El Salvador has taken a major step forward in clean and renewable energy generation with the inauguration of the 15 de Septiembre Solar photovoltaic plant, located next to the reservoir of the 15 de Septiembre Hydroelectric Power Plant in Usulután. With 35,000 solar panels and an installed capacity of 21.09 MWp, the project strengthens the country’s energy matrix and contributes to greater stability in electricity supply and tariffs nationwide.
The new solar plant will benefit more than 2 million users across the national power grid and is expected to reduce approximately 20,000 tons of CO₂ emissions per year, supporting a cleaner environment and a safer future for upcoming generations. Its construction generated more than 200 direct jobs, with 20% of the workforce made up of women heads of household.
The facility also includes an educational component, featuring a solar-powered classroom, a technological model, an educational terrace, and a solar robot designed to teach how sunlight is transformed into electricity, helping to cultivate future leaders in the energy sector.
With an investment of $21 million, the project reflects the government’s strategy to modernize the country and promote sustainable development. “This achievement is the result of the effort of a team committed to the well-being of our people and to the vision of President Nayib Bukele to transform our country into a benchmark of sustainability and progress. We will continue advancing along this path with new solar projects, including the third state-owned photovoltaic plant that will take advantage of the Cerrón Grande reservoir,” said Daniel Álvarez, president of CEL.