CONACEPE, SOLARMX Alliance Targets Energy Efficiency in Mexico

Mexico’s National Energy and Petrochemical Council (CONACEPE) has signed a commercial and environmental partnership with SOLARMX, a Mexican manufacturer of certified solar water heaters. According to both organizations, the agreement aims to promote energy efficiency, reduce reliance on fossil fuels and support emissions reductions nationwide.

Under the agreement, CONACEPE and SOLARMX will work to accelerate the adoption of solar thermal technology across residential, commercial and industrial applications, with a particular focus on lowering consumption of liquefied petroleum (LP) gas. The initiative positions solar water heating as a practical solution for households seeking to reduce energy costs while contributing to Mexico’s climate and energy transition goals.

CONACEPE representative Horacio Zárate said the agreement  marks a step forward in advancing the energy transition at the household level by replacing conventional fuels with solar energy. “This alliance enables a significant reduction in LP gas consumption through the use of solar water heaters, generating both environmental and economic benefits,” he said.

Zárate added that decarbonization efforts should be supported by diversified energy strategies. “We continue to promote the use of natural gas as a more affordable energy source, with lower costs than LP gas and broader operability for residential, commercial and industrial users across Mexico,” he said.

Beyond solar thermal deployment, Zárate highlighted other sustainability initiatives supported by CONACEPE in recent years. In 2025, he helped advance the development of what was described as Veracruz’s first ecological tire destruction plant. The facility is intended to process end-of-life tires from the state’s 212 municipalities, addressing a long-standing waste management and environmental challenge.

SOLARMX is a 100% Mexican company that manufactures solar water heaters using domestically sourced components. Its products are produced locally and certified for quality and performance, positioning the company as part of Mexico’s growing renewable technology ecosystem focused on domestic manufacturing and energy transition solutions.

Demand for Solar Thermal Energy in Mexico is Expanding 

Solar thermal technology is already playing a growing role in Mexico’s energy transition, particularly amid rising fuel costs, urban pollution and increasing regulatory pressure. “There are many challenges, but also many opportunities,” said Daniel García Valladares, CEO, Mexican company Modulo Solar. “This is a technology that has been adopted across different sectors in interesting ways.”

Currently, about 10% of Mexican households, roughly 3.5 million homes, have solar water heaters installed, according to García. While still a minority, the figure reflects a steady transformation of the built environment, especially in states with high solar irradiation and rising gas prices. “You look at rooftops now and often see solar heaters. That speaks to a huge opportunity,” García said.

Residential adoption, however, represents only part of the market. Mexico has also emerged as a global leader in large-scale industrial solar thermal installations. According to García, the country has more than 200 sizable systems operating in sectors such as pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, and automotive manufacturing, underscoring the growing role of solar heat in industrial processes.