Green, Renewable, and Community-Driven: Exploring the Bon Pastor Energy Project

Project promoted by: TEPAC Terrats Patrimoni Comunitari – BATEC – La FABRIC@ – Azimut360

We are installing a photovoltaic pergola and creating a green space on the roof of the Energy Community in the Bon Pastor neighborhood of Barcelona.

Type of Solution:

• Direct self-consumption for collective use
• Pergola with an elevated structure and bifacial panels oriented EAST-WEST, capturing sunlight on both the front and back sides to maximize energy efficiency.

Technical Data:

• 16 photovoltaic modules of 560Wp
• Estimated annual production: 11,739 kWh (based on PVSYST simulation)

Tasks carried out by Azimut 360:

• Design and installation of the photovoltaic pergola with bifacial panels in an EAST-WEST orientation, optimizing solar radiation capture.
• Energy production simulation using advanced tools like PVSYST to ensure the best system performance.
• Support in implementing the energy community model, facilitating the self-management of energy produced by residents.
• Legalization of the installation as direct self-consumption for community use.

Added Value

The Bon Pastor photovoltaic pergola project is not only an energy initiative but also part of a broader social transformation of the neighborhood. This is particularly significant for residents who have witnessed the transition from the historic Cases Barates to new buildings. This change has provided an opportunity to rethink the neighborhood’s living model, focusing on energy autonomy and sustainability.

With this installation, access to renewable energy has improved for local residents, offering them a tool to reduce energy dependence and lower the building’s electricity costs.

The project also included training programs for local energy agents, aiming to promote job integration by preparing community members to manage and maintain energy installations.

Challenges

• Technical and urban integration: Installing a photovoltaic pergola on a community rooftop required careful planning to maximize energy capture, leveraging bifacial panel technology with the most efficient orientation.
• Active resident participation: One of the main challenges was ensuring residents’ engagement in the energy transition process. This required collaborative work with them and support from La Fabric@ to explain the new energy community model, where energy production and consumption are collectively managed. The goal was to ensure everyone understood the benefits of self-consumption and could actively participate in decision-making.

Results

• Clean and renewable energy: With 16 photovoltaic modules, the community can generate enough energy to reduce costs and improve the building’s self-consumption.
• Enhanced urban environment: The installation of a green area beneath the pergola reduces the urban heat island effect and promotes biodiversity.
• Reduced environmental impact: The system will prevent the emission of 66.45 tons of CO₂ over 25 years.