According to the Directorate-General for Energy and Geology (DGEG), Portugal produced twice the amount of photovoltaic energy in 2019 than it had produced 5 years ago. Almost half of the national production was in Alentejo, where solar energy represents 12% of all electricity consumed in the region.
According to the DGEG, photovoltaic energy production in 2019 increased by 27% compared to the previous year. Alentejo was responsible for producing 46% of all the photovoltaic energy produced in Portugal in 2019.
Since Alentejo has the capacity to become the capital of Solar energy production in Portugal, in 2017 the CVRA installed a small-scale photovoltaic power plant (up to 15 kW), currently referred to as ‘Self-consumption’, at its headquarters in Évora in order to serve as inspiration for the adoption of renewable energies. This plant has an annual production of approximately 23,161 kWh with an estimated annual reduction of 16 tonnes of CO2. With this project, the CVRA achieved a reduction close to 50% of the annual electricity bill, substantially reducing our electricity consumption costs and also reducing our Carbon Footprint.
The WASP encourages good energy management by requesting that members analyse the possibility of installing photovoltaics to meet part of their electricity needs, whether in the vineyard, by pumping water to the different irrigation areas, or in the cellar for the various activities that require electricity, in particular refrigeration. We also encourage the acquisition of solar thermal equipment to fill potential hot water needs that exist. At present, 32% of the WASP member cellars use solar energy to satisfy part of their energy needs.
Renewable energy solar panels and reduced CO2 emissions
Renewable energy solar panels and reduced CO2 emissions
Renewable energy solar panels and reduced CO2 emissions
In certain cases, the benefits associated with photovoltaics exceed the investment costs, because the total energy generated by the photovoltaic system is directed to the public network. In economic terms, this means that certain members sell the energy generated by their photovoltaic systems to the public network, obtaining revenues which will allow them to amortise the investment and gain profits in subsequent years.
Renewable energy solar panels and reduced CO2 emissions
Renewable energy solar panels and reduced CO2 emissions
Renewable energy solar panels and reduced CO2 emissions
The WASP not only promotes the use of photovoltaics and solar thermal systems amongst its members, but also the use of more attractive financing mechanisms.
