Guatemala updates regulations for distributed solar up to 5 MW

Guatemala’s National Electric Energy Commission (CNEE) has issued Resolution CNEE-230-2026, establishing a new technical standard for the connection, operation, control and commercialization of renewable distributed generation.

The standard applies to renewable distributed-generation plants with a net capacity of up to 5 MW that inject electricity into the distribution system. The CNEE said the update reflects the growth of distributed generation and the technical and operational evolution of the grids since the previous regulation, Resolution CNEE-227-2014, was approved.

Key changes include a connection procedure with defined timelines, covering the process from the request for a capacity and connection assessement (DCC) to plant commissioning. Distribution companies must provide digital tools that allow developers to track the status of applications and access information on potentially affected grids. The CNEE must be able to audit these systems.

The regulation also introduces a “Management Order,” based on the date and time when a connection application is declared complete and valid. This order will help determine the allocation of and responsibility for costs related to grid expansions or modifications required for interconnection.

Distribution companies must also publish an indicative grid-capacity map for renewable distributed generation every six months. The maps must identify areas with congestion, saturation or technical constraints, as well as areas where new distributed generation could reduce losses, relieve loads or improve service quality. The maps are for reference only and are not binding.

The standard introduces the concept of an “Affected System,” defined as the portion of the transmission system that could be affected by connecting a plant to the distribution grid. In such cases, the transmission system operator may participate in the technical assessment and determine any necessary modifications. Developers must cover, where applicable, the costs of expansions or modifications to the affected system, as well as any applicable tariffs.

On technical requirements, projects must comply with IEEE 1547 for the interconnection of distributed energy resources. Inverters must demonstrate compliance with UL 1741 or an equivalent IEC standard.

The regulation also establishes a dispute-resolution procedure before the CNEE and allows the regulator to order corrective measures or disconnect a power plant if its operation could compromise the safety, quality or continuity of electricity supply.

Resolution CNEE-230-2026 will enter into force on Aug. 17, 2026. Projects already in the application process may continue under the previous provisions unless developers expressly request to adopt the new regime. Distribution companies will have 60 days from the effective date to implement the new procedures and digital tools. Until the digital platform becomes available, physical applications may be submitted through July 31, 2027.

According to CNEE data, Guatemala had 161.7 MW of renewable distributed generation (GDR) connected to distribution grids at the end of 2024. Hydropower accounted for 98.9 MW, followed by solar PV with 49 MW, biomass with 8 MW and biogas with 5.9 MW. Guatemalan regulations define GDR as renewable power plants with a capacity of up to 5 MW connected to distribution grids.

In addition, 12,002 “Self-Producers with Energy Surpluses” (UAEE), a separate regulatory category, accounted for 96.3 MW. Of this capacity, 52.63 MW was connected to the EEGSA grid, 28.47 MW to the Deorsa grid and 15.23 MW to the Deocsa grid.

Together, the two categories represented approximately 258 MW of capacity connected to distribution networks at the end of 2024. The CNEE, however, reports renewable distributed-generation facilities and self-producers with energy surpluses as separate categories.