The food industry It is one of the main sectors of activity in our country. The renewable energyand especially the one SOLARhave managed in the last years that the activity carried out in the agri-food sector is ever greater more efficient, more profitable and more sustainable.
The importance that solar energy has gained for this sector is due to the growing belief that it is essential to stop depending on imported fossil fuels and bets on renewable energy of local origin. Photovoltaic energy offers the agri-food sector a fundamental tool for economic improvement of its activity.
Coward photovoltaic installations in the agri-food sector They offer two important benefits: energy savings and the various applications of solar energy in industrial processes. SOLAR used in food industry is also a exciting opportunity which allows cost reduction and whose facilities They offer a useful life of over 30 years.
The advantages of installing solar panels in the agri-food sector
They are many and varied benefits which are obtained with photovoltaic installations in the agri-food sector. Here are some of the most significant:
- Flexibility. The solar installation can be adapted to the size of the agri-food company. At the same time, it can be connected to the mains or work in isolation.
- Ease of installation. It only takes a few days to make a photovoltaic installation. In addition, most of the work is done on the deck or roofs, which makes it easier for us to continue our production process during installation.
- scalability. We can start with a smaller plant as a starting point and grow little by little, or scale it up according to the energy needs of our agri-food industry.
- Fast depreciation. Depending on the type and size of the photovoltaic installation we have and the quality of the technology used, the amortization of the installation can last between 3 and 7 years.
- Long warranty. Most plant components have warranties of up to 25 years, so once we\’ve recouped the investment, we\’ll still have 18 to 22 years of assured useful life. In addition, maintenance photovoltaic installations in the agri-food sector is minimal.
- Tax advantages and subsidies for the installation of renewable energies. The installation of solar panels in the agro-food industries also offers various and interesting aids. The average IBI reduction is 50%, reaching up to 95% in the case of ICIO. At the same time, the autonomous communities offer subsidies for the installation of photovoltaic self-consumption in companies in the agri-food sector with amounts that are usually around 50% of the investment, sometimes reaching up to 80%.
- Compensation of photovoltaic surpluses. From 2019 in Spain it is possible to take advantage of surplus compensation, that is, that our electricity company compensates us for the produced photovoltaic energy that we have not consumed and pour into the grid.
- Improving the image of the company. The bet on photovoltaic energy makes the image of the company much more favorable to a public that is increasingly aware of the need to protect the environment.
- Economic savings. Between 40 and 60% of the electricity bill, depending on the geographical location, climate and quality of the panels.
\»agrivoltaic\» production.
In addition to all the advantages we have just mentioned, photovoltaic energy has led to a series of the new developments applied to the agri-food sector which could revolutionize this industry in the coming years.
One of them is what is known as photovoltaic agriculture or \»agrivoltaic\». This type of production is based on the convenience of installation solar panels directly on the ground of some agricultural extensions. The main reason for doing this is that it has been shown that there are many crops whose production is much more optimal if grown in the shade of solar panels. cultivation some varieties around and under the solar panels it creates a microclimate that promotes water conservation and biodiversity.
Another important aspect is also based on designing solar-powered machines. A great revolution that directs its steps towards the creation of \»solar\» cars for this type of industry.
Hours of activity in the agri-food sector as a saving factor
Photovoltaic self-consumption energy is very efficient and reduces the energy costs of the agri-food industry. He hours of activity of this type of industry is The key factor when calculating the profitability of using photovoltaic energy in this sector.
Most agri-food companies are developing most of their activity during daytime hours, MEAN higher energy demand coincides with largest solar panel production. Due to this type of energy demand, concentrated during the hours of sunshine, the company\’s electricity consumption can be covered by solar panels with maximum performance. This translates to a increased savings for the company and in turn greater competitiveness and better prices.