Agrivoltaic System

Un agrivoltaic system (o agrovoltaic) is a system that combines photovoltaic solar energy production with agricultural activity on the same land, optimizing land use and creating synergies between the two sectors.

Characteristics of agrivoltaic systems

- agricultural systems They differ from traditional photovoltaic systems due to some specific technical and functional features, designed to integrate energy production with agricultural activity. Here are the main characteristics:

1. Configuration and height of the panels

• Tall structuresThe panels are installed on raised supports (usually 2-5 meters from the ground), to allow the passage of agricultural machinery and the growth of crops.
• Optimized distancingThe rows of panels are spaced to ensure adequate sun exposure for the plants.

2. Photovoltaic module technologies

• Semi-transparent panelsSome systems use modules thin film or double-sided which let some light pass through, promoting photosynthesis in crops.
• Variable tilt systemsAdjustable panels to adjust shading according to crop needs (e.g. more shade in summer, more light in winter).

Types of agrivoltaic systems

There are several types of agrivoltaic systems, classified based on structure, photovoltaic technology, and level of integration with agricultural operations. Here's a detailed overview:

1. Classification by level of integration

A) Low integration systems (or “simple agro-photovoltaics”)

• Key Features:
  • Panels mounted on raised structures (3-5 m), but with a design not optimised for crop needs.
  • Agriculture and photovoltaics coexist, but with limited interactions.
• Benefits:
  • Lower costs than advanced solutions.
  • Suitable for extensive crops (cereals, forage) or grazing.
• Example: Wheat fields with elevated fixed panels.

B) Medium integration systems

• Key Features:
  • More careful design to balance light and shadow (e.g. greater distances between rows, manually tiltable panels).
  • Basic microclimate monitoring (humidity, temperature).
• Benefits:
  • Better agricultural yield compared to low integration systems.
• Example: Orchards with semi-transparent panels.

C) Highly integrated systems (or “advanced agrivoltaics”)

• Key Features:
  • Dynamic technologies (automatically orientable panels, IoT to optimize light/water).
  • Specialized crops (e.g. vegetables) with specific needs.
• Benefits:
  • Maximum synergy between energy and agriculture (+30% water efficiency in some cases).
• ExamplePhotovoltaic greenhouses with solar tracking panels.

2. Classification by photovoltaic technology

A) Systems with traditional (opaque) panelsElevated structures, but with permanent shading. Suitable for shade-tolerant crops (e.g., spinach).

B) Semi-transparent or double-sided panels. Allows some sunlight to pass through (up to 30%), ideal for crops that require diffused light (e.g. lettuce).

C) Dynamic panels (solar tracking)They adjust the inclination according to the plants' needs and energy production.

D) Photovoltaic integrated into greenhousesPanels mounted on the roofs or walls of greenhouses, with selective materials (e.g. photovoltaic glass).

3. Classification by type of crop

Typology	Typical Crops	Panel Height
Agrivoltaics on herbaceous crops	Cereals, fodder, vegetables	2 4-meters
Agrivoltaics on orchards/vineyards	Apples, pears, grapes	4 6-meters
Agrivoltaics on pasture	Sheep, poultry	2 3-meters
Agrivoltaics in the greenhouse	Tomatoes, strawberries, flowers	Integrated into the roof

4. Classification by structural configuration

A) Parallel row systemsPanels arranged in rows with wide corridors for agricultural machinery (e.g. vineyards).

B) Canopy systemsContinuous covering structures, similar to pergolas, for crops that require uniform shading.

C) Vertical solar tracking systemsPanels mounted on vertical structures (suitable for small or marginal terrains).

Choosing the type of agrivoltaic system: decisive factors

1. Type of crop. Requirements for light, space for machinery, height.
2. WeatherGreater dynamism in areas with hot summers.
3. Budget. Dynamic systems cost 20-30% more than fixed ones.

Who can install an agrivoltaic system?

Installing an agrivoltaic system is an opportunity accessible to various categories of individuals:

• Farmers Those who own land with good solar exposure conditions can benefit from this technology, diversifying their sources of income and contributing to environmental sustainability.
• The conductor itself can take various shapes, in bare or tinned copper, with or without insulation. In some cases, a preferential bend can also be applied to the joint so that it operates exactly as designed. farms Medium and large-sized companies can benefit from agrivoltaic systems, especially if they operate in regions with high levels of solar irradiation.
• Le agricultural cooperatives and producer associations can collaborate to install large-scale agrivoltaic systems, sharing the costs and benefits of the investment.

Agrivoltaics in Italy: regulations and requirements

The Italian regulatory framework for agrivoltaics has gradually evolved in recent years, recognizing this technology's key role in the ecological transition. The regulatory process includes:

• Legislative Decree 1/2012 (art. 65): first definition of advanced agrivoltaics;
• Legislative Decree 199/2021: criteria for identifying suitable areas and design standards;
• MiTE/MASE Guidelines (June 2022): technical and operational specifications for implementation;
• Law 108/2021 (Simplification Decree Bis): clarifications on the characteristics of advanced systems.

To obtain the qualification of agrivoltaic and access the incentives, the plants must satisfy stringent requirements, Including:

• compatibility with agricultural activities;
• maintenance of soil productivity;
• adoption of innovative solutions (microclimatic monitoring, energy optimization).

Regulatory developments reflect the commitment to combining energy sustainability and protection of the primary sector.

Design and installation phases of an agrivoltaic system

The implementation of an agrivoltaic system requires a complex process, which integrates energy, agronomic, and authorization aspects. Here are the main phases:

1. Preliminary analysis and feasibility

• Site Evaluation:
  • Land characteristics (exposure, slope, soil type).
  • Landscape, hydrogeological or environmental constraints.
• Agronomic study:
  • Choice of compatible crops (e.g. vegetables, orchards, forage crops).
  • Analysis of water and light requirements.
• Energy sizing:
  • Photovoltaic system power based on irradiation and agricultural needs.

2. Technical design

• System configuration:
  • Height and inclination of the panels (fixed, dynamic or semi-transparent).
  • Spacing between rows to ensure access for agricultural machinery.
• Innovative solutions:
  • IoT monitoring systems (humidity, temperature, energy production).
  • Shading optimization (e.g. adjustable panels).
• Integration with agriculture:
  • Any changes to cultivation practices (e.g. precision irrigation).

3. Necessary authorizations

• The project must be verified for compatibility with current urban planning regulations, such as the General Regulatory Plan, Implementation Plans, etc.
• Administrative staff (Simplified Authorization Procedure) for plants <1 MW.
• AU (Single Authorization) for plants >1 MW.

4. Installation and construction of agrivoltaic system

• Site preparationAny leveling or hydraulic works.
• Structure assemblyInstallation of raised supports and photovoltaic panels. Connection to the electricity grid or storage systems.
• Starting cropsSowing or transplanting of the selected species, with any initial adjustments.

5. Monitoring and maintenance

• Performance ControlEnergy production and crop health (e.g., water stress sensors).
• Ordinary maintenancePanel cleaning, structural inspection, and agronomic work.
• Continuous optimizationDynamic adjustment of the panels according to the seasons.

Technical requirements for installing an agrivoltaic system

To distinguish a real agrivoltaic system from a simple ground-mounted photovoltaic system access the incentives provided, it is necessary to comply with specific technical requirements:

1. Land useAt least 70% of the land must remain used for active agricultural purposes.

2. Minimum module heights in relation to the ground:

• 1,3 meters: for systems with livestock activities or fixed vertical modules.
• 2,1 meters: for plants with cultivation or mixed activities (agriculture + livestock).

3. Energy performanceElectricity production must be at least 60% of that of an equivalent standard photovoltaic system.

4. Integrated monitoring (required for incentives). Verification of production continuity and environmental parameters (water savings, soil fertility, microclimatic conditions, resilience to climate change).

5. Agronomic integration

• Maintaining productivity. Ensure the continuity of existing agricultural activities
• Space optimizationDesign that allows for the smooth running of agricultural operations

6. ComponentsObligation to use only new components that comply with the regulations (Law 186/1968).

Advantages of Agrivoltaic Systems

1. Double productivity. Generation of renewable energy + maintenance (or increase) of agricultural yield on the same land.
2. water savingReduction of evaporation thanks to the shading of the panels (-30% water for irrigation).
3. Crop protection. Shield from extreme events (hail, excessive sun, frost) and improve the microclimate.
4. Energy efficiencyThe plants cool the panels, increasing their efficiency (+5-10% in summer).
5. Soil improvementReduced erosion and increased biodiversity (e.g. sheep grazing under the panels).
6. Access to incentivesPNRR contributions, reduced rates, and simplified authorization procedures for "advanced" systems.
7. Reduction of landscape impactLess invasive alternatives to ground-mounted photovoltaics, with harmonious integration in rural areas.
8. New incomes for farmers.Leasing land or selling energy, diversifying your income.
9. Fight against climate changeReduction of CO₂ and less heat stress on crops.
10. Technological innovationSmart systems (IoT, dynamic panels) for precision agriculture.

Incentives for the installation of agrivoltaic systems

Despite the higher initial costs compared to traditional photovoltaic systems, the incentives current make the agrivoltaic system an extremely advantageous investment, especially in the context of the energy transition.

PNRR Incentives and Agrivoltaic Decree

Il National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR) offers non-repayable contribution up to 40% of eligible costs, supported by a incentive rate on the energy produced and fed into the grid.

Il Agrivoltaic Decree (DM 436/2023), effective from 14 February 2024, aims to install 1,04 GW of new agrivoltaic capacity. It also provides capital contributions up to 40% (financed by the PNRR) and a incentive rate for the net energy fed into the grid.

Dedicated contingents and benefits

The Decree allocates 300 MW exclusively to farms for systems up to 1 MW, while the remaining ones 740 MW They are for temporary business associations with at least one agricultural entrepreneur.

Conclusions

Agrivoltaics not only diversifies farmers' incomes and offers economic benefits, but also guarantees significant agronomic and environmental advantages. Its design requires a multidisciplinary approach to create synergy between energy production and agriculture, actively contributing to the country's energy transition. Despite a higher initial cost, agrivoltaics represents a highly attractive and profitable solution for agricultural entrepreneurs in the medium to long term.