Agrivoltaic Systems – Photovoltaic Energy Integration in Agriculture
Agrivoltaic systems represent an innovative solution that combines agricultural production with photovoltaic energy generation, optimizing land use and promoting sustainability. At Grupo IEP, we design and install agrivoltaic structures that integrate solar panels into farming and livestock operations—enhancing production efficiency, reducing energy costs, and fostering sustainable economic growth.
General Characteristics
Grupo IEP’s agrivoltaic systems represent an innovative solution that merges agricultural production with photovoltaic energy generation, optimizing land use while promoting sustainability. We design and install customized structures that integrate seamlessly into farming and livestock operations, enhancing production efficiency, reducing energy costs, and supporting sustainable economic growth. Developed in collaboration with local authorities and communities, our solutions adapt to each project’s specific needs, delivering both environmental benefits and local economic advantages.
Custom Agrivoltaic Structures
Our agrivoltaic structures, constructed with hot-dip galvanized steel and advanced coating options (Zinc-Aluminum-Magnesium or Aluminum), support solar panels while maintaining agricultural or livestock operations. These structures are customized based on:
Terrain Conditions: Adapted to various topographies with direct anchoring, foundation screws, or ballast systems to minimize soil impact.
Climate Needs: Engineered to withstand wind, rain, or snow, ensuring stability in all environments.
Agricultural Requirements: Designed with specific heights (4-7 meters) and spacing to accommodate farm machinery, crop growth, and livestock movement.
Solar panels are installed in optimized configurations—such as fixed tilts or spaced rows—to provide partial shading that benefits crops and livestock without compromising energy production.
Integration with Agricultural Crops
Grupo IEP’s agrivoltaic systems seamlessly integrate with various crops—including vegetables, fruit trees, berries, and flowers—delivering:
Controlled Shading: Solar panels reduce direct solar radiation, lowering thermal stress on sensitive crops (lettuce, strawberries, vines) while optimizing photosynthesis through diffused light.
Water Conservation: Partial shading decreases evapotranspiration, reducing irrigation needs—especially in arid regions.
Greenhouse Compatibility: Our structures adapt to multi-tunnel greenhouses, trellis systems, or zig-zag shade houses, incorporating rooftop solar panels to power ventilation, irrigation, or lighting while crops thrive beneath.
For instance, in fruit crops like citrus or peaches, agrivoltaic structures provide hail and sun protection while generating renewable energy.
Integration with Livestock Farms
In livestock operations, our agrivoltaic solutions are ideal for species such as cattle, sheep, goats, or poultry, offering:
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Shelter and shade: Solar panels create shaded areas that reduce heat stress in livestock, improving their well-being and productivity.
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Power for operations: The electricity generated powers ventilation systems, automatic drinkers, or lighting in multitunnel or macrotunnel barns, reducing operating costs.
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Ample space: Elevated structures allow livestock to move freely and enable the use of feeding or cleaning machinery, maintaining the full functionality of the farm.
These solutions are especially valuable in warm regions, where the shade provided by the panels improves breeding conditions, such as on cattle or poultry farms.
Sustainable Irrigation and Climate Control Systems
The energy generated by solar panels is used to power irrigation and climate control systems in agrivoltaic operations, including:
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Drip or mist irrigation, optimizing water use for horticultural or fruit crops.
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Forced ventilation and evaporative cooling in greenhouses or livestock shelters, maintaining optimal conditions.
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Automatic watering systems for livestock, featuring UV filtration and disinfection systems to ensure clean water.
These systems, powered by renewable energy, reduce dependence on external sources and promote more sustainable agricultural and livestock production.
Advanced Automation and Monitoring
Our agrivoltaic systems incorporate automation to maximize efficiency:
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Solar and climate sensors monitor energy production, radiation levels, and environmental conditions, adjusting panel tilt or irrigation systems accordingly.
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Remote management software, accessible via PC, tablet, or mobile, integrates the control of energy, irrigation, ventilation, and climate systems, optimizing resource use.
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Automatic alerts detect panel failures or production anomalies, enabling proactive maintenance.
This technology allows producers to monitor both energy generation and agricultural or livestock activity in real time, enhancing profitability.
Collaboration with Communities and Sustainability
At Grupo IEP, we work closely with local authorities and residents to design agrivoltaic projects that meet community needs, generating:
- Economic benefits: Creation of local jobs during installation and maintenance, along with additional income from energy sales.
- Positive environmental impact: Reduction of CO₂ emissions by combining food production with renewable energy generation, contributing to the fight against climate change.
- Improved quality of life: Access to clean energy for rural communities, driving sustainable development.
Our solutions promote a circular economy by integrating treated wastewater for panel cleaning or irrigation, minimizing environmental impact.
