Solar photovoltaic plant “El Berrocal Solar PV”

The solar photovoltaic plant “El Berrocal Solar PV” is located in the municipality of Gerena (Seville), and it has a peak capacity of 49.9 MW. It has an estimated annual production of 104.2 GWh, which is equal to the approximate annual consumption of 29,800 homes. This prevents the emission of 16,672 tons of CO2 into the atmosphere.

Where is the El Berrocal Solar PV photovoltaic plant located and how large is it?

The El Berrocal Solar PV photovoltaic plant is a project developed by Ferrovial Energía in the province of Seville (Andalusia, Spain), located between the towns of Gerena and Aznalcóllar, about 2 kilometers west of Gerena.

The project covers a total area of 94.2 hectares, of which 36% is covered by photovoltaic modules and trackers.

It is located in an area with good solar resources. Its estimated annual production is 104.2 GWh, which is equivalent to the electricity consumption of around 29,800 homes and avoids the emission of 16,672 tons of CO2 into the atmosphere each year.

This facility is part of Ferrovial’s commitment to energy transition and decarbonization in Spain.

How does a photovoltaic plant work?

Photovoltaic solar plants convert solar radiation into electricity using crystalline silicon photovoltaic modules, such as those used at El Berrocal Solar PV.

These modules are connected in series to generate direct current, which is then converted into alternating current by photovoltaic inverters.

Finally, transformers raise the voltage to the required value (132kV) for connection to the electricity grid.  

Main elements of the El Berrocal Solar PV plant:

• Photovoltaic modules (92,760 monocrystalline bifacial units)
• Solar trackers (895 single-axis bifilar)
• String inverters (196 units)
• Transformer stations (TS)
• Electrical system and protections
• 30/132 kV step-up substation
• Weather stations

Energy evacuation

The energy generated is evacuated to the electricity distribution grid via 30 kV underground lines to the step-up substation, connected to the Aznalcóllar-Guillena overhead line (132 kV).

The switching substation has a 1.4 km overhead line, which integrates the plant into the Andalusian high-voltage grid.