Insula El Hierro

Hot water and electricity from the sun

Due to its ideal location, El Hierro experiences exceptional irradiation conditions and effectively harnessing solar  energy is a key part of the 100% RES strategy.

Following an ITC initiative, a local company has been created to supply and install PV systems and a programme called “10 PV roofs” has been initiated. The quantitative objective of this programme is to install 50 kWp by the end of 2005. In order to do so, ten 5 kWp systems are being installed, with a priority given to public buildings. As a result, these systems will increase the percentage of RE into the grid and will produce energy during the daytime, when the electricity consumption is higher.

Of course, the 100% RES strategy does not only cover electricity production as solar energy can also be used to produce hot water. Therefore, a solar thermal energy programme, PROCASOL, has been launched in order to promote solar thermal energy installations on El Hierro and in the Canary Islands. The aim of this programme is to substitute electrical heaters with solar thermal systems in order to reduce the total electricity demand for domestic hot water and, in turn, smooth the load profi le of the island. The programme combines direct funding for the investment and the fi nancing of the system at a zero interest rate as well as several measures such as guarantees for the collectors and their installation and maintenance. In order to ensure the success of the programme, ITC successfully promoted the creation of a local company devoted to, amongst other matters, the installation of solar thermal systems. Although it has been estimated that 2500 m² of collectors would be necessary to cover the entire potential market, the quantitative objective within the fi rst phase this project is to reach an installed collector area of 500 m² by the end of 2005.

Whether for the photovoltaic systems or the solar thermal collectors, it is important to create a network of local professionals who will be able to fi x and maintain the installation and provide a high-quality after-sale service. To facilitate this, several training sessions dedicated to electricians (PV) and plumbers (solar thermal) have already been organized.