> “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.

Until recently, the contribution of PV energy was only coming from a few stand
alone systems (7kWp) and no PV system had been connected to the grid,
the main barriers to this implementation being the lack of information at all levels, the inexistence of qualified suppliers/installers on the island, the lack of private initiatives/entrepreneurship and the scepticism of the locals. Through the ALTENER project some of these technical and non-technical barriers were lifted but a lot of activities such as awareness campaigns, training courses, workshops and
seminars need to be pursued in order to guarantee the success of the programme.

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.