Latin America is fast-tracking its transition to clean energy, with China emerging as a strategic technological ally. Companies like LONGi, Solis, and Pylontech are already developing solar projects across the region, which is expected to experience up to 15% growth in 2025, according to experts at the Future Energy Summit.
This annual growth is part of a larger trend: South America is projected to expand its photovoltaic capacity to 160 gigawatts (GW) by 2034, according to energy consultancy Wood Mackenzie.
“Solar energy in Central America and the Caribbean is going through an unprecedented growth phase, driven by favorable government policies, declining technology costs, and the need for greater energy independence,” said Solis CTO Sergio Rodríguez, speaking to over 500 industry leaders gathered at the summit.
Brazil and Chile to Lead Regional Solar Deployment
Brazil and Chile are expected to dominate solar capacity expansion, accounting for 78% of installations, particularly in small-scale projects (under 5 megawatts).
Opportunities and Obstacles in Latin America’s Solar Future
The opportunity to scale solar energy across Latin America arises amid serious challenges: overloaded grids, poor infrastructure, and regulatory hurdles have led to extended blackouts in countries like Colombia, Ecuador, Chile, and the Dominican Republic.
In response, the Dominican Republic has proposed a national goal for 25% of energy to come from renewables, with a target of 30% by 2030.
Other Central American countries—including Honduras, Panama, and Nicaragua—are also making notable progress. With the backing of Asian financing, their solar markets could grow over 20% this year, helping electrify rural areas and reduce dependency on fossil fuels.
Energy Storage: The Next Frontier
Rodríguez stressed that energy storage adoption is essential to overcome the challenge of energy curtailment in South America. He noted that companies like Solis are becoming key enablers of solar systems with efficient storage capabilities.
Chile exemplifies the paradox: the country has abundant solar resources but suffers from fragile electrical infrastructure, limiting its potential. “There’s an urgent need to strengthen the security and resilience of its national power system,” Rodríguez warned.
He added that Solis is scaling up its operations in Chile, offering a robust, high-output inverter network to maintain its status as the preferred solution for utility-scale photovoltaic plants.
In addition, Solis is also developing decentralized storage solutions for residences and small businesses in Chile to counteract blackout risks, reinforcing the role of solar + storage as a viable pathway for energy reliability.
