FEDA Dismantles Grau Roig Solar Park After Snow Damage

FEDA has begun dismantling the solar park in Grau Roig following damage caused by snow accumulation on the photovoltaic panels last March. The operation, expected to last about four weeks, signals the start of reconstruction work scheduled for 2027.

The full removal of panels aims to assess which ones remain usable and to regroup them for the rebuilt facility, as intact units are currently scattered across the site. FEDA plans to replace the damaged panels with newer models, capitalising on recent technological advances to boost overall efficiency.

Over its three years of operation since 2023, the park met performance expectations, generating around 1.5 GWh annually and functioning properly on the electrical side, the company noted.

A preliminary expert report attributes the panel failures to a structural breakdown, specifically poor design of the support elements meant to bear snow loads. These components were sized for loads far below regulatory standards for a site above 2,000 metres altitude. Despite this, FEDA maintains that the original project specifications included all required technical provisions for the location's elevation, snow loads and wind conditions.

In response, the state-owned utility is launching legal proceedings to recover losses from the incident, with an ongoing audit to pinpoint responsibilities in the design or construction phases. Authorities have not yet released further details on the claim process.