Financial Feasibility of Solar Infrastructure for Small and Medium Sized Farmers and Pecan Nuts Producers in Delicias, Chihuahua

Abstract

The production and sustainability of electrical energy has become increasingly important in the development of all human activities. Of the many human activities that are essential to ensure their sustainability, agricultural production is the most vital, since accessibility to food is one of the greatest achievements in which humanity has been able to advance. With the vision of directing Mexico's agricultural activity to the energy vanguard, this study represents an action research on the feasibility of implementing sustainable forms of energy production such as solar panels in communities of small and medium farmers in the region of Delicias, Chihuahua, Mexico. To this end, a field study was conducted with producers in the region to evaluate the financial costs and infrastructure needed for the implementation of solar panels. The respective analysis yielded results that showed that it is not very feasible for producers to invest in solar panels that can store and conduct solar energy for the generation of energy needed in the photovoltaic pumping for irrigation of vegetables and walnuts in the region due to the high initial investment costs they require, as well as a rate of return on investment that ranges between 9% and 13% after 20 months. In conclusion, it is currently evident that market competitiveness and long-term sustainability of energy resources remain as dichotomous concepts, which makes it imperative to continue studying the possibilities of building bridges to ensure a sustainable future for farming communities in Mexico.