Puerto Rico Coffee Farm Sets New Standard for Hurricane-Resilient Agrivoltaics

A new agrivoltaics installation nestled in the mountainside in Adjuntas, Puerto Rico, is redefining energy independence for hurricane-prone regions. The project came to life through the collaboration of solar professionals, energy manufacturers, and a local family-owned coffee farm—with MT Solar proudly among its contributors.

Farm owner Miguel Berdiel of Hacienda Berdiel Torres faced mounting challenges that hindered the farm’s growth. Despite having ideal conditions for coffee cultivation and a hydroponic greenhouse, high energy costs and the lingering effects of Hurricane Maria halted progress. The greenhouse’s hydroponic system was forced to shut down, stalling plans to create local jobs and provide fresh, locally grown food for the community.

This new agrivoltaics system aims to serve as a model for designing and installing resilient solar infrastructure in regions vulnerable to hurricanes. Hacienda Berdiel’s unique circumstances and potential as a research and climate resilience project aligned with the U.S. Department of Energy’s NREL InSPIRE initiative, which explores the integration of solar energy and agriculture.

To bring the project to life, NREL partnered with Oregon-based nonprofit Twende Solar, which coordinated the design and installation. Twende engaged MT Solar to engineer top-of-pole mounts capable of withstanding hurricane-level winds, accommodating farm operations, and functioning efficiently at an elevation of 3,000 feet.

Installed in July 2025, the 9.8kW system features six MT Solar mounts, each holding four 410W modules positioned 15 feet above the ground. MT Solar subsidized the mounts to help realize the project’s goals. Aireko Energy Group and GRID Alternatives Puerto Rico managed the foundations and system assembly, while Texas-based EG4 Electronics donated the inverter and batteries for a 40kWh energy storage bank.

“With such high wind loads, we had to tackle some challenges to get a design that allows for high ground clearance above coffee trees. It’s exciting to help our customers achieve their needs even in extreme conditions,” Jamie Blum, MT Solar’s design and sales engineer, commented.