It was in 2011 when we first heard the term “agrovoltaic” whose system allows combining solar energy and agriculture on the same surface. In many regions, land areas to install photovoltaic structures are scarce and therefore, combining them with agriculture is a smart way to make the most of land resources with sustainable development.
At Praxia Energy we are oriented to the manufacture of solutions for sustainable development, so the new trend that is taking place of “agrovoltaic” projects that make agriculture compatible with photovoltaic generation, fit 100% in our strategy. For this reason, we develop two lines of activity: one regarding the manufacture of photovoltaic structures and the other, vine poles and their components for mechanized agriculture. The attractiveness of these projects has led us to work in the engineering and manufacturing area in order to specialize in offering optimized solutions.
AGROVOLTAIC STRUCTURES
By agrovoltaic structure we understand fixed photovoltaic (PV) installations on the same land as an existing crop. With this type of facilities, it is intended that the structures do not hinder agricultural tasks and occupy as little land as possible.
It may be thought that the installation of photovoltaic structures in farmland can affect them, but the truth is that they achieve greater maintenance of humidity in the field and can be used to help fix anti-hail meshes. Of course, the particularities of each crop must always be taken into account to install the appropriate photovoltaic structures and ensure that sufficient light reaches both the panels and the plants – direct from the sun and / or diffused.
At Praxia, we are already working on this by creating higher structures and lower PV density between rows than if there were no crops. This means an access to more land with a lower cost of operations by making it compatible with agriculture.
WHAT ADVANTAGES DOES THE AGROVOLTAICA OFFER?
This type of facility is efficient and profitable for both activities, but this is just one of the many advantages of combining agriculture with photovoltaic structures.
- Protection against excess insolation, hail or maintenance of humidity, among others.
- A second function as a support for anti-bird or anti-hail nets.
- Efficient land use.
- Stability in power supply.
At Praxia we know that to achieve a higher yield it is necessary to optimize the choice of the type of crop and make it compatible with the chosen structural solution. For this reason, we help you find the most appropriate solution for your project.
Our CEO, Pablo Cuesta, answers the question “Can photovoltaic generation and agriculture be reconciled on the same plot of land?” in the next video.