Mexico Solar Brings Solar Panels to the Agriculture Sector

According to Mexico Solar, the agriculture sector needs to incorporate new and sustainable electricity sources, such as solar panels, which are not only better for the environment but also much more affordable than fossil fuels. 

Mexico Solar is a company dedicated to the installation of solar panels in different industries, including hotels, universities, sports clubs and hospitals, among others. Most recently, the company ventured into the installation of photovoltaic pumping systems in the agriculture sector, which it described as “a sector that has historically been left out of modernization.”

Data from Mexico Solar shows that the installation of photovoltaic pumping systems in the countryside has saved up to 1.3MW/year, representing a reduction of 23,500 t of CO2. "Irrigation systems are one of the main energy consumers in agriculture. The extraction of water from wells and its dispersion in crops demands up to 40% of the fossil fuels required in this sector. Hence, the need to offer farmers more efficient alternatives," said Víctor Briseño, Manager, Mexico Solar. 

In association with Rivera Civil Association and the National Water Commission (CONAGUA), Mexico Solar has installed 2,487 solar panels across the country, each with a capacity of 540W. "Currently, this project has only been used in the irrigation of sugarcane, corn and pastures. However, there is huge potential to expand to other crops. The materialization of this project implies a great achievement at the industrial, economic, social and environmental levels, since it expands water supply alternatives in rural areas," explained Briseño. Additionally, the company plans to implement the use of a drip irrigation system for agricultural purposes, maximizing the use of this resource. 

Briseño pointed out that one of the main obstacles for the implementation of solar panels is the limited information available to farmers in the area, regarding the environmental and economic benefits of irrigation through photovoltaic pumping systems. "There are still several farmers who do not believe in the benefit of this type of solar projects, but we are motivated that farmers who have already joined the project are excited about the results," said Briseño.

By the end of the year, the project will expand to 1.6MW, which is equivalent to the installation of 5,500 solar panels. This will allow the pumping of water for farmers and will also cover part of the domestic demand of communities surrounding agricultural areas.