Ecuador Inaugurates Largest Privately Owned Solar Power Plant
The 82 MW Faro de San Marcos facility strengthens Ecuador's renewable energy infrastructure.
1New Solar Capacity Milestone
Lighthouse, a subsidiary of Difare Group, officially inaugurated the 82 MW Faro de San Marcos solar plant on November 5. Located in Baños de San Vicente, Santa Elena, this facility stands as Ecuador's largest operational, privately owned solar installation. It utilizes over 105,000 bifacial solar modules across 49.3 hectares of land.
2Technical Specifications and Output
The project features fixed-tilt, dual-slope mounting structures alongside string inverters and transformer stations. With an installed capacity exceeding the initial 75 MW target, the plant is expected to generate approximately 106 GWh of electricity annually. This output is sufficient to meet the yearly consumption needs of around 15,000 local households.
3Investment and Construction Timeline
The first phase of the project required a $50 million investment and was completed in just eight months. Construction activities employed an average of 400 workers throughout the process. Commercial operations commenced ahead of the original schedule, which had previously targeted a commissioning date in the first quarter of 2027.
4Corporate Energy Sourcing Model
Electricity generated by the plant is delivered through the state-owned Corporación Nacional de Electricidad distribution network. Initial corporate customers include retail chains Tía and Corporación El Rosado, alongside Difare. This model allows these companies to source renewable energy directly from the grid without needing to install individual PV systems on-site.
5Future Expansion and Growth
Following the successful launch, Difare Group Executive Chairman Carlos Cueva Mejía announced plans for a subsequent project on adjacent land. This planned expansion carries an estimated investment of $80 million. Lighthouse Península, established in 2024, continues to pursue further solar development opportunities to capitalize on the growing domestic renewable market.
6Regional Renewable Energy Context
The commissioning of Faro de San Marcos follows the recent start of the 65 MW Río de Oro Energy plant in the same province. That project, developed by GPS Group, represents a $50 million investment and generates 90 GWh annually. These developments highlight a rapid increase in private renewable energy activity.
7Government Policy and Market Drivers
Ecuador is actively accelerating private investment in renewables to mitigate the impact of widespread electricity shortages experienced in 2024. In August 2025, the government authorized 643 MW of private projects, including both solar and hydropower. This initiative includes 464.6 MW of self-generation capacity for corporate consumers with surplus electricity sales options.
8National Solar Capacity Trends
National solar capacity has seen significant growth, rising from approximately 84 MW in 2024 to 131.35 MW by the end of 2025. The addition of the 82 MW Faro de San Marcos plant represents a substantial leap in this trajectory. These efforts aim to stabilize the national grid against future energy supply volatility.
Original article: pv magazine — Ecuador Inaugurates Largest Privately Owned Solar Power Plant