Capture more value from your RECs and accelerate the energy transition

Apr 15

3 min read

In our Popular RECs series, we’ve explored how Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) can generate additional income and what it takes to register and sell them. In this third installment, we look at how to maximize their value and stand out in a growing market.

While every REC certifies the generation of 1 MWh of renewable energy, not all REC transactions deliver the same impact. Here are three key factors that help ensure RECs contribute to a faster and more inclusive energy transition:

Pricing that justifies registration and encourages new projects.
RECs linked to projects with high social and environmental impact.
Strong operational practices that differentiate developers.

REC prices are rising in Mexico and that accelerates the energy transition

In Mexico, REC prices have increased significantly, from USD $1.0–$1.50 a year ago to current offers of up to $3.7 per REC. At this level, developers have a real incentive to certify and sell their RECs. A market with fair, sustainable prices enables developers to:

Install more renewable energy capacity.
Improve operations and maintenance services.
Strengthen the financial sustainability of their projects.

For buyers, paying a price that benefits developers means they’re actively supporting the energy transition. Today, a 500 kWp distributed solar site that used to generate $700 annually in RECs can now generate around $2,590 (before costs). This can start moving the needle for developers who want to grow.

You can sell your RECs at a premium if they have social and environmental impact

Many companies purchase RECs not only to meet their Scope 2 goals, but also to support projects that positively impact the communities where they operate. There are buyers paying up to $30 for them, which in countries like Mexico is 10 times the price of a traditional REC. Examples of high-impact RECs include:

RECs generated by projects in schools, hospitals, or nonprofit organizations, where clean energy improves quality of life and reduces operational costs.
RECs from regions where the grid still relies heavily on fossil fuels, where new clean energy projects have a higher emissions reduction potential.
RECs from underserved regions, areas with unreliable grids, or remote locations.

These RECs tend to fetch better prices because they channel financing where it’s most needed. As a developer, this additional income may make the difference between installing a project in a high impact site versus holding off.

Differentiate as a REC generator and sell your RECs at a better price

Beyond project type and pricing, buyers are increasingly paying attention to who develops and operates solar sites. Not all developers are the same; and those with strong practices have a real competitive edge. At Popular Power, we’ve developed an innovative framework to evaluate developers across seven key categories. A few examples include:

Community engagement: Relationships with local communities and direct project benefits.
Waste management: Reduction, recycling, and responsible material disposal strategies.
Labor practices: Fair working conditions, equity, and worker safety.

These practices not only improve project impact, but also help unlock premium pricing and attract top-tier buyers.

It’s time to position yourself in a market that’s evolving

The REC market is evolving. Beyond certifying clean energy, RECs are now a tool to channel financing toward projects that create economic value, social impact, and operational excellence. For developers, this is a real opportunity to generate sustainable income and boost competitiveness.

At Popular Power, we work closely with our clients to assess their portfolios, help them capture better prices, highlight their impact, and prepare for a market that rewards those who do things right. Our goal: to drive a more equitable, inclusive, and financially viable energy transition.

¿Interested in exploring more? Contact us stephanie@popularpower.io