Renewable energy adoption grows through net metering programs

The adoption of solar panels is increasing within the electrical sector, with 24,343 users enrolled in net metering programs (PMN) as of August 31, 2026, according to data from the National Energy Commission (CNE).

Installed capacity has reached 556 megawatts (MW), growing from nearly zero in 2011 to 93 MW in 2018. The industrial sector leads the capacity distribution with 67%, followed by residential users at 23% and the commercial sector at 15%. Geographically, Edenorte accounts for 308 MWp, Edesur for 163 MWp, and Edeeste for 85 MWp.

The net metering program provides a legal and regulatory framework allowing individuals, businesses, and industries to install solar panels on their properties and inject surplus electricity back into the grid, reducing or eliminating the need to purchase conventional electricity.