The Canary Islands Institute of Agricultural Research (INIA) has taken a giant leap forward in energy and agricultural innovation in the archipelago with the commissioning of an advanced experimental vertical photovoltaic installation. Strategically located on the La Estación farm, within the municipality of Santa Lucía de Tirajana, this pioneering infrastructure has an installed capacity of 25 kWp and an estimated annual production of 42.900 kWh. The project combines scientific research with off-grid self-consumption, evaluating the performance of renewable energies under the unique climatic conditions of southern Gran Canaria.
The technological system is notable for its use of 60 bifacial modules arranged in a strict north-south orientation on vertical rows. This architectural and engineering configuration not only significantly optimizes simultaneous solar energy capture on both sides of the panels, but also dramatically improves the overall structure's resistance to the strong winds characteristic of the area. To guarantee the rigidity and stability of the assembly under high wind loads, the modules are supported on metal poles driven directly into the ground, complemented by specific high-strength reinforcements and bracing.
The total investment for the project amounts to €97.613,83, fully funded through the European Union's Next Generation EU funds under the Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan. In addition to generating clean energy for the experimental farm's own consumption, the plant incorporates advanced inverters and sophisticated telematics monitoring systems. These technological tools will allow researchers to analyze with pinpoint accuracy both the energy performance of the vertical bifacial panels and their direct impact on the yield of agricultural crops in this southeastern part of the island.
