On May 29, 2025, the Ministry of Mines and Energy officially launched the Colombia Solar Program through Decree 0572 of 2025. This initiative marks a milestone in the country’s just energy transition, promoting the use of solar panels for self-generation of electricity, particularly in low-income households (strata 1, 2, and 3).
The program aims to gradually replace traditional subsidies with distributed generation schemes, expanding access to clean energy and reducing dependence on conventional sources.
Colombia Solar is structured around three strategic pillars:
Residential self-generation for vulnerable households.
Solar systems for small businesses, as part of the popular economy.
Promotion of energy communities under collective generation models.
The program will be funded by the National General Budget, with support from multilateral banks, international cooperation, and private sector contributions. The decree also mandates the Energy and Gas Regulatory Commission (CREG) to issue the necessary technical guidelines within three months to enable the program’s implementation.
As part of its first phase, pilot projects have been announced in Cartagena, covering the neighborhoods of Policarpa, Arroz Barato, Villa Rosa, Albornoz, and Puerta de Hierro. These areas will host 1 MW solar farms, benefiting 1,500 families. In addition, the department of Huila will see the installation of 3 kWp solar PV systems in 95 small businesses across six municipalities, with co-financing from the Ministry, FENOGE, and the regional government.