What is agrivoltaic and why is it becoming increasingly important?

THEAgrivoltaic is one of the most promising solutions for combining agricultural production and energy generation from renewable sources. In a context in which the climate crisis requires a more sustainable management of soil and resources, this technology is establishing itself as a virtuous model for the future of agriculture and the energy transition.

What is agrivoltaic

The deadline Agrivoltaic indicates a system that allows the coexistence between agricultural crops (or pastoral activities) and photovoltaic systems, installed in such a way as not to compromise, but rather enhance, the use of the underlying land.

Unlike traditional solar parks — which often steal fertile land from agricultural activities — agrivoltaic energy is designed to optimize both energy production and agricultural yield, through advanced and sustainable technological solutions.

How does an agro-voltaic system work

An agrivoltaic system works in a similar way to a normal photovoltaic field, but it has a few key differences:

• I solar panels are installed on raised structures, at a height that allows the passage of machinery and the agricultural activity below.
• Photovoltaic modules are often adjustable and mobile: they can rotate on one or two axes to follow the sun (solar tracking), maximizing energy production and adjusting the shading on the ground.
• THEcontrolled shading is designed to protect crops from extreme weather events (such as heat waves or drought) and limit the evaporation of water from the soil.

Two possible ways of using the energy produced

• Self-consumption: the energy generated is used directly by the farm for its activities, reducing energy costs and improving competitiveness.
• Online sales: the energy produced can be transferred to the national electricity grid, generating additional economic revenues for the company or for the subjects participating in the project.

The main advantages of agrivoltaic

Adopting an agrivoltaic system has numerous advantages, both for the agricultural and energy sectors.

1. Dual land use

Agrivoltaic makes it possible to use the same land for two complementary purposes: agricultural production and generation of renewable energy. A fundamental optimization in a country like Italy, where the consumption of agricultural land is a growing problem.

2. Improving environmental sustainability

• Reduction of CO₂ emissions thanks to the production of clean energy.
• Lower dependence on fossil fuels, in line with European objectives of climate neutrality by 2050.

3. Reclaiming abandoned land

Agrivoltaic energy may represent an opportunity for redevelop uncultivated or marginal agricultural areas, transforming them into productive spaces with low environmental impact.

4. Crop protection

The panels, thanks to their partial and controlled shading, help to:

• Reduce water evaporation irrigate.
• Protect plants from thermal stress, hailstorms or strong winds.
• Favor a more stable microclimate, useful especially in southern regions or in areas subject to drought.

5. Agricultural innovation and competitiveness

Integrating an agrivoltaic system also means:

• Invest in advanced technologies for precision agriculture.
• Improve the management of water resources and fertilizers.
• Remain competitive in an agricultural market that is increasingly demanding in terms of sustainability.

Agrivoltaic: are there any risks?

Despite its many advantages, agrivoltaic has some potential critical issues, which you need to consider carefully.

The risk of competition in land use

One of the main fears is that the presence of photovoltaic panels obstacles or limits agricultural productivity. This risk exists, but it can be largely mitigated with intelligent design.

Good design practices to avoid conflicts

• Use of raised supports and spaced apart.
• Preventive agronomic analysis, to assess the impact on crops.
• Continuous monitoring of agricultural and energy performance.

When properly implemented, agrivoltaic does not compete with agriculture, but represents an evolved form of integrated agriculture.

Agrivoltaic and solar energy: differences to know

Often the terms Agrivoltaic and Agrisolar they are used synonymously, but in reality they indicate two distinct models.

What is agrisolar

The solar system involves the installation of photovoltaic panels on the roofs of existing agricultural buildings (stables, barns, warehouses, greenhouses). It is a very common solution thanks to public contributions And to the incentives provided by the PNRR.

Key differences with agrivoltaic

AgrivoltaicoAgrisolarPanels installed on the ground, on elevated structuresPanels installed on the roofs of agricultural buildingsCompatible with crops and ranchersDoes not require direct use of agricultural landRequires integrated agronomic designIt is based on existing structures

Both solutions contribute to energy transition in the agricultural sector, but agrivoltaic has a more direct impact on efficient land use.

Regulatory requirements for an agrivoltaic plant

As established by Ministerial Decree of 22 December 2022 and by the subsequent MASE guidelines, a plant can be defined as agrivoltaic only if it complies with certain technical and agronomic criteria.

The main requirements are:

• Functional integration between agricultural production and energy production.
• Innovative technologies that make it possible to monitor and optimize both agricultural and electrical performance.
• Constant monitoring of the following parameters:
  • Crop yield
  • Water savings
  • Impact on the local ecosystem
  • Actual energy production

In addition, projects must ensure theaccessibility to land for agricultural operations, and provide tools for annual reporting on agrivoltaic efficiency.

The case study: the Augusta Agrivoltaic Field (GridShare)

One of the most interesting examples of agrivoltaic in Italy is the project carried out by GridShare in the territory of Augusta (Sicily).

The characteristics of the project

• Solar field already active, connected to the national electricity grid.
• Structure compatible with cultivation and breeding on the same ground.
• Direct involvement of private investors through an energy crowdfunding platform.

Achieved results

• Almost 900,000 euros collected in a few days.
• Excellent participation rate by citizens interested in the ecological transition.
• Concrete example of environmental and financial sustainability.

The success of the Augusta agrivoltaic field shows how this technology is already ready to be climbed in other territorial contexts, with tangible advantages for farmers, investors and the environment.

Conclusion: Agrivoltaic energy is a strategic solution for the future

Agrivoltaic represents today one of the most effective responses to the climate crisis and to energy needs, especially in a country like Italy, rich in agricultural land but vulnerable to climate change.

Thanks to synergy between technological innovation, renewable production and sustainable agriculture, agrivoltaic is configured as a strategic lever not only for decarbonization, but also for valorization of the territory.

For those who work in the agricultural or energy sector, investing in agrivoltaic today means preparing for the future — a future in which energy and agriculture will no longer be in competition, but in alliance.