Overview
Trinidad / Marquez is an 18 MW solar PV facility in El Salvador. The plant contributes to the country's renewable energy capacity, supporting grid stability and clean energy goals.
Trinidad / Marquez is a solar photovoltaic (PV) power plant located in El Salvador, with an installed capacity of 18 megawatts. The facility is operational and plays a role in diversifying the nation's energy mix, which has historically relied on hydropower and fossil fuels. As a medium-scale solar installation, it aligns with El Salvador's efforts to expand non-hydro renewable energy sources. The plant operates under El Salvador's regulatory framework for renewable energy, which includes incentives such as tax exemptions and net metering for solar projects. The country has set a target to generate 100% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030, and facilities like Trinidad / Marquez contribute to this goal. Solar PV technology is well-suited to El Salvador's tropical climate, with high solar irradiation levels throughout the year. Environmentally, the plant helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions by displacing fossil fuel-based generation. Solar PV installations have minimal water consumption and low operational emissions, though they require land use and can impact local ecosystems if not sited carefully. The facility's location near the coast may also benefit from consistent sunlight, supporting grid integration and energy security.
Environmental context
El Salvador's tropical climate provides high solar irradiation, making solar PV a viable renewable energy source. The plant's land use may affect local habitats, but solar farms generally have lower ecological impact compared to fossil fuel extraction. The facility supports national climate goals by reducing reliance on imported fossil fuels and lowering carbon emissions.
Frequently asked questions
The Trinidad / Marquez solar PV plant is located in El Salvador, near the coast at coordinates 13.5790 N, -89.7970 W.
The Trinidad / Marquez solar plant has an installed capacity of 18 megawatts (MW), making it a medium-scale solar facility.
The plant uses solar photovoltaic (PV) technology to convert sunlight directly into electricity.
El Salvador aims to generate 100% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030, supported by policies like tax incentives and net metering for solar projects.
Solar PV reduces greenhouse gas emissions, lowers water consumption compared to thermal plants, and decreases reliance on imported fossil fuels, supporting energy independence.