AGROVOLTAICS

A little more about it

Agrovoltaic energy, a term coined in 1982 by Goetzberger and Zastrow, emerged as an innovative proposal to modify solar power plants and allow for additional crop production on the same land. This pioneering approach was inspired by the idea of combining renewable energy generation with traditional agriculture, thus maximizing land use and providing both economic and environmental benefits.

However, despite the early conceptualization of agrovoltaics, practical implementation took nearly three decades to materialize in various pilot projects. During this time, technological advances in photovoltaic system design and an understanding of the agricultural benefits of shade generated by solar panels eventually led to successful initiatives worldwide.

Today, agrovoltaic energy has become an innovative and sustainable solution that integrates solar energy generation with agricultural production, offering an efficient way to utilize land and promoting income diversification for farmers. At Watt Energia, we promote this approach because it not only contributes to energy and food security but also represents a significant step toward a more sustainable and resilient future.

What is the process for constructing an agrovoltaic installation?

01

Pre-feasibility Study:

The preliminary viability of the project is assessed, considering aspects such as the availability of suitable land, solar radiation, legal considerations, and initial costs.

02

Feasibility Study:

A detailed study of financial, technical, legal, and environmental aspects is conducted. This includes more precise analyses of design, costs, and potential impacts.

03

Detailed Engineering:

Specific plans and designs for the solar plant are developed, defining the layout of panels, the distribution of inverters, and the connection to the electrical grid, among other technical details

04

Construction of the Plant:

The physical construction of the solar park begins, including site preparation, installation of panels and equipment, as well as connection to the electrical grid if necessary.

05

Commissioning:

Tests and adjustments are carried out to ensure that all systems work correctly and comply with regulations. The safety and efficiency of the plant are verified.

06

Operation and Maintenance Plan:

A plan is established to operate and maintain the plant throughout its useful life. This includes regular maintenance, production monitoring, fault repairs, and other tasks to ensure optimal performance.

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Benefits of creating an agrovoltaic installation:

In this era of transition towards a more sustainable future, solar parks are emerging as a crucial piece in the puzzle of clean and renewable energy.

Optimización del terreno

Optimization of Land Use

Combining agriculture and solar energy generation on the same land maximizes its utility and productivity.

Diversificación

Income Diversification

Landowners can earn additional income from both agricultural production and the sale of electricity generated by solar panels.

Reducción de conflictos

Reduction of Land Use Conflicts

By integrating agriculture and solar energy, potential conflicts over land use are reduced, as both purposes can be achieved on the same space.

Eficencia energética

Increased Energy Efficiency

The shade provided by solar panels can help reduce water evaporation and maintain a more stable soil temperature, which can improve agricultural production efficiency.

Resilencia climática

Climate Resilience

Agrovoltaic systems can help mitigate the impacts of climate change by providing a renewable energy source while also protecting crops from extreme weather conditions.

Beneficios ambientales

Environmental Benefits

The combination of agriculture and solar energy promotes more sustainable farming practices by reducing reliance on fossil fuels and encouraging the use of clean, renewable energy.

Desarollo rural

Rural Development

Agrovoltaic parks can contribute to the economic development of rural communities by creating local jobs and improving energy infrastructure.

Promoción Biodiversidad

Promotion of Biodiversity

The combination of crops and the creation of additional habitats in cultivated areas can foster biodiversity and the health of the local ecosystem.

We take care of everything

1
Trayectoria Track record
2
Instalación personalizada Customized installation
3
Subvenciones, ayudas y bonificacionesGrants, subsidies, and incentives
4
Opciones de pago Payment options

Track record

With over a decade of experience, our team of engineers and installers provides you with a comprehensive, turnkey service of the highest quality.

Customized installation

We understand that each company is unique, which is why our team of engineers will study your case and provide an installation tailored to your needs and consumption levels, anticipating potential changes.

Grants, subsidies, and incentives

Your company can benefit from grants for the use of photovoltaic solar energy under the Next Generation program, as well as reductions in property taxes (IBI). At Watt Energía, we handle the collection and administration of all documentation so you can leave the paperwork to us.

Payment options

At Watt Energia, we offer our clients the possibility to finance the installation for up to 15 years. You can also choose a leasing or Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with no initial investment and no amortization period, so you start saving from day one.

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Do you need any additional information? We are here to help.

How does an agrovoltaic system work?
An agrovoltaic system involves the installation of solar panels elevated above agricultural land. Crops grow underneath the panels, which are designed to allow sufficient sunlight to reach the plants while generating electricity.

Does agrovoltaics have environmental benefits?
Yes, agrovoltaics can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions by generating clean energy, decreasing the need for food transportation, and promoting sustainable farming practices.

Is maintenance required for an agrovoltaic installation?
Yes, maintenance for an agrovoltaic solar installation is essential to ensure performance and proper functioning, helping the system operate efficiently and maximize energy production. Maintenance is crucial because it:
  • Helps maximize solar energy production..
  • Ensures the proper operation of the photovoltaic solar system.
  • Prolongs the lifespan of the solar panels.

What type of warranties does my agrovoltaic installation offer?
We provide a comprehensive 5-year warranty. This includes an annual production guarantee of 90% for installations with sales or surplus compensation, along with a maintenance contract.

Is there a limit to the power I can install in an agrovoltaic system?
There is no established maximum limit for installed power, as this factor will depend on the specific needs of your business and the available space.

What happens with the excess energy I produce?
To maximize the use of excess energy from your solar photovoltaic system, you can consider different options:

Compensation: If your installation has a capacity of less than 100 kW, you can opt for surplus compensation. The excess energy is fed into the grid, and your electricity provider will pay you for it at an agreed price. This amount is deducted from your monthly bill but cannot exceed the total bill. The compensation price is usually lower than the price you pay for consumed energy, as it is based on wholesale market rates and does not include additional charges like fees and electricity taxes.

Direct Sale of Energy to the Grid: For installations with a capacity greater than 100 kW, such as industrial setups, surplus compensation is not an option. In these cases, the excess energy is sold directly to the grid. This requires a specific contract with the energy provider and, in some cases, a special license. The revenue generated depends on the market price of the energy.

Installation of Physical Batteries: You can choose to install physical batteries in your system. These batteries store excess energy for use when needed, such as during the night or on cloudy days. This option provides greater control over your energy supply and reduces dependence on the grid.

Virtual Battery: If the economic value of your surplus in a month exceeds the economic value of your consumption, according to self-consumption regulations, it is lost. However, some providers offer a virtual battery option. In this case, the excess energy not compensated is "stored" in a virtual account and can be used in later months when consumption is higher. This option allows better utilization of generated energy and is usually subject to a fixed monthly fee.

Opt-Out of Surplus Export: Another option is to configure your installation to not export excess energy to the grid. This can be feasible in industrial installations where grid access is limited or surpluses are minimal. In this case, the excess energy is simply not used, which may result in a loss of potential energy.