Agri-PV in Italy is evolving beyond its niche position and is emerging as a standalone industry that effectively integrates agriculture and energy. Sandro Esposito, managing director of CCE Italia, highlights the significant opportunities arising from this sector. Agri-PV is now recognized not merely as an adjunct to solar development but as a distinct industry that enhances sustainable farming practices while providing economic benefits to landowners and farmers.
The misconception that agri-PV is merely a way to impose solar projects on agricultural land is addressed by Esposito, who emphasizes that each project is grounded in an agronomic concept. The photovoltaic (PV) component is designed to finance and enhance sustainable farming rather than serve as the primary goal itself. Future projects by CCE will prioritize strong agronomic objectives, such as cultivating quality organic olives, before integrating the PV elements.
An example of this approach is the Santa Lucia project in the Lazio region, where an existing PV installation was transformed into an agri-PV model focused on high-quality olive production. Here, the PV system not only provides financial support but also facilitates efficient crop management, emphasizing quality over sheer volume, with the initial market results anticipated by 2026.
To further advance the agri-PV sector, CCE Italia intends to establish a distinct company in 2025 dedicated solely to developing and implementing these projects. This company will target not just electricity generation but also the production of high-quality agricultural products. Each project will encompass comprehensive structures that integrate agricultural management with energy sales, promoting a blended business model.
Leveraging advanced technologies, the forthcoming projects will utilize systems for yield monitoring, precision farming, and carbon footprint measurements, aiming for a fully certified production process. The agri-PV concept is projected to gain traction across Europe, bolstered by CCE’s involvement with the Italian Association for Sustainable Agrivoltaics (AIAS), which fosters collaboration between agriculture and energy sectors while reshaping perceptions of agri-PV.
Agri-PV presents a pathway to cultivate high-value agricultural yields with clear environmental benefits, utilizing clean energy and intelligent systems. This innovative approach results in guaranteed product origins, resource-efficient production, and stringent quality standards. Therefore, agri-PV not only redefines economic opportunities in agriculture but also plays a crucial role in driving ecological transformation.