The Agrovoltaic is the integration of agriculture with production solar energy use of solar panels. According to its defenders, this is a way to increase profits while significantly reducing the impact on the landscape of the exploitation of this renewable energy source.
Although several pilot projects are underway in Spanish fields, there are still some ‘dark points’ in this area. Among those who highlight the reluctance of farmers to adopt this system and the legal loopholes in the legislation
Example of agrovoltaic energy: Winesolar in Toledo
In Castilian lands and on the banks of the Tagus there is a vineyard plantation of an enterprising company: Winesolar. The agronomist Miguel Tejerina is the pioneer who developed the project, where the solar panels are strategically placed between the vines so that the radiation reaching the vines is significantly reduced, while producing clean energy.
Contrary to the majority opinion in the agricultural sector that solar energy can pose a threat to the health of the population environmentTejerina has launched the Winesolar project and defends that it is a real success.
Other defenders of this system also believe this and argue that the exploitation of photovoltaic energy is an opportunity for the countryside and not a problem. And especially on dry land, really significant profitability can be achieved because it can be produced while generating income from solar energy.
We need renewable energy sources
The reality of the country indicates that summers will become increasingly drier and longer. This means that there will be an excess of radiation from which the cultivated plants will not be able to benefit, so combining crops with the installation of photovoltaic panels can be a very profitable decision. The plates prevent some of the water evaporation, lower the soil temperature and provide shade for vegetables.
Apparently there is a ‘bad image’ attached to the installation of photovoltaic solar panels, because they cause visual impairments and have an impact on the landscape. That’s why the Agrovoltaic It is a way to demystify this point and demonstrate that it is feasible to make both activities compatible and profitable. In fact, there are several studies that confirm this point of view and encourage the development of this practice.
Agrovoltaic energy against loopholes in legislation
Although several studies have been conducted, there are still few practical cases. So we have to keep working on it so that these options multiply. But the Agrovoltaic Today it is confronted with a major obstacle, namely the legal vacuum.
For example, within the CAP there is no clear definition of how this would affect these projects. Therefore, those subsidized by this plan do not want to risk losing aid by betting on projects from Agrovoltaic.
For these technologies to become a success, they must be taken seriously, legislated for, the results of pilot experiences explained to farmers and given the tools and guarantees necessary to implement this type of work to trust and bet on it. .
Positive experiences
In the municipality of Guadamur, González Byass and Grupo Emperador are working on a project together with Iberdrola Agrovoltaic. Solar panels have been placed on the land where the vines used to produce cognac are grown and through the use of AI (artificial intelligence) algorithms, the optimal position of each module is calculated, with the aim of controlling the shade given to the vines every day. Although the results are still preliminary, they are still extremely encouraging, both in terms of grape size and alcohol content.
Those who bet on these experiences of Agrovoltaic Remember, we suffer the consequences of global warming which makes the harvests very clearly visible. Therefore, the installation of these honeycombs, which not only produce energy from a renewable and clean source, but also protect crops from the relentless attack of the sun’s rays, is an excellent idea. What makes the Agrovoltaic a highly effective way to combat the climate crisis we face.