Diseño teórico de granja solar para generación de energía en Taxisco, Santa Rosa

Abstract

Este trabajo de investigación plantea el diseño teórico de una granja solar fotovoltaica de 5 MWp en Taxisco, Santa Rosa, Guatemala, con el objetivo de evaluar su factibilidad técnica y viabilidad económica. El documento contextualiza la urgencia climática y el bajo aprovechamiento de la energía solar en la matriz eléctrica guatemalteca, proponiendo una solución que integra el dimensionamiento del sistema, requerimientos civiles y análisis financiero. La metodología incluye verificación en sitio, caracterización climática, selección tecnológica y cálculo de volúmenes de obra civil mediante software especializado. El análisis económico evalúa indicadores como VAN y TIR para determinar la viabilidad del proyecto.

This research study sets out the theoretical design of a 5 MWp photovoltaic solar farm in Taxisco, Santa Rosa, Guatemala, with the aim of assessing its technical feasibility and economic viability. The document contextualizes the climate emergency and the low utilization of solar energy within Guatemala’s electricity generation mix, and it proposes a replicable solution that combines system sizing, civil engineering requirements, and a financial prefeasibility analysis. The methodology integrates (i) on-site verification, (ii) climatic characterization using global databases (e.g., NASA, Global Solar Atlas), (iii) technology selection (modules, inverters, etc.), and adaptation to site-specific characteristics (temperature, available area). On the civil front, it considers topographic delineation, cut-and-fill volume calculations supported by specialized software (Autodesk Civil 3D), and the planning of internal roads for construction, operation, and maintenance, in accordance with the standards established in the Central American Manual of Standards for Geometric Road Design, thus ensuring trafficability and performance. The economic analysis estimates the initial investment, models revenue from electricity sales, and evaluates financial indicators (NPV, IRR) against a reference minimum acceptable rate of return (MARR), as well as incorporating sensitivity analysis with percentage variations of selected variables. Expected results include the required land area, the number and type of modules and inverters, the annual energy production, and a conclusion regarding the project’s economic attractiveness. Overall, the study provides a practical guide to foster new solar investments in Guatemala.