO Trainers 34 Wind Energy Application Training Symposium 35 Wind Workshops in Mexico 36 FSEC Solar Thermal Workshop 37 INI Workshop 38 Summary of Mexico Renewable Energy Program Training Activities 40 Monitoring and Evaluation 40 Monitoring 41 Project Implementation 45 MREP Resource Monitoring Sites 46 Insolation in Mexico 47 Economic Feasibility 50 Project Replication 52 Financing 52 End-User Financing 53 FIRCO-World Bank/GEF RE for Agriculture 56 Mexican Rural Development Foundation 57 FIDEAPECH 60 Protected Areas Management RE Support 62 MREP Lessons Learned 64 Key Lessons Learned 67 Program Results 67 Summary of Projects in Mexico 68 Survey Results on PV Water Pumping 71 Survey Results on PV Home Lighting Systems 73 Overall Results 75 Program Overview 77 MREP Managers 80 MREP Contacts 81 Index

5 Mexico Renewable Energy Program Early Years On 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 Former Chihuahuan governor Francisco Barrios Sandia by a U.S. team formed by public and Terrazas signing the agreement of understanding private organizations. PROCER was created to with Sandia, Robert Park, right, and USAID Mexico assist Mexican government programs to move Director Arthur Danart, left (1995). [Photo Sandia] 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 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 m 3 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)] 1

6 Original Partners Sandia 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 Partners Solar 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. Partners Southwest 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, [Photo NMSU] Water pumping workshop at the Rancho 77 in Baja California Sur (or BCS), [Photo NMSU] Michael Ross, current MREP manager, at a training workshop in Chihuahua for distance 2 education, [Photo Sandia]

7 INTRODUCTION TO THE MEXICO RENEWABLE ENERGY PROGRAM PROCER Activities Training Workshops Besides 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. The first training workshop conducted by PROCER in Mexico City with Dr. Vaughn Nelson and Chris Rovero, [Photo NMSU] Practical workshop for water pumping through solar and wind energy in Hermosillo, Sonora, [Photo NMSU] Workshop held in El Rancho 77, BCS in October, Workshop participants are assembling the PV array structure. This was the first system installation in the state of BCS. [Photo NMSU] Training Goals 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. 3

8 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 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). 11 kw PV array in Xcalak Q. Roo, [Photo NMSU] 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. 7.5 kw Bergey wind turbine installed in Xcalak, [Photo NREL] Arturo Romero of EyNT showing workshop participants how to determine the state of charge of batteries at the 400 kw-h Xcalak battery bank [Photo EyNT] 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 [Photo NMSU] 4

9 USAID Interested in PROCER During the PROCER period from , 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. INTRODUCTION TO THE MEXICO RENEWABLE ENERGY PROGRAM Jorge Landa, USAID-Mexico s Energy Advisor, visiting Robert Foster at SWTDI-NMSU facilities in Las Cruces, NM in [Photo Sandia] The Evolution of the MREP The 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. 5

10 Sandia s Role in MREP 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. 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 [Photo Sandia] 6

11 Sustainable Market Focus INTRODUCTION TO THE MEXICO RENEWABLE ENERGY PROGRAM The 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. Rural off-grid applications are currently the most cost-effective and economical for small renewable energy systems. Productive-use applications are those that provide an economic or social benefit to the user of the technology, such as water pumping for agricultural use or lighting systems for homes or ecotourism facilities. Because of the income they provide, productive-use applications provide a builtin means for paying a renewable energy system and can compete successfully in markets that are influenced by subsidies, such as those provided by the Mexican government for solar home lighting systems. Lighting system in Moris, Chihuahua, [Photo NMSU] PV water pumping for livestock applications in Q. Roo, [Photo NMSU] Chajul Community Center, Chiapas, [Photo NMSU] 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. 7

12 MREP Partnerships MEXICAN STATES IN WHICH MREP HAS COLLABORATED TO BETTER RURAL DEVELOPMENT 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. FIRCO The most significant and important incountry 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 waterpumping 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 System verified as still 8 working in [Photo NMSU]

13 INTRODUCTION TO THE MEXICO RENEWABLE ENERGY PROGRAM 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 [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, [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. 9

14 Chihuahuan Renewable Energy Working Group (GTER) 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 Jeff Mazer, USDOE energy advisor, in a PV water pumping the state. Formed under the leadership system installation performed by GTER and Sandia in Palomas, of DGDR, the Chihuahuan Renewable Chihuahua, [Photo NMSU] Energy Working Group (Grupo de Trabajo de Energías Renovables, GTER) provides a central point of contact and coordination in the state. Lilly Ojinaga of DGDR assisting with making pump connections at the Simosol Rancho Nogales installation in Chihuahua, 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. [Photo NMSU] Project bid selection meeting of NMSU and GTER in Chihuahua, [Photo NMSU] Installation of a solar resource monitoring tower in Chorreras, Chihuahua by NMSU 10 and GTER, [Photo NMSU]

15 INTRODUCTION TO THE MEXICO RENEWABLE ENERGY PROGRAM Protected Areas Management 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. Ecotourist facility in Chajul, Chiapas, [Photo NMSU] 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. Linea Biosfera workshop participants installing a PV lighting system. Chiapas, [Photo NMSU] In 1996, the Contoy Island in Q. Roo was declared national wildlife reserve, [Photo NMSU] Transportation in the ecotourist hotel of Estación Ixcán, which is powered by a solar system. Chiapas, [Photo NMSU] 11

16 Mexican National Solar Energy Association (ANES) 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. Dr. Claudio Estrada Gasca at the XXII ANES Conference promoting use of solar energy technology among children. Chihuahua, [Photo NMSU] Solar oven (left) and solar thermal ice maker (below) donated by Sandia to the University of Sonora. XVII Annual ANES Conference in Hermosillo, Sonora [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. Mexicali (1999) Colima (1992) Lilly Ojinaga of Winrock and Arturo Romero of EyNT at the Sandia stand during the ISES millenium 2000 Solar 12 Forum in Mexico City. October [Photo Sandia]

17 INTRODUCTION TO THE MEXICO RENEWABLE ENERGY PROGRAM Industry Partnerships 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, [Photo NMSU] 13

18 MREP Training Collaborators 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) 14

19 Bilateral Agreement for Energy INTRODUCTION TO THE MEXICO RENEWABLE ENERGY PROGRAM MREP has also played an important role in the US/Mexico Bilateral Agreement for Energy Cooperation-Annex 1 for Renewable Energy created in 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 The experience gained from the US/Mexico Bilateral Agreement for Energy led to an extension of the Trilateral Agreement for Energy in March 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 [Photo Sandia] 15

20 Applications of Renewable Energy in Rural Areas Photovoltaic Water Pumping Community, Domestic, and Livestock Applications 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. Conventional animal traction system for water pumping in Chihuahua, [Photo NMSU] Conventional diesel system for water pumping in BCS, [Photo Sandia] Photovoltaic water pumping system at the ranch El Sagitario in BCS, [Photo Sandia]

21 APPLICATIONS OF RENEWABLE ENERGY IN RURAL AREAS 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, [Photo Sandia] This solar water pumping system does not use a storage tank, it uses aluminun-cut bottles to collect the water, [Photo Sandia] Cows have plenty of water from solar water pumping system, [Photo Sandia] 17

22 Agricultural Applications 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, [Photo Sandia] Solar irrigated forage field at the Agua Blanca Ranch in BCS, [Photo Sandia] 18 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, [Photo CIE-UNAM]

23 APPLICATIONS OF RENEWABLE ENERGY IN RURAL AREAS Photovoltaic Remote Network Communications 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. 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 Jaime Magdaleno and PV systems support radio network for produce. Access to the Internet offers even consistent communications in 30 communities in El Ocote, more far-reaching possibilities. By taking Chiapas, [Photo NMSU] 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. 19

24 Protected Areas Management Sandia 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, [Photo NMSU] Flora under study in Contoy Island, Q. Roo, [Photo NMSU] 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. 20 Arturo Romero of EyNT inspecting the controllers of the hybrid wind-pv system in Contoy Island, Q. Roo, [Photo NMSU]

25 APPLICATIONS OF RENEWABLE ENERGY IN RURAL AREAS Training workshop of PAM designed for Central American participants. Sian Ka an Research Center, Q. Roo, [Photo NMSU] First private ecological reserve in Mexico, El Edén, Q. Roo, [Photo NMSU] Training workshop of wind technologies in Mahahual, Q. Roo, [Photo EyNT] Fauna under study by the Research Ecological Center El Edén, Q. Roo, [Photo NMSU] PV direct drive refrigerator with thermal storage at the Mahahual Marine Research Center in Q. Roo, [Photo NMSU] 21

26 Photovoltaic Lighting Stand-Alone Applications 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 illuminate homes, maintain refrigeration, and possibly establish home businesses for a more productive and quality life. PV lighting systems providing basic house functions and entertainment. Chihuahua, 1999 (left) and Yucatán, [Photos NMSU and EyNT respectively] 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. 22 Women showing creativity by decorating a PV lighting system controller in Moris, Chihuahua, [Photo NMSU]

27 APPLICATIONS OF RENEWABLE ENERGY IN RURAL AREAS 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. Tarahumara family benefiting from a PV lighting system, Chihuahua, [Photo ENSO] People watching TV with a PV system in Moris, Chihuahua, [Photo NMSU] PV home lighting system in Moris, Chihuahua, [Photo NMSU] 23

28 Education 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. People of the Mexican Secretariat of Public Education (SEP), Winrock, EyNT and Sandia show a mobile PV system for educational purposes in Durango, [Photo Sandia] EDUSAT technician training as part of PV telesecundarias workshop conducted at the first of 54 PV powered schools in Chorreras, 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. Chihuahua. September, [Photo NMSU] 24 Students benefiting from a rural PV telesecundaria in Durango [Photo Sandia]

29 APPLICATIONS OF RENEWABLE ENERGY IN RURAL AREAS Hybrid Applications 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 The hybrid power system design includes a 85-kW standby generator, 10 Bergey Windpower Company, Inc., 7 kw wind turbines, and 5 ASE Americas, Inc., 300 W-DC/50 volt PV modules rated at 3.4 kw. Energy storage is comprised of five parallel banks of Trojan L16 batteries configured for a nominal 240 volts. The system, which is controlled with a 90 kw Trace inverter, is designed to supply about 65% of the power to the village from renewable technologies, with the genset supplying the remainder of the power (mostly during the non-windy season). [Photos USAID] 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 km 2, 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. 25

30 PV Refrigeration 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. PV ice-maker machine in Chorreras, Chihuahua, [Photo NMSU] PV array not only supplying electricity but also keeping out of the shinning sun [Photo NMSU] Ice-maker machine Fish conserved in refrigerator 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. 26

31 APPLICATIONS OF RENEWABLE ENERGY IN RURAL AREAS Installation of a community PV refrigeration system donated by NMSU and NASA in Urique, Chihuahua. March, [Photo NMSU] Direct-drive PV refrigerator at the Tarahumara Indian Reservation in Chihuahua, [Photo NMSU] Tarahumras indians have benefited from a PV refrigerator donated by NMSU and NASA. [Photo Sandia] 27

32 Water Purification 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 Solar still installed in San Francisco del Refugio, for a family of six. San Luis Potosí, [Photo Winrock] been implemented in Chihuahua. The MREP implemented two systems in the Sierra Tarahumara benefiting the Hostel Guillermo y Parres in 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). 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, [Photo NMSU] 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, 28 Chihuahua, [Photo NMSU]

33 Training in the Use of Renewable Energy Technologies 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. Operation and maintenance training for promoters at the ecological reserve El Triunfo, Chiapas, [Photo NMSU] 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. PV water pumping training workshop at the Autonomous University of Chihuahua in Chihuahua, [Photo NMSU] 29

34 Data Acquisition Workshops 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. 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 [Photo NMSU] Training Vendors As 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. Training on Distance Eduation Six 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. 30 Chihuahua, September [Photo Winrock]

35 Training of FIRCO Trainers TRAINING IN THE USE SE OF RENEWABLE ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES 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 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. First (left) and second (below) generations of FIRCO engineers taking the Train the Trainers workshop at the SWTDI facilities in Las Cruces, New Mexico and [Photo NMSU] 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 Visit to the Salt River Project system, Phoenix, Arizona. First generation of FIRCO engineers taking the training course of PV water pumping, [Photo NMSU] 31

36 This mobile water pumping system was developed for training purposes by SWTDI. Workshop participants have used the system to learn sizing, assembly, instrumentation, performance, and acceptance testing. Not only FIRCO engineers have benefited, but it has also been a great demonstration tool for disseminating information about the use of renewable energy technology. 32

37 TRAINING IN THE USE SE OF RENEWABLE ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES FIRCO engineers working with the mobile water pumping system at SWTDI in Las Cruces, New Mexico, [Photo NMSU] FIRCO engineers measuring output in solar panels at the Train the Trainers workshop at SWTDI in Las Cruces, New Mexico, [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, [Photo NMSU] 33

38 Wind Energy Application Training Symposium 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. WEATS 2002 at the Ponnequin wind farm in Colorado including State of Oaxaca participants. [Photo NMSU] WEATS training including Mexican engineers at NREL, [Photo NMSU] WEATS training including Mexican engineers at NREL, [Photo NMSU] 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. 34

39 TRAINING IN THE USE SE OF RENEWABLE ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES 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. NWTC demonstration of wind turbine at WEATS [Photo NMSU] Wind Workshops in Mexico 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. Participants of a wind workshop get practice with assembly and erection of a wind power tower and system in Q. Roo, March [Photo Sandia] Jorge Ayarza of Southwest Windpower with AEI, and NMSU conducting a wind energy workshop at the University of Quintana Roo in Q. Roo, March [Photo NMSU] 35

40 FSEC Solar Thermal Workshop Sandia 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, 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. Participants discussing real time acquisition data at FSEC s facilities, Cocoa, Florida, September, [Photo ANES] The workshop provided technical experience in conducting tests related to safety and performance ratings of solar water heating systems. Solar water heaters at the FSEC s facilities in Cocoa, Florida, September, [Photo ANES] 36

41 INI Workshop Participants of the INI workshop visiting Navajo indian reservation, [Photo Sandia] TRAINING IN THE USE SE OF RENEWABLE ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES Members of Mexico s National Indigenous Institute visit Sandia and US Indian reservations to see solar energy installations 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. INI s people visited homes totally powered by a combined photovoltaics/ wind power system. [Photo Sandia] 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] 37

42 MREP Training Activities 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, Bombeo con Energía Eólica [Wind Water Pumping] Sponsors: FIRCO, Sandia Participants: 40 from FIRCO Presenters: EyNT, NMSU Zacatecas, Zacatecas, Mexico, November 5-7, 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, 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, PV Water Pumping Diplomado Sponsors: FIRCO Participants: 11 FIRCO engineers Presenters: UNAM, NMSU, Condumex, Grundfos Temixco, Morelos, September-October, 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, 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, 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, Wind Energy Applications Training Symposium NREL, NMSU, AEI, Boulder, and Ponnequin Windfarm Colorado, October 27-31, 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, 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, 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, Principios Básicos para Microempresas [Small Business Basics] Sponsors: USAID, DOE, SNL Participants: 39 participants Presenters: EyNT Frontera Corozal, Chiapas, November and December 12-13, Bombeo de Agua con Energía Fotovoltaica [PV Water Pumping] Sponsors: ANES, SNL, USAID Participants: 18 Presenters: UNAM, EyNT Chetumal, Quintana Roo, November 11-12, 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, Bombeo de Agua con Energía Fotovoltaica [PV Water Pumping] Sponsors: Instituto Tecnológico de Zacatepec, UNAM Participants: 25 Presenters: UNAM, Instituto Tecnológico de Zacatepec Zacatepec, Morelos, October 28 November 2, 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, Bombeo de Agua con Energía Fotovoltaica [PV Water Pumping] Sponsors: FIRCO, GEF, SNL, USAID Participants: 25 Presenters: FIRCO, UNAM Chilpancingo, Guerrero, September 12-14, 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, Bombeo de Agua con Energía Fotovoltaica [PV Water Pumping] Sponsors: FIRCO, GEF, SNL, USAID Participants: 54 Presenters: FIRCO, UNAM Comarca Lagunera, Torreón, Coahuila, July 10-12, 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, Bombeo de Agua con Energía Fotovoltaica [PV Water Pumping] Sponsors: UNAM Participants: 18 Presenters: UNAM Temixco, Morelos, June 3-5, 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, Bombeo de Agua con Energía Fotovoltaica [PV Water Pumping] Sponsors: FIRCO, GEF, SNL, USAID, Universidad Veracruzana Participants: 22 Presenters: FIRCO, UNAM Xalapa, Veracruz, May 28-29, 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, 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, Bombeo de Agua con Energía Fotovoltaica [PV Water Pumping] Sponsors: FIRCO, GEF, SNL, USAID Participants: 24 Presenters: FIRCO, UNAM Estado de México, Xochimilco, Mexico City, November 21-23, Bombeo de Agua con Energía Fotovoltaica [PV Water Pumping] Sponsors: FIRCO, GEF, SNL, USAID Participants: 20 Presenters: FIRCO, UNAM Zacatecas, Zacatecas, November 14-16, 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, Bombeo de Agua con Energía Fotovoltaica [PV Water Pumping] Sponsors: ANES, SNL Participants: 17 Presenters: UNAM, EyNT, SWTDI San Luis Potosí, San Luis Potosí, October 1-2, Bombeo de Agua con Energía Fotovoltaica [PV Water Pumping] Sponsors: FIRCO, GEF, SNL, USAID Participants: 25 Presenters: FIRCO, UNAM San Luis Potosí, San Luis Potosí, July 9-11, Bombeo de Agua con Energía Fotovoltaica [PV Water Pumping] Sponsors: FIRCO, GEF, SNL, USAID Participants: 44 Presenters: FIRCO, UNAM UNAM, Mexico City, June 29-30, Bombeo de Agua con Energía Fotovoltaica [PV Water Pumping] Sponsors: FIRCO, GEF, SNL, USAID Participants: 40 Presenters: FIRCO, UNAM Oaxaca, Oaxaca, June 20-22, Wind Energy Applications Training Symposium WEATS 2001 Sponsors: NREL, DOE Participants: 2 from Mexico Presenters: NREL, NMSU, AEI Canyon, Texas, Boulder and Ponnequin Windfarm, Colorado, May 28 - June 1, Bombeo de Agua con Energía Fotovoltaica [PV Water Pumping] Sponsors: UNAM Participants: 10 Presenters: UNAM Temixco, Morelos, May 29-31, Bombeo de Agua con Energía Fotovoltaica [PV Water Pumping] Sponsors: FIRCO, GEF, SNL, USAID Participants: 26 Presenters: FIRCO, UNAM Aguascalientes, Aguascalientes, April 24, 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, Bombeo de Agua con Energía Fotovoltaica [PV Water Pumping] Sponsors: UNAM Participants: 22 Presenters: UNAM Temixco, Morelos, March 28-30, 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, 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, Implementación de Sistemas Fotovoltaicos en la Agricultura [PV for Agriculture] Sponsors: FIRCO, GEF, SNL, USAID Participants: 22 Presenters: FIRCO, UNAM FIRCO, Mexico City, March 7-9, Wind Energy Applications Training Symposium WEATS 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, 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, Curso Solar para Capacitadores de FIRCO [Train the FIRCO Trainers Solar Course] Sponsors: USAID, FIRCO Participants: 8 from FIRCO Presenters: NMSU, SNL, SWWP, Dankoff Solar, Kyocera Las Cruces, New Mexico and Phoenix, Arizona, October 3 - November 17, 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, Photovoltaic Water Pumping Systems Sponsors: ISES, ANES, USAID, DOE Participants: 3 Presenters: UNAM, EyNT, NMSU Mexico City, September 17-18, 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, 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 Participants: 8 from FIRCO Presenters: NMSU, A.Y. McDonald, ENSO Las Cruces, New Mexico and Chihuahua, April 3-20, 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.

43 TRAINING IN THE USE SE OF RENEWABLE ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES 1999 Sistemas de Bombeo con FV [PV Water Pumping] Sponsors: FIRCO, SNL Participants: 18 ranchers, State, FIRCO Presenters: FIRCO, NMSU Mérida, Yucatán, December 1-3, Sistemas de Bombeo con FV [PV Water Pumping] Sponsors: FIRCO, SNL, Universidad de Guadalajara Participants: 150 from academia, State, industry, FIRCO Presenters: FIRCO, NMSU Guadalajara, Jalisco, October 20-22, Sistemas de Bombeo con FV [PV Water Pumping] Sponsors: FIRCO, SNL Participants: 42 from academia, industry, FIRCO Presenters: FIRCO, NMSU Monclova, Coahuila, October 6-8, 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, 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, Sistemas de Bombeo con FV [PV Water Pumping] Sponsors: FIRCO, SNL Participants: 7 from LTH-ESB Presenters: EyNT, CIE-UNAM, NMSU Monterrey, Nuevo León, July 20-22, Sistemas de Bombeo con FV [PV Water Pumping] Sponsors: Development Associates, USAID Participants: 40 from FIRCO and State Presenters: FIRCO, CIE-UNAM, NMSU Temixco-Cuernavaca, Morelos, June 15-18, 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, 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, Taller de Proyectos de Bombeo de Agua con la Energía Solar [PV Water Pumping] Sponsors: SNL, FIRCO Participants: 8 from FIRCO Presenters: Enersol Oaxaca, Oaxaca, January 13, Bombeo de Agua con Energía Fotovoltaica [PV Water Pumping] Sponsors: ANES, SNL Participants: 40 from ANES, academia Presenters: EyNT, CIE-UNAM, NMSU Mexicali, Baja California, September 29-30, 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, 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 Participants: 125 from industry, government, academia Presenters: SNL, NMSU, USAID, FIRCO, TREIA, Golden Genesis, CFE, CONAE Mexico City, June 9-10, Bombeo de Agua con FV [PV Water Pumping] Sponsors: DAI, FIRCO, Golden Genesis, SNL, USAID, USDOE Participants: 70 from industry, government, academia Presenters: NMSU, Golden Genesis Tuxtla Gutierrez and Tonalá, Chiapas, May 15-16, 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, Bombeo de Agua con Energía Fotovoltaica [PV Water Pumping] Sponsors: ANES, SNL, USDOE Participants: 45 from ANES, academia Presenters: NMSU, GTER Chihuahua, Chihuahua, September 29-30, 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, 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, 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, Taller de Sistemas Fotovoltaicos para Areas Protegidas [Protected Areas PV Systems Workshop] Sponsors: SNL, USAID, USDOE Presenters: Enersol, NMSU, RG Participants: 24 from IHN, CESMACH, Maderas del Pueblo, WWF, INE La Encrucijada, Chiapas, April 24-25, 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, 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, Sistemas Energéticos Fotovoltaicos [Photovoltaic Energy Systems] Sponsors: DGDR, SNL Presenters: DGDR, NMSU Participants: 25 from DGDR and CFM Chihuahua, Chihuahua, July 8, Instalación de Sistemas Fotovoltaicos [Photovoltaic Energy Systems Installation] Sponsors: SNL Presenters: Enersol, DynCorp Participants: 10 from CESMACH El Triunfo, Chiapas, January, 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, Solar Still Design and Construction: Texas Renewables 95 Sponsors: SECO, EPSEA, TXSES, NMSU Presenters: EPSEA, NMSU Participants: 15 participants including DGDR El Paso, Texas, November 16, 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, Sistemas Energéticos Fotovoltaicos [Photovoltaic Energy Systems] Sponsors: DGDR, SNL Presenters: DGDR, NMSU Participants: 25 residentes from DGDR, CFM Chihuahua, Chihuahua, November 6, 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, 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, Renewable Energy Educational Display at Exposición Comercial-Binacional Chihuahua-Texas Sponsors: DGDR, EPSEA, NMSU/SNL Participants: Over 2,000 from general public, industry, government Chihuahua, Chihuahua, September 6-9, Desarrollo de Propuestas y Cotizaciones [Proposal and RFQ Development] Sponsors: SNL, USAID, USDOE Presenters: SNL, Enersol, DynCorp, PES, RG Participants: 22 from CI, WWF, CESMACH, Lin Biosfera, IHN, PES, RG, Radio Tuxtla Gutiérrez, Chiapas, June 27-28, 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, 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, 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, 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, SNL Chihuahuan Educational Institutions Orientation Chih. educational institutions visit SNL Albuquerque, New Mexico 12 participants from Chih. tecnológicos Sponsors: SNL, Chihuahuan Tecnológicos Presenters: SNL, NMSU Participants: 12 Chihuahuan University representatives Albuquerque, New Mexico, January 30, 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, SWRES Chihuahua Orientation Sponsors: NMSU, SNL, Chihuahuan universities Presenters: SNL, NMSU Participants: 15 from Chihuahuan universities (UACH, Tecnologicos) Las Cruces, New Mexico, January 25-27, 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, 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, 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, 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, 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, Photovoltaic System Design Border States Solar Conference Sponsors: TXSES Presenters: EPSEA, NMSU Participants: 35 TXSES members and Mexican industry, government El Paso, Texas, November 14,

44 Monitoring and Evaluation Monitoring Monitoring 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. Q. Roo, [Photo NMSU] Installation of the performance monitoring system and weather station in the solar sea water distillation system located in Puerto Lobos, Sonora. This 480 m 2 of solar collectors purify sea water to supply fresh water to the community, [Photo NMSU] 40

45 MONITORING AND EVALUATION 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. Project Implementation 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. 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. Bid review: MREP and State of Chihuahua representatives. Chihuahua [Photo NMSU] People from Urique, Chihuahua. discussing the needs of energy with MREP representatives. [Photo NMSU] 41

46 2. Partner Commitment 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. 3. Resource Assessment 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. 30 meter solar/wind resource assessment tower in San José de Baqueachi, Chihuahua, [Photo NMSU] Cross border radio repeater station for Boquillas, Coahuila to Big Bend, Texas for a 30 meter wind/ solar resource assessment tower [Photo NMSU] Verifying solar insolation on the PV water pumping array in La Gallina, Chihuahua, [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. 42

47 MONITORING AND EVALUATION 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 Installation of a PV water pumping implementation personnel and developing local vendor system in La Gallina, Chihuahua. networks for parts and service is needed [Photo NMSU] Installation of a wind turbine for electrification of the Costa de Cocos Ecotourist Facilities in Quintana Roo, [Photo NMSU] 43

48 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, [Photo NMSU] Acceptance testing of water pumping system. Training workshop held in Estación Torres, Sonora, 1994 [Photo NMSU] Workshop on protected areas management for Central Americans, in Sian Ka an Reserve, Quintana Roo, [Photo NMSU] First PV water pumping workshop held in Chihuahua, [Photo NMSU] CIE-UNAM PV systems accredited course in Morelos with NMSU support 44 from August-October [Photo NMSU]

49 MONITORING AND EVALUATION Installation of PV array (left) and hydraulics (right) in El Reventón, San Luis Potosí [Photo NMSU] MREP Resource Monitoring Sites 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. 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 45

50 State City Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Min Max Avg 46 INSOLATION IN MEXICO Average global radiation on latitude sloped surfaces, kw-h/m 2 -day Aguascalientes Baja California Baja California Baja California Sur Baja California Sur Campeche Chiapas Chiapas Chiapas Chiapas Chiapas Chihuahua Chihuahua Chihuahua Coahuila Coahuila Colima D.F. Durango Guanajuato Guerrero Guerrero Guerrero Hidalgo Jalisco Jalisco Jalisco Jalisco Mexico Michoacan Nayarit Nuevo Leon Oaxaca Oaxaca Puebla Queretaro Quintana Roo Quintana Roo San Luis Potosi San Luis Potosi Sinaloa Sinaloa Sinaloa Sonora Sonora Sonora Tamaulipas Tamaulipas Tlaxcala Veracruz Veracruz Veracruz Yucatan Yucatan Yucatan Aguascalientes Mexicali San Javier La Paz S. Jose del Cabo Campeche Arriaga Juan Aldama San Cristobal Tapachula Tuxtla Gutierrez Chihuahua Guachochi Cd. Juarez Piedras Negras Saltillo Colima Tacubaya Durango Guanajuato Acapulco Aguas Blancas Chilpancingo Pachuca Coloatlan Guadalajara L. de Moreno Puerto Vallarta Chapingo Morelia Tepic Monterrey Oaxaca Salina Cruz Puebla Queretaro Chetumal Cozumel Rio Verde San Luis Potosi Culiacan Los Mochis Mazatlan Cd. Obregon Guaymas Hermosillo Soto la Marina Tampico Tlaxcala Cordoba Jalapa Veracruz Merida Progreso Valladolid Sources: Zacatecas Zacatecas Actualización de los mapas de irradiación global solar en la República Mexicana (Update of global insolation maps in Mexico). R. Almanza S., E. Cajigal R., J. Barrientos A Insolation reports of SWTDI-NMSU, 1999.

51 Economic Feasibility MONITORING AND EVALUATION 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. Estimating Costs of the System 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: Cost of equipment with all taxes included Cost of installation, warranties and maintenance agreement Labor 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. Example of Economic Feasibility: Comparing Pumping Alternatives 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 m 4 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. 47

52 Case Study: El Jeromín 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. 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 costs are brought back to present cost by calculating how much would have to be invested at a market discount rate to have the funds available when they will be needed. LCC includes inflation when estimating future expenses. Life cycle savings (LCS) is defined as the difference between the LCC of a conventional fuelonly system and the LCC of the solar system. Installation of PV water pumping system al the Rancho El Jeromín in Chihuahua, 1997 and verified as Technical Specifications Total head 40 m Water pumping capacity 15 m 3 Hydraulic cycle 600 m 4 PhotovoltaicSystem Grundfos Pump SP3A W p 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 functional in [Photo NMSU] LIFE CYCLE COST COMPARISON OF RANCHO EL JEROMÍN S WATER PUMPING SYSTEM 48 Photovoltaic Year Amount System PVFA Present value Internal Combustion Year Amount System PVFA Present value Initial cost 0 $ 10, $ 10,491 Initial Cost 0 $ 3, $3,785 Replacements Operation & Maintenance Transportation for maintenance visits Fuel LCC (20 years) every year every year every year $ $1,111 $ $763 $ $ 0 Fuel $12,365 Replacements AC Pump 6 $ $383 Generator 10 $ 2, $1,479 AC Pump 12 $ $255 AC Pump 18 $ $170 Operation & Maintenance Transportation for maintenance visits LCC (20 years) every year every year every year where PVFA corresponds to the Present Value Factor which includes the inflation for N years $ $2,119 $ $3,305 $ 3, $39,939 $51,436

53 MONITORING AND EVALUATION 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 49

54 Project Replication 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. Replicated FIRCO PV water pumping system in San Lus Potosí. [Photo Sandia] 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. 50

55 MONITORING AND EVALUATION 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. Location MREP Sponsored Installations No. of Systems kw Non-program Replicated Installations No. of Systems El Ocote Reserve, Chiapas FIRCO (Nationwide) , PV Schools (Chihuahua) PV Lighting (Chihuahua) 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. kw Small business selling solar energy systems. La Paz, BCS, [Photo Tecnosol] 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 m 3 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 m 2 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 [Photo CIE-UNAM] 51

56 Financing 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. End-User Financing Transport of PV modules in mountainous rural areas of Chiapas, [Photo NMSU] 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. Enduser 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. 52

57 FINANCING 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. FIRCO - World Bank/GEF RE for Agriculture In 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 kw-pv water pumping system in the Ejido San Pedro Tonibabi in Sonora. This system was installed with MREP and FIRCO efforts in December The total cost at the time was US$10,135. MREP cost shared in a 86%, and users 14%. [Photo Sandia] 53

58 PV water pumping system in the Rancho La Laguna del Rifle in BCS in This system was installed under MREP in January 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/W p and $20.88/m 4. [Photo NMSU] 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. Water pumping system for livestock applications in Sirebampo, Sonora. This system was the third PV water pumping system installed under MREP, in December 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 $/W p and $/m 4. [Photo 54 Sandia]

59 FINANCING MREP assisting FIRCO with state-level PV training course for35 attendees in Pachuca, Hidalgo in April NMSU trained two dozen FIRCO trainers who have conducted over 70 state-level training workshops since [Photo Winrock] 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 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. 55

60 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 m 3 tank. This system provides drip irrigation on 2 hectares in Zacatecas, November [Photo CIE-UNAM] Mexican Rural Development Foundation In 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. 56 Water purification system implemented under MREP with collaboration of Winrock International and FMDR. San Luis Potosí, [Photo Wnrock]

61 FIDEAPECH FINANCING 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 m 3 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 Victor meraz of ENSO checking the controller of a PV lighting system in Moris, Chihuahua [Photo NMSU] 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. 57

62 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$300,355, were installed by 2000, with an aditional 929 systems installed by Fifteen loans have been given to individuals for the purchase of 21 PV water pumping private systems. 50 watt-pv lighting system in Moris, Chihuahua [Photo NMSU] Installation of PV panel in Moris, Chihuahua, [Photo NMSU] Some of the loans have already been paid in full, permitting the financing of new projects. In the case of individual loans, the purchasers are paying 100% of the system cost. In the case of loans to municipalities, many end users are paying 33% of the system cost. In some, users of the poorer indigenous communities are paying nothing and receiving the system for free from the municipality. In the later case, the financing is really just bridge financing for the municipalities, not end-user financing. 58 FIDEAPECH Replication (US$) Lighting systems Location # 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

63 FINANCING 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, [Photo NMSU] PV home lighting user next to his PV array in Talayotes, Chihuahua, [Photo NMSU] 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. 59

64 Protected Areas Management RE Support 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). Ecological Reserve El Ocote, Chiapas 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] Chajul Community Center, Chiapas 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, [Photo NMSU] 60

65 Ecological Reserve El Edén, Quintana Roo 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 [Photo EyNT] Ecological Reserve El Triunfo, Chiapas 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, MREP cost-share 87.74% Installation WWF, TNC, NC States: Chiapas, Quintana Roo 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 [Photo Enersol] 61

66 MREP Lessons Learned Part 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. MREP helps improve the life style of Mexican rural people in the Sierra Tarahumara, Chihuahua, [Photo NMSU] 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. PV water pumping workshop at El Jeromin Ranch in Chihuahua. XVII ANES Conference. Chihuahua [Photo NMSU] Mexican Electrical Code Workshop for PV systems at the ISES Millenium Solar Forum 2000 in Mexico City. [Photo NMSU] 62

67 MREP L MREP LESSONS LEARNED 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. Domestic PV water pumping system in San Fransico de Borja, Chihuahua, 1995 [Photo NMSU] Installation of PV water pumping system in San Francisco de Borja, Chihuahua, [Photo NMSU] Controllers and battery bank in Sian Ka an, Q. Roo, [Photo NMSU] Children benefited by a PV system for distance education in Chiapas [Photo Sandia] 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 costsharing, some other form of financing is needed to keep the rate of acceptance for PV systems high. 63

68 Key Lessons Learned Develop Solid Partnerships 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. Lilly Ojinaga surveying the installation of a PV water pumping system near Villa Matamoros, Chihuahua in Participants of the first PV water pumping workshop in Meoqui, Chihuahua [Photo NMSU] [Photo NMSU] Conduct Strategic Planning 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. 64 Central American PAM tour and workshop in El Edén, Q. Roo in [Photo NMSU]

69 MREP L MREP LESSONS LEARNED Use Grass-Roots Development Approach 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. 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] Create Sustainable Markets 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. 65

70 Focus on Capacity Building 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. 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, [Photo Enersol] Evaluate Results 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. 66 Jorge Landa, USAID México energy advisor, inaugurating the Mahahual Marine Research Center in Q. Roo on September 14, Solar energy is now the source for hot water and electricity. [Photo EyNT]

71 Program Results Summary of Projects in Mexico Since 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 ( ). 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 In 1995, it grew by 11 systems. As project installations increased, so did the commitment or buy-in from Mexican government partners. 67

72 Survey Results on PV Water Pumping 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 TOTAL MREP INSTALLED PV WATER PUMPING SYSTEMS IN MEXICO Total per year Total kw Installed Number of Systems Direct Beneficiaries ,511 2,705 3,009 1, ,389 Average per year Average System Size, W p $ /Watt $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $19.98 M REP Cost-Share 78.1% 86.5% 82.9% 63.1% 41.9% 36.4% 15.0% 57.6% M exican Cost-Share 21.9% 13.5% 17.1% 36.9% 58.1% 63.6% 85.0% 42.5% 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 AVERAGED COST OF PV WATER PUMPING SYSTEMS BY YEAR AND BY technologies deployed. STATE. 68

73 PROGRAM RESULTS 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 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. USER PERCEPCION ABOUT COST EFFECTIVENESS, RELIABILITY, AND PRODUCTIVITY OF PV WATER PUMPING SYSTEMS. 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. PERFORMANCE OF SURVEYED SYSTEMS BY STATE. PV water pumping system evaluation at the Los Llanitos Ranch in Chihuahua, [Photo NMSU] 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). 69

74 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. PV WATER PUMPING SYSTEMS ORIGINAL COMPONENT FAILURES FROM 26 OUT OF 46 SYSTEMS SURVEYED (30% OF WICH WERE LATER REPAIRED BY THE OWNERS). 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. Dr. Alma Cota of NMSU inspecting the PV array at the Los Tepetates Ranch s water pumping system in Baja California Sur, [Photo NMSU] 70

75 Survey Results on PV Home Lighting Systems PROGRAM RESULTS 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. 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. SUNWIZE SOLISTO PV SYSTEM SCHEMATIC. 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). OVERALL 2003 USER SATISFACTION WITH THEIR PV SYSTEM. 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, [Photo NMSU] 71

76 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 enduser 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 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). PERCENTAGE OF FAILED COMPONENTS AFTER FIVE YEARS. 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. Chihuahuan children with Solisto home lighting system. Chihuahua, [Photo NMSU] OPERATIONAL STATUS OF SOLAR HOME SYSTEMS IN CHIHUAHUA, MEXICO IN 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. 72

77 Overall Results PROGRAM RESULTS 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. MREP PROJECT INSTALLATIONS BY YEAR Installed kw Capacity Total Photovoltaics Communication Electrification Water Pumping Wind Electrification Water Pumping Hybrid (PV/Wind) Total Number of Systems Photovoltaics Communication Electrification Water Pumping Wind Electrification Water Pumping Hybrid (PV/Wind) Water Purification Total Direct Beneficiaries Photovoltaics Communication - - 1,266 1, ,040-3,675 Electrification ,671 2, ,588 Water Pumping ,452 1,722 3,042 1, ,382 Wind Electrification , ,220 Water Pumping Hybrid (PV/Wind) ,110-1,110 Water Purification Total ,993 13,860 5,498 4,384 1,165 28,417 Indirect Beneficiaries Photovoltaics Wind Communication* ,660 12, ,400-36,750 Electrification* - - 2,080 16,710 20,740 2,400 3,950 45,880 Water Pumping** 130 1,075 3,630 4,305 7,605 4,785 1,925 23,4550 Electrification* , ,200 Water Pumping** Hybrid (PV/Wind)* ,100-11,100 Water Purification** Total 130 1,163 18, ,385 29,915 29,485 5, ,290 Mexican Cost-Share*** PV Water Pumping Systems B aja California 0 % 0 % 15% 27% 72% 75% 75% B aja California Sur 0 % 0 % 0 % 0 % 0 % 0 % 0% C hiapas 0 % 0 % 0 % 0 % 77% 76% 0% C hihuahua 0 % 0 % 13% 45% 41% 0 % 0% O axaca 0 % 0 % 0 % 0 % 48% 49% 0% Q uintana Roo 0 % 0 % 0 % 0 % 27% 75% 0% S an Luis Potosí 0 % 0 % 0 % 0 % 72% 56% 0% S onora 0 % 31% 12% 25% 85% 73% 59% V eracruz 0 % 0 % 0 % 0 % 0 % 0 % 0% T otal Program 0 % 31% 13% 33% 46% 71% 70% * Factor of 2.5 indirect beneficiaries for every direct beneficiary for PV and wind water pumping systems and water purification systems. ** Factor of 10 indirect beneficiaries for every beneficiary for PV and wind communication and ekectrification systems. *** Does not include system training installations. 73

78 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, [Photo NMSU] CO 2 EMISSIONS DISPLACED BY RE SYSTEMS INSTALLED UNDER MREP. Type of system Technology displaced kw installed capacity CO 2 emissions displaced (Metric Tons) PV water pumping Wind water pumping PV electrification PV communication gasoline engine ,204 gasoline engine generator ,806 generator Wind electrification Solar distillation generator ,700 propane stove Total CO emissions displaced (Metric tons) 10,207 2 Installation of PV water pumping system at the Rancho Guadalupe in Chihuahua, [Photo NMSU] 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 volumetric pump that reaches its highest efficiencies at great depths and low water volumetric flow conditions. 74

79 Program Overview The 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, [Photo NMSU] Phase I of the MREP extended through 1997 and focused on the implementation of costshared 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). 75

80 Workshop participants at the Linea Biosfera placing PV modules on mounting brackets under the supevision of Lisa Büttner of NMSU. Chiapas, [Photo NMSU] 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. 76

81 PROGRAM OVERVIEW MREP Managers Sandia 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 ( ) 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 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 77

82 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. 78

83 PROGRAM OVERVIEW Charles Hanley ( ) 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. 79

84 MREP Contacts Sandia National Laboratories (SNL, Sandia)-Photovoltaic Program Charles Hanley Debora Ley Ron Pate Elizabeth Richards Michael Ross Telephone: (505) Fax: (505) P.O.Box 5800, MS-0752 Albuquerque, NM USA 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) Fax: (506) Address: 1505 Payne St. Corner Research Dr. and Sam Steel MSC 3 SOL/PO Box Las Cruces NM Winrock International - Clean Energy Group Lilly Ojinaga Chris Rovero Lisa Büttner Telephone: (703) Fax: (703) Centro de Investigación en Energía-Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (CIE-UNAM) Aarón Sánchez Juárez Telephone: (777) ext Fax: (777) Address: Privada Xochicalco S/N Temixco, Morelos Mexico Ecoturismo y Nuevas Tecnologías S.A. de C.V. (EyNT) Arturo Romero Paredes Rubio Telephone: (55 5) Fax: (555) Address: Ruiz Cortines #3-19 Lomas de Atizapan, Atizapan de Zaragoza, Estado de México Mexico

85 Index APPLICATIONS Agricultural 7,18 Communications 7, 11, 19 Distance education 1-2, 7, 24 Domestic 16 Ecotourism 7, 11, Ecological reserves Electrification 22-25, Hybrid 4, 24 Hydropower 7 Ice production 26 Irrigation 18 Lighting 7, Livestock 1, 16 Off-grid 7 Ovens 12 Protected areas management 11, 20, 44 Refrigeration 12, 21, 26 Stand-alone 22 Solar thermal systems 7, 12, 36 Solar water heating 36 Water pumping 1-3, 6, 10, 16, 29, 44, 60, 74 Water purification 7, 8, 28 Wind 4, 21, FINANCING Costs 47 End-user financing 52 FIDEAPECH FMDR 56 Pumping alternatives 47 World Bank/GEF 53 MONITORING 40-42, 45 Data acquisition 30 Xcalak 4 Puerto Lobos 40 Resource assessment 42 MREP Bilateral Agreement for Energy 15, 76 Early days 1 Evaluation 40 Evolution 5 Goals 5 Lessons learned 62, 64 Managers Market 7 Partnerships 2, 8-14 Program overview Project implementation 41 Project replication Results Surveys Trilateral Agreement for Energy 15 PARTNERS American Wind Energy Association 34 ANES 2-3, 10, 12, 36 Applied Power Corporation 13 CFE 2-3, 13, 22 CIE-UNAM 2, 18 CONAE 2, 15, 76 Condumex 4 Conservation Internacional 11, 60, 75 Contacts 80 CORECT 1 DGDR 10 EDUSAT 24 ENSO 50 EPSEA 28 EyNT 4, 20, 24 FIRCO 6, 8-9, 18, 31, 33, 35, 50, 53, 75 FMDR 28, 56 GEF 53, 55 GTER 10, 28, 57, 59, 75 IIE 2-3, 40 Industry 13 ISES 12 LES-UNAM 2 Meridian Associates 2 Nature Conservancy 11, 60, 75 NREL 4, 34 NMSU 2, 4, 5, 9-10, 26-28, 30 PV Technologies Sandia, 1-2, 5-6, 8-13, 15, 20, 24, 30-34, 37, 40, 57, SAGARPA 8 SEP 1, 24 Southwest Windpower 35 SWTDI-NMSU 2, 5, 31, 33, 50 University of Sonora 12, 30 USAID 1, 5, 12, 22, 62, 66 USDOE 1, 5, 12, 22 Winrock 24, 34, 56 World Bank 52-53, 55 World Wildlife Fund 11, 60, 75 PROGRAMS Alianza para el Campo 9, 50, ALCAMPO 55 Drought Program 9 Empleo Temporal 9 FIDEAPECH HOMER 4 La Casa Nueva 15 PROCER 1-5 PRONASOL 4 TRAINING Training Workshops Activity 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 Water pumping 2, 3, 12-13, 44, 62, 64 WEATS 34 Wind 21, Place 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

86 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 USA Telephone: 1 (505) Fax: 1 (505) [email protected] USAID Energy Advisor: Jorge Landa Bonilla U.S. Agency for International Development-Mexico Paseo de la Reforma No. 305 Colonia Cuauhtemoc México D.F. Telephone: extension [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 Telephone: (202) [email protected] or visit the MREP Web Site: