The Arauco I Solar Park, located in the province of La Rioja in north-west Argentina, has reached a critical milestone with the execution of its Golden Row, a fundamental stage that marks the start of full operational assembly and validates the technical standards that will be applied throughout the project.
The Golden Row involves the installation of the first complete row of photovoltaic (PV) modules, enabling on-site verification of the correct execution of all key elements of the solar tracking system. This includes module mounting, direct current (DC) electrical connections, grounding systems, quality controls and compliance with health and safety requirements.
Beyond its construction role, the Golden Row also serves as a technical validation and training exercise, aligning engineering design, applied technology and construction practices between all project stakeholders, including the EPC contractor.
At this stage, it was confirmed that the construction procedures and technical standards defined by the solar tracker manufacturer are being correctly implemented before scaling up works. The Golden Row, therefore, becomes the reference model for quality acceptance criteria throughout the project, ensuring consistency and reliability during large-scale deployment.
The technical milestone was carried out with the participation of Trina Tracker, a global leader in solar tracking solutions with more than 700 projects delivered across over 60 countries, and Solar DQD, a specialist developer and constructor of solar plants with more than 1,200 MWp built and over 1.8 million PV modules installed in Argentina. The combined expertise of both companies provides strong technical know-how, supporting efficiency, safety and long-term operational reliability.
Once completed, Arauco I will feature more than 1,600 solar trackers and 94,000 photovoltaic panels, reaching an installed capacity of 50 MW. The plant will generate enough electricity to supply over 52,000 households and avoid approximately 53,100 tonnes of CO₂ emissions per year, reinforcing the commitment of Parque Arauco to energy transition and sustainability.
Arauco I will also integrate, for the first time, a photovoltaic power plant into the existing wind complex operated by Parque Arauco. This will result in the largest wind–solar hybrid renewable energy park in South America, a strategic development not only for the company but also for La Rioja, which continues to position itself as a regional benchmark for renewable energy deployment.
Throughout the year, the project advanced with land levelling works, road construction, the expansion of the Arauco I transformer substation, and the arrival of the first solar tracking components. The plant will incorporate technology from Huawei, selected following a rigorous international procurement process. Commercial operation is expected to begin between March and April next year, marking another major step in the province’s sustainable energy growth.
| Indicator | Value |
|---|---|
| Installed capacity | 50 MW |
| Solar trackers | +1,600 units |
| PV panels | 94,000 |
| Households supplied | >52,000 |
| CO₂ emissions avoided | ~53,100 t/year |
| Hybrid integration | Wind + solar |
