Energy Bureau certifies Agroenergética for agrivoltaics project in Moca

Hacienda Gosén in Moca (productosgosen.com)

By THE STAR STAFF

The Puerto Rico Energy Bureau (PREB) has certified Agroenergética LLC as an electrical service company for energy generation, advancing a proposed agrivoltaics project that aims to combine solar power production with agricultural activity in the municipality of Moca.

The certification, issued on Aug. 11, supports the development of a renewable energy installation at Hacienda Gosén, a farm and food‑processing facility in Barrio Gordo. According to the PREB’s resolution and order, “Agroenergética complies with the essential requirements of Regulation 8701” to operate as a generation company. The agency also determined that the project’s battery system will be treated as an ancillary service to generation.

Agroenergética’s proposal includes a 2.2‑megawatt DC photovoltaic array integrated with specialty crops, along with a battery energy storage system and the equipment needed to manage and interconnect the project’s energy resources. The company says the system is designed to deliver consistent daytime power and support peak demand through battery discharge. It estimates the installation could supply electricity to roughly 400 to 450 nearby homes while strengthening the local electrical feeder.

The project also emphasizes agricultural production. Agroenergética plans to prepare about 10 acres of conditioned soil for horticulture and other high‑value crops. Areas between the solar structures could be used for vegetables and leafy greens, while shaded sections beneath the panels may support crops such as ginger, turmeric and cacao. The company says the dual‑use model could create opportunities for research, crop development and job growth in the region.

Agroenergética reported that construction will rely on federal funding and that 60% of the project’s cost has been assigned through Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery funds administered by the Puerto Rico Housing Department.

With the certification in place, the project moves one step closer to development as Puerto Rico continues exploring renewable energy strategies that preserve agricultural land while improving grid resilience.