Alhendin, a pioneering Agri-PV project

Alhendín, is a 54 MWp solar park located in Alhendín, in the region of Andalusia, Spain. With a total area of about 80 hectares, the solar park has three types of PV technology: fixed, tracking and Agri-PV.

An example of Best Social and Environmental Practices

This is a flagship project in terms of sustainability since it perfectly embodies the synergies between new solar generation, Agri-PV, community partnerships and biodiversity.

In addition to allowing the efficient use of land for agricultural production and the generation of solar energy at the same time, the development of the Alhendín plant is associated with the implementation of a series of long-term environmental and community measures to promote biodiversity and local development in collaboration with the Autonomous University of Madrid (UAM) and the University of Cordoba (UCO).

In addition to the environmental measures that have traditionally been implemented in photovoltaic solar plants such as the installation of nesting boxes or perches, shelters for reptiles, installation of drinking troughs or installation of plant screens, the following measures have been implemented with the aim of improving the biodiversity of the plant and its surroundings: installation of primillares and a hacking area for the lesser kestrel, creation of ponds for amphibians and the creation of pastureland in areas free of infrastructure with native species of fauna and flora.

In addition, together with the UCO, we are promoting tools for monitoring and follow-up of the measures implemented, so that we can have a better understanding of their effectiveness. Our intention is to specify a specific methodology that will allow us to evaluate the evolution of biodiversity in order to create a guide of best practices that can be replicated in other projects.

On the other hand, in collaboration with the UAM, we have developed social actions in the territory, such as participative workshops with groups of people who have been involved in the project or school visits.

In this way, the project plays a crucial role in the fight against climate change and can be a game-changer in unlocking more sustainable pathways and solutions.

Part of a pioneering energy agreement in Europe

The Project is part of a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) that BayWa r.e. signed in 2022 with VELUX group, the world-leading roof window manufacturer.

This is the first Agri-PV Corporate PPA in Europe since about 10% of the Alhendín solar park will be an Agri-PV installation. Alhendín and Gerena- a second project built near Seville- generate 167 GWh of renewable electricity every year, equivalent to the electricity consumption of approximately 45,000 European homes.

This PPA pioneered the concept of symbiosis in solar parks. This idea consists of integrating solar energy production with the natural environment and the local community to achieve a common benefit.

Our first Agri-PV project in Spain

This photovoltaic application, in which BayWa r.e. is a pioneer and leader, combines the simultaneous production of clean energy and agricultural production between the panels.

The installation is specially designed with the necessary distance so that agricultural machinery can carry out tasks without interfering with the structure. The panels are spaced further apart to allow for the passage of agricultural machinery so that fodder cultivation can continue.

In addition, the photovoltaic modules are equipped with a rainwater collection system that will be used for the subsequent cleaning of the photovoltaic modules of the entire plant, which helps to mitigate the consequences of climate change and the risk of drought.