An interview with Alejandro Gómez López – Iten Power

As part of the Erasmus+ GreenLabs4VET project (2023-1-MT01-KA220-VET-000156845), we spoke with Alejandro Gómez López, founder of Iten Power. During the interview, we discussed the company’s vision in the renewable energy sector, the use of innovative technologies such as drones, the challenges currently facing the industry, and the future of green entrepreneurship.

What was the main idea behind your company, and what motivated you to enter the world of green entrepreneurship?

Alejandro:
Iten Power is a company dedicated to the installation and maintenance of photovoltaic plants and low-voltage electrical systems. We operate not only in Aragón but throughout Spain. The company’s name is inspired by the Egyptian sun god Aten (Iten).

Our projects are mainly carried out in industrial environments, such as pig and poultry farms, where energy demand is particularly high. Through the implementation of solar energy solutions, we help businesses reduce their energy costs while promoting the use of clean and sustainable energy sources.

How do drones help protect the environment in the maintenance of solar panel installations?

Alejandro:
Drones are a very important tool for carrying out inspections. Thanks to thermal imaging cameras, they allow us to identify faults within an installation, such as hot spots and electrical deficiencies, quickly and efficiently.

However, the use of drones in both industrial and domestic installations is often limited by regulations, especially when operating over inhabited areas. This requires coordination with multiple stakeholders and can make the process more complex. As a result, we often need alternative solutions, such as handheld thermal cameras. Ultimately, it is important to ensure that the investment and effort involved in using drones provide sufficient value and efficiency.

What challenges did you face when starting your sustainable business, and how did you overcome them?

Alejandro:
One of the biggest challenges we face today is the shortage of qualified personnel. In the current labour market, companies often have to “cast a wide net” when recruiting. However, the real challenge is finding people who can help diversify the business while maintaining high standards of quality and sustainability.

For me, success is not about quantity but quality. Maintaining a skilled and committed workforce allows us to build long-term relationships with our clients, even during periods when market conditions are less favourable.

This is one of the greatest challenges for sustainability in our sector. I have seen very large companies fail because they were unable to maintain quality standards. The solution lies in investing in qualified personnel. Recent initiatives to regularise workers in Spain also present an opportunity to train and develop the skilled workforce that our industry needs.

What are your plans to grow your business and increase your environmental impact in the future?

Alejandro:
My future plans are closely linked to the importance of people. I want to continue finding motivated and capable individuals who can grow alongside the company.

Although we are a small business, I am committed to providing high-quality training to our staff. My goal is to empower employees so that, in the near future, I can delegate more responsibilities while ensuring that every installation and project meets the quality standards expected in the sector.

I also want to continue focusing on the aesthetic aspect of our projects. Beyond the technical installation itself, it is important to provide added value through the visible elements that customers interact with and appreciate.

Above all, I believe that investing in quality training for workers is the foundation of both business success and long-term sustainability.