LIMA, Nov. 3, 2026 - Peru's solar photovoltaic generation reached 262 gigawatt-hours (GWh) in August 2026, a 38% increase compared with the same month last year, according to data released by the Ministry of Energy and Mines (MINEM) through its General Directorate of Electricity. The expansion made solar the fastest-growing major generation technology in the country's electricity matrix for the month, outpacing thermal, hydro and wind generation in percentage terms.
The information, released in the document produced by MINEM "Report on Main Indicators of the National Electricity Industry" is indicative of the performance of interconnected national grid (SEIN) and isolated systems as well. Total national electricity production was 5754 GWh in August, 6.1% up compared with the previous year. Thermal generation, with natural gas being its core fuel, was responsible for generating 2989 GWh of electricity, that is 12% more than a year before and 52% of total national generation. Hydropower production increased up to 2214 GWh showing a modest growth of 0.6% while wind generation fell down by 19% down to 289 GWh.
The increase of solar energy production by 38% is just a part of the sustainable tendency towards its rise which is expected to continue until 2026. According to the statistics there was a surge in solar generation of 87% in the first half of the year amounting to 1442 GWh compared to 771 GWh in the same period of the previous year. The majority of the solar energy production is attributed to photovoltaic plants operating in the southern regions of the country.
The growth reflects a project pipeline that has moved from planning into construction and commissioning. MINEM has identified nine large-scale solar projects scheduled for execution between 2026 and 2028, representing a combined investment of US$1.268 billion and 1,420 MW of installed capacity. The largest, the Illa solar plant in Arequipa, carries 396 MW and an investment of US$341.9 million, and had surpassed 90% progress by late October as it moved into testing and progressive integration with the SEIN.
Several other projects have reached or approached commercial operation in recent months. The first phase of the Sunny solar plant in Arequipa, with 204 MW, began commercial operation on Oct. 22. ENGIE Energía Perú inaugurated the 51.7 MW Intipampa Expansion in Moquegua in late October and simultaneously announced the start of construction on the 140.8 MW Hanaqpampa plant, which will include a 15 MW battery energy storage system and represents an investment exceeding US$127 million. The Wayra Solar project has also begun energization and is targeting commercial operation in the final quarter of 2026, at which point connected solar capacity is expected to reach 353.6 MW.
The contrast with wind is sharp. While solar expanded at double-digit rates, wind generation contracted 19% in August, and fell 7% in the first half of 2026. The divergence has narrowed the gap between the two technologies: wind still produced slightly more electricity than solar in August (289 GWh versus 262 GWh), but solar's growth trajectory suggests that margin could close if current trends persist.
The solar power potential of Peru is that of the best-of-class across the entire continent of South America, where it is characterized by irradiation of 5.5-6.5 kWh/m²/day. Nonetheless, solar power and wind energy accounted for only 9.4% of electricity generated in Peru in the 1st half of 2026. For instance, it is far below percentages achieved by Chile (nearly 38%) and Brazil (26.4%), where renewables generated greater shares of energy input. The gap points to the infrastructure constraints that will determine whether solar's generation growth can be sustained: transmission expansion, distribution modernization and battery storage deployment are all identified as pressing needs.
MINEM has framed the solar build-out as part of a broader effort to diversify the generation matrix, reduce emissions and extend electricity access. Deputy Minister of Electricity Francisco Mendoza said Peru's natural conditions allow it to develop "competitive and sustainable" solar projects, adding that renewable investment generates employment and strengthens energy security. For now, the August figures confirm that solar is no longer a marginal contributor to Peru's power system. Whether it becomes a structural pillar will depend on how quickly the grid and storage can keep pace with the panels.
