In neighboring Sonora, there is a major push to increase solar energy capacity. And in the capital, Hermosillo, city leaders are piloting a new program to put solar panels on private homes.

Over the next three years, the city of Hermosillo will help subsidize solar panel installation for 100 homes.

The goal is to focus on households with high energy costs, said Mayor Antonio Astiazarán, who has a business background in renewable energy that some worry could pose a conflict of interest for his planned solar projects.

The program will pay 15% of solar panel installation, and has partnered with the national electricity commission to promise participants at least a 50% discount on their monthly electricity bills.

Astiazarán said the project is part of the city's efforts to address climate change, as well as a way to help families save money.

"Not a single municipality in the country, except Hermosillo, Sonora, offers incentives to install solar panels at homes like this one," he said during a press conference.

He acknowledged that the current 100-home plan is modest, but called it a good start that the city could sustain without major impacts to its budget.

Interested households can apply to be among the first 100 homes in the program through an online portal.