Mexican business owner recognized in China for promoting solar energy

Mexican company Girasolve Energy has gained international recognition, being awarded fourth place in the Huawei World’s Best Installer Contest held in China, which had delegations from over 100 countries. 

Luis Plata, co-founder and CEO of the company specializing in energy generation, storage, and management through solar panels, said the award was presented during the second edition of the Global Installer Summit, organized by Huawei’s solar division. 

The Mexican delegation, which included about 30 companies, was represented in the competition solely by Girasolve Energy, which was selected by Huawei. 

Plata, 30, presented the company’s proposal to an international jury, whose final evaluation combined real-time public voting with the judges’ deliberations, many of whom were from China. 

“(Girasolve Energy) is a company founded on a passion for sustainability and innovation. We’re a group of people committed to making solar energy the main source of energy in Mexico,” said the graduate of the EGADE Business School’s Specialization in Energy Management program. 

While studying engineering in 2015, Plata and three friends decided to start a company. 

The original idea—from which the name Girasolve comes—was to create solar panels that would track the sun to maximize energy production, just like sunflowers do (which are called girasoles in Spanish). 

According to Plata, one of the company’s current differentiators is that it offers three types of solar systems: interconnected (with CFE’s national grid), hybrid (with battery backup), and autonomous (off-grid, used in rural areas).  

Plata, who is currently studying for a Master’s in Finance at EGADE Business School, said that all components, from panels to structures and batteries, are evaluated at international fairs to ensure quality. 

Their customers range from households to commercial chains, including the industrial sector, whom they provide with tailor-made solutions for operations that require a reliable and uninterrupted power supply. 

Among the most recent developments is a solar mobile home, initially designed for exhibitions but with practical applications in mining, construction, fishing, and camping.  

Plata was directly invited by Huawei to participate in its contest in Dongguan, China. 

Although the competition included larger, more established companies, he believes that factors such as rapid growth, compliance with international standards, and certifications from companies such as Tesla influenced his success. 

Plata valued the experience not only for the result but also for the opportunity to receive direct feedback from the international community. 

“We don’t just want to see how we’re doing in Mexico; we want to be evaluated according to global standards.” 

Currently, one of Girasolve Energy’s main challenges is to maintain its growth rate while ensuring order and standardization, said its CEO. 

Therefore, its short-term priority is to strengthen internal processes to offer excellent service regardless of the volume of projects. 

The company plans to expand nationwide in the medium term, with a physical presence in cities such as Guadalajara, Mexico City, and the Yucatan Peninsula.  

Although they have already implemented projects in different parts of the country, they now aim to establish local offices and operation centers. 

The company’s vision is long-term, sustainable growth that does not sacrifice quality or the values on which it was founded, Luis highlights when emphasizing the importance of bringing this clean and reliable energy option to more homes, businesses, and industries. 

Reflecting on the journey so far, Plata points out that today’s customers are better informed, more environmentally aware, and more committed to climate action. 

“In the past, you had to explain what a panel was. Today, many arrive with their calculations done and know how many they need. 

He shared a final message with those who wish to become impact entrepreneurs, reflecting on something that has guided him throughout his career: there are no shortcuts. 

“Whatever you do, enjoy it. If you’re not passionate enough, you’ll give up when the sacrifice is high. If you’re passionate about it, you’ll find the discipline to stick with it.”