Colombian Start-up Unergy Ventures into Agrivoltaic Projects, Pioneering Renewable Energy and Agriculture Integration

Unergy, a Colombian start-up specializing in financing renewable energy ventures, has unveiled plans for its inaugural agrivoltaic projects in Colombia. These initiatives will see the establishment of solar mini-farms strategically positioned in regions boasting solar radiation levels exceeding 1,800 kWh/kWp and with an inclination of less than 10 degrees. The targeted areas include lands near the Atlantic coast, the Caribbean region, the northern territories, and the low valleys of the Andean region.

Unergy has revealed that it is currently advancing three projects at various stages of development. However, the company asserts that its portfolio boasts a pipeline of 1,000 mini-farms, with 18 already financed and in the implementation phase, while another 100 are in the financing process.

The maiden agrivoltaic endeavor is situated in Mompox, Bolívar department, where Unergy is collaborating with a local agricultural entity experienced in cultivating patilla and chili. The second project, located in La Paz, Santander department, has been earmarked for the cultivation of cucurbits such as melon or watermelon, with plans to forge alliances with nearby peasant communities.

The third project, operational as of April, is located in San Diego, Cesar department, where Unergy is set to plant 5,000 melon plants in partnership with a local farmer. Employing a prophylactic approach to crop management, the initiative aims to reduce the reliance on agrochemicals.

Standardized across 2-hectare surfaces, each project features 2,500 solar panels equipped with patented solar tracking technology, enhancing efficiency by 15%. Utilizing Longi Hi-MO 7 panels boasting 610 W power and 22.8% efficiency, all projects are designed to deliver an installed capacity of 990 kWac.

Unergy emphasizes its commitment to partnering with local actors, cooperatives, and farming communities, offering them the opportunity to utilize the spaces between solar panels for cultivation. The company provides comprehensive technical assistance throughout all phases and cultivation cycles, with profits from crop yields directed entirely to these stakeholders.