In recent years, the transition to cleaner energy sources has driven the development of renewable technologies. One of the most notable for its efficiency, availability y expandability It is solar energy. And within this area, the solar farms They represent an increasingly used solution at both industrial and community levels.
But what exactly is a solar farm? How does it work? What are its main advantages and how does it differ from other solar systems? In this article, we explain every aspect of these large-scale solar installations in detail, so you understand how they work, their benefits, and the benefits they provide. type, costs and some relevant examples in Spain and the world.
What is a solar farm?
A solar farm —also called a solar park, solar plant or solar field— is a large-scale photovoltaic installation which aims to capture solar radiation to convert it into electricity. These facilities are characterized by occupying large areas of land, whether terrestrial or aquatic, and by being made up of hundreds of interconnected solar panels.
Its main function is to generate large amounts of energy that can be used by industries, residential areas, and even sold to the general electricity grid. It is an alternative cleaning, abundant y Management compared to traditional energy sources that emit polluting gases or require highly invasive processes.
The photovoltaic panels on these farms are strategically placed to maximize their year-round sun exposure. Unlike rooftop home systems, a solar farm takes advantage of the economy of scale to offer much more profitable and significant energy production. For more in-depth information on this topic, please consult floating solar plants that have emerged as an innovative option.
How does a solar farm work?
The operating mechanism of a solar farm is similar to that of any photovoltaic system, but on a much larger scale. solar energy is captured using solar panels which are composed of photovoltaic cells, usually made of silicon. These cells They transform direct sunlight into electrical energy in the form of direct current.
This electricity then passes through solar inverters, which convert direct current into alternating current, which is suitable for conventional consumption. In parallel, there are battery storage systems that allow you to store excess energy for use when there is no sunlight, such as at night or on cloudy days. If you want more information about photovoltaic solar energy, you can visit this article.
In addition, many solar farms have solar trackers These systems adjust the tilt of the panels between 15° and 45° depending on the position of the sun, maximizing their annual output. The system is complemented by key components such as:
- Transformation centers: responsible for raising the voltage of electricity before injecting it into the grid.
- control rooms: for real-time monitoring and management.
- Security systems: perimeter surveillance and access control.
- Electrical wiring and metal structures: that support and connect the panels.
Benefits of solar farms
The advantages of such an installation are numerous and cover various areas. At the level Environmental, these facilities do not emit greenhouse gases, do not require fossil fuels nor generate noise pollution o visual significant.
From an economic point of view, solar farms allow for a energy independence progressive, reduce the dependence on external resources and reduce the generation costs of electricity. In addition:
- Maintenance is simple and inexpensive.
- The useful life The lifespan of an installation of this type can reach 40 years.
- The initial investment can be recovered in just a few years through energy savings and sales.
- They help to avoid the soil erosion and may be compatible with certain agricultural uses (agrivoltaic).
In addition, studies have shown that these types of facilities can have a positive impact on the environment where they are located, promoting the local development through employment and economic contributions to nearby communities. To learn more about solar farms and their rise in Spain, check out This specialized article.
What is the construction process of a solar park?
Creating a solar farm involves a complex and technically demanding process. It all starts with a viability study which assesses the terrain, available solar radiation, access to the electricity grid and environmental impacts.
Then, a series of procedures must be processed official permits and approvalsIn Spain, for example, agencies such as the Ministry of Industry, city councils, and even the Ministry of Public Works are involved. Once all the licenses have been validated, the construction phase begins. To better understand how a solar system is installed, we recommend reading the technical guide for installing solar panels.
This stage includes:
- Preparation of the land: leveling and enabling access.
- Installation of structures and panels.
- Electrical system connection and functional tests.
- Registration in the payroll register .
Costs vary depending on the power and size of the plant, but, for example, a 1 MW solar park can require between 6 and 8 hectares and cost around $1 million.
Types of solar farms
Depending on the management model and size, we can distinguish several types of large-scale solar installations:
1. Utility-scale solar plants
These are those with a megawatt capacity and supply electricity directly to the national grid. They are designed to produce wholesale electricity and typically have power purchase agreements (PPAs) with electricity distributors. Their size can exceed 1.000 MW.
2. Community solar farms
These are smaller structures (less than 5 MW), where neighbors or community members acquire shares and benefit from the electricity generated. They do not need to be located in the users' own homes. This model allows for efficient integration of the solar energy in communities.
3. Solar farms
These are spaces divided into small plots owned by different owners. They share infrastructure and services, and are designed to sell energy directly to the electricity grid. They are usually located on agricultural or rural land.
4. Agrivoltaics
It is a model that combines agricultural and solar production. The panels are placed on crops that require partial shade, such as lettuce or tomatoes, saving water and generating energy without taking up productive space in the field. This technique is particularly interesting, given that can tomatoes be grown in desert conditions.
How much can you earn with a solar farm?
The profitability of a solar farm depends on the size, average annual production, and electricity sales prices. As a reference, a 1 MW plant can generate around 1.460 MWh per yearIf the price of electricity in the market is around $30/MWh, we would be talking about about $43.500 a year in income.
Also, another option is rent the land to companies looking to install a solar farm. Depending on the area and demand, you can earn between $250 and $3.000 per acre per year. Contracts typically have an initial term of 15 to 20 years, extendable to 50 years. For more information on how energy is generated, see solar energy in agriculture.
The largest solar plants in the world and in Spain
Worldwide, they stand out:
- Bhadla Solar Park, India: 2.245MW.
- Golmud Solar Park, China: 2.800MW.
- Pavada Solar Park, India: 2.050MW.
In Spain We also have reference facilities:
- Núñez de Balboa (Badajoz): 500MW, the largest in Europe.
- Mula (Murcia): 494MW.
- Don Rodrigo (Seville): 174MW.
- Picón I, II and III (Ciudad Real): 310GWh per year.
These parks demonstrate the installed solar capacity in our country, which continues to grow annually at rates exceeding 30%. To follow the progress of solar farms in Asia and China's leadership, check out this article.
Solar farms represent one of the most promising tools for a profound, efficient, and sustainable energy transition. Thanks to their ability to generate clean electricity, their economic profitability, and their compatibility with agricultural uses, these facilities are becoming established as an effective response to climate change. Backed by public policies, technological advances, and growing public interest, their deployment promises a greener, more energy-independent future.
