Puebla inaugurates Mexico's first vertical agrovoltaic system

The government of Puebla, in collaboration with the National Institute of Astrophysics, Optics, and Electronics (INAOE) and Sunpower Capital, has inaugurated the “Energía para el Campo” pilot project in Tianguismanalco. This initiative features Mexico's first interconnected vertical agrovoltaic system, utilizing 200 bifacial solar panels with a total capacity of 126 kWp.

The system is designed to reduce electricity costs for agricultural irrigation by covering approximately 63% to 65% of the annual electrical consumption for the Cuatotoltepec irrigation well. The technology uses mobile structures capable of rotating up to 180 degrees to optimize solar capture during morning and evening hours, a design developed by INAOE that is currently undergoing the patent process.

With a total investment of 4.11 million pesos, the project supports the production of flowers, vegetables, and fruits across 35 to 60 hectares. It is expected to benefit approximately 30 partners and up to 1,000 people linked to the local agricultural activity, while providing annual savings of up to 130,000 pesos.