Agricultural self-consumption and agrovoltaics
Table of Contents
What is agrivoltaic or agrovoltaic?
Elevated structures that combine cultivation + energy: protect from excess sun, reduce water stress and generate kWh. Useful in horticultural crops, young vineyards or pastures. We design height, density and separation according to machinery and crop.
Why self-consumption works in the field
- Consumption in hours of sunshine: irrigation, ventilation and greenhouses coincide with PV production.
- Stable cost: you deduct part of the electricity and diesel bill.
- Simple operation: low maintenance and high reliability in rural environments.
- Independence: ideal in farms with weak or remote networks.
Key applications (what generates the most savings)
- Solar pumping for irrigation: wells and ponds direct or with inverter; hybrid grid/diesel option. → /service/solar-pump/solar-pump/
- Greenhouses: ventilation, evaporative cooling, electric heating and lighting.
- Warehouses and farms: lighting, milking, fencing, compressors, irrigation huts.
- Refrigeration and preservation: fruit/vegetable chambers, milk and cutting rooms.
- Agri-food transformation: oil mills, cheese dairies, dryers, mills, bottling.
- Water points and solar pergolas: useful shades and kWh in patios/parking lots.
Modalities and when to choose each one
| Modality | When it fits | Practical note |
|---|---|---|
| Direct pumping | spring-summer daytime irrigation | the “king” of savings; add raft to buffer schedules |
| Grid connected with surplus | ≤ ~100 kW in LV, daytime consumption | compensates for midday; sizing for self-consumption |
| Connected without surplus (anti-spill) | sensitive network or contract that requires it | fast processing; avoids over-sizing |
| Isolated / hybrid | off-grid or very weak grid | may require batteries and group support |
| With batteries | evening/night watering, continuous cooling | increases % useful and allows peak-shaving if there are penalties |
How much agricultural self-consumption saves
In well-dimensioned farms it is usual to reduce ~50% of the annual electricity cost; with high radiation and batteries it can reach 60-80%.
| application | typical power | % coverage without / with battery |
|---|---|---|
| pumping 1-2 pumps | 15-60 kWp | 60-85% / 70-95% |
| medium greenhouse | 20-80 kWp | 50-75% / 65-90% |
| cold chambers | 30-150 kWp | 40-65% / 65-90% |
How we implement it (step by step)
Grants and financing
We take care of the application and justification so that you get paid without losing your campaign.
- Regional programs (PRTR/REPower EU funds and irrigation modernization).
- Municipal bonuses: IBI and ICIO according to ordinance.
- PPA model (on-site, without investment) or EPC (ownership from day 1).
Our projects
- Equivalent to plant 1.000 mature trees
- Equivalent to plant 260 mature trees
Frequently Asked Questions
Direct pumping or with batteries?
Direct pumping is the most cost effective. If you irrigate late/evening, consider a reservoir or battery to displace energy.
What if my farm does not have a good network?
We make isolated or hybrid systems with support group. In connected, the anti-shift allows “no surplus”.
How is it maintained?
Cleaning 1-2 times/year (more in powder), tightening and electrical checks. We monitor for performance drops.
Is it possible to combine cultivation and panels?
Yes, with agrivoltaica: elevated structures, machinery passage and orientation that does not penalize the crop.
When does the battery compensate?
If there is evening/night watering, continuous cold or you want to stabilize power. We decide with your load curve.