Ecuador Solar Lighting System

As presented in the research, 5.56% of the total electrical energy consumed in Ecuador in 2019 corresponds to public lighting systems. This becomes a strategic component of the Ecuadorian electrical system. LOSPEE establishes clear responsibilities for the state's competence in the public lighting service in Ecuador.

Nowadays, 5.56% of the energy generated in Ecuador is destined to the public lighting service. In 2019, 1382.14 GWh were destined to public lighting. For the next ten years, according to the Electricity Master Plan, an increase of 534,076 new points of light is foreseen.

State policy The Organic Law of the Public Service of Electrical Energy claims that the Ecuadorian State has the duty and responsibility to provide the general public lighting service through the Central Government. The Ministry of Electricity and Renewable Energy, MEER, as a planning entity, defines and applies the policies.

All public lighting projects in Ecuador that require financing are approved annually by ARCONEL, in accordance with ARCONEL Regulation 06/18 “Provision of the General Public Lighting Service”, ( ARCONEL, 2020k ).

The Ecuadorian public lighting system has grown rapidly, with an average annual rate of 5.6% over the last years. Until 2019, the system has 1,641,680 luminaires with a total installed power of 266,923 kW. (See Fig. 3 ). The growth in the last 10 years is 65.21% ( MTOP, 2020 ). Fig. 3. Number of luminaires per year in Ecuador.

The energy supply and its component, the public lighting service, are considered a strategic sector of the country, their main indicator is nominal installed power 8685.01 MW. The sources of generation are observed in Table 2. Table 2. Electricity generation services in Ecuador.