Andorra Awards €4.4M Solar Panel Contract for 34 Public Buildings

The Andorran government has awarded a contract for the installation of solar panels on 34 public buildings, with the winning private consortium committing to a €4.4 million investment.

Carles Miquel, director of energy and transport, announced the decision at a press conference in Andorra la Vella. The contract went to the consortium Energi-Pime-Edicom, which will handle the installation, management, and maintenance of photovoltaic systems on rooftops and other spaces across administrative buildings. In return, the company can operate the facilities for up to 15 years while paying the government a canon of between 10% and 15% of revenue.

After this period, the installations will revert to the government at no cost. Miquel noted that the panels' useful life exceeds 15 years, ensuring they remain operational. "The administration will continue generating this electricity for self-consumption in the buildings where they are installed," he said, adding that any surplus production could be sold for additional income without upfront investment by the state.

The project will add five megawatts of capacity, increasing Andorra's total installed photovoltaic power from 74.30 MW across 542 sites to 79.30 MW across 576 sites. Affected buildings include educational centres, the COEX base at Refugi d'Envalira, the Ordino national auditorium, Joan Alay pavilion, Riu Runer customs and police station, and Nostra Senyora de Meritxell hospital.

David Forné, secretary of state for energy transition, transport, and mobility, described the initiative as a way to generate revenue from underused public spaces. "We're talking about 5 MW—a significant capacity—for which the government receives rent in the form of a canon," he said. Forné emphasised that it enables local energy production at a set cost, reducing reliance on imports. The tender process launched several months ago.