"The aim is to replace 30 percent of the energy use with solar energy", says Daniel Maldonado of Agromonte. This carnation and spray carnation grower is among the first Colombian flower exporters to use solar energy in their farm in Gachancipa; A town north of Bogotá, Colombia.
Daniel Maldonado, Adriana Michelsen and Jorge Umana (founder) at the Proflora in Bogota, Colombia.
30% of the energy to come from solar panels
"From today on, 10 percent of the energy we use will come from the solar panels", says Maldonado. Over the last year, they installed 84 solar panels at their farm and step by step, the use of solar energy will increase up to 270 solar panels of the latest technology. "By the end of the year, we hope that 30% of the energy we use will be generated by the solar panels".
Taking care of the environment
Agromonte has been producing flowers for 35 years now and has always been interested in more environmental solutions. "We continuously try to improve our consumption of natural resources and constantly reduce their discharges. We, for example, recycle a lot, we grow all flowers hydroponically and treat and re-use all of the water and growing media."
One of the first in Colombia
Retrieving energy from solar panels is not common among Colombian farmers. "I think we are among the first in Colombia", says Maldonado. But is it a financially feasible decision? "Yes, it is. As well as it is an environmental decision, it is a financial decision as well. The payback period is 4.5 years."
For more informa
tion:
Agromonte S.A.S.
Daniel Maldonado
Email: [email protected]
www.agromonte-sa.com