The Spanish solar association Unión Española Fotovoltaica (UNEF) and the regional government of Murcia jointly hosted an agrivoltaics conference at the University of Murcia. Juan María Vázquez, Murcia’s Minister for the Environment and Research, emphasised the region’s progress: “Agrivoltaics is no longer an abstract idea, but a real-world practice with proven projects and an active scientific and business community.” Murcia, known for its advanced agricultural sector and abundant sunlight, is positioning itself as a leader in integrating solar with farming. “For us, agrivoltaics is not just an option, it is a necessity,” Vázquez said.
Compatibility of agriculture and PV
Agrivoltaics enables a symbiotic use of land. José Donoso, Director General of UNEF, stressed: “There is no dichotomy between agriculture and photovoltaics. The photovoltaic targets set out in Spain’s National Energy and Climate Plan leave 99 percent of agricultural land available exclusively for farming.”
Cegasa’s Iñigo Atutxa: “Storage and grid services drive the future”
Experts highlighted that both agrivoltaics and floating PV can improve water management, lower costs and strengthen the competitiveness of the agricultural sector. Micaela Carvajal, a researcher at CEBAS-CSIC, remarked: “It is already possible to produce food and energy on the same land. The potential is enormous.” She emphasised the need for further scientific research to better understand the effects on light availability, microclimate and crop yields.
Genera – industry optimism grows for storage and self‑use
Carlos Montoya Rasero, head of solar and self-consumption at Spain’s Institute for Energy Diversification and Saving (IDAE), presented funding programmes for agrivoltaic and floating PV projects. According to Rasero, more than €87 million has been awarded to 73 projects through the RENOINN call. These initiatives represent over 164 MW of new PV capacity and more than 187 MWh of new battery storage.
Real-world examples and research in Murcia
The conference also highlighted ongoing research initiatives. Mª Pilar Flores Fernández-Villamil from the IMIDA research institute emphasised that agrivoltaic systems are particularly relevant for dryland crops in arid and semi-arid regions. Such systems, she explained, open up new socio-economic opportunities and help safeguard agricultural production.
Agri-PV – from niche solution to mainstream adoption
Javier Padilla from the University of Cartagena reported that pilot projects in vineyards have shown integrating PV does not compromise grape yields or wine quality, while improving soil moisture. Pedro Pérez from the University of Jaén added that in olive groves, agrivoltaics can even boost agricultural output by up to five percent.
Floating PV reduces algae growth
Soltec hosted a panel discussion on floating photovoltaic systems for irrigation reservoirs. “Floating PV emerged from the need to prevent evaporation, reduce algae growth and manage energy costs amid volatile prices,” explained Andrés Franco, CEO of Isigenere. To conclude the event, participants visited an IMIDA agrivoltaic facility in La Alberca that focuses on greenhouse crops. (nhp)
