Rafael Calleja

Mexican engineer revolutionizing urban mobility with solar-powered public transit

Rafael Calleja is the founder of Eco Solar Solutions, a Mexico-based company pioneering solar-powered public transportation systems. Born in 1978, Calleja developed the first fully solar-powered bus system in Latin America, deployed in Puebla City in 2016. His innovation reduces carbon emissions by 80% compared to traditional diesel buses while maintaining operational efficiency in Mexico's variable climate conditions.

Calleja's hybrid solar storage system uses graphene batteries that store energy captured by rooftop solar panels and onboard photovoltaic panels. This technology allows buses to operate 24/7 with zero emissions, achieving 95% energy efficiency. His company has since expanded to install solar charging stations in 15 Mexican cities, reducing public transport emissions by over 120,000 tons annually.

In 2021, Calleja launched the Solar Taxi Program, providing taxi drivers with solar-electric vehicles at no upfront cost through a revenue-sharing model. This initiative has converted 3,500 taxis in Mexico City to zero-emission vehicles while improving driver incomes by 20%. His work inspired similar programs in Colombia and Peru, creating a regional network of solar-powered transport hubs.

Calleja's innovations were recognized with the UN Sustainable Transport Award in 2019 and a International Energy Agency innovation grant in 2022. His current focus is developing solar-powered ferries for the Yucatan Peninsula's coastal communities, addressing both transportation and climate resilience challenges.