It’s not a secret that photovoltaic energy has quickly become one of the most demanded by various industrial sectors due to its great energy benefits. However, the fever for photovoltaics is becoming a risk for some countries as important tasks are being replaced by the implementation of solar panels.
A delicate decision making that alarms farmers: America has also reasons to be concerned
Well, let’s remember that some time ago we evaluated in detail the implementation of photovoltaic energy in the agricultural sector, especially with the boom of the agrivoltaic energy. This is the way in which solar fields are implemented just above agricultural plantations, obtaining a better use of space and maximizing the reception of sunlight.
Italy is currently facing a significant dilemma regarding the installation of large-scale solar panels in agricultural areas. In an effort to protect the soil and prevent the desertification of fertile land, the government has implemented a complete ban on such projects in areas dedicated to agriculture.
This measure seeks to preserve the productivity and sustainability of agricultural land, which is critical to the country’s economy and food security. However, not all forms of solar energy are excluded from agricultural land. As mentioned above, agrivoltaic energy is allowed under certain conditions.
This innovative system requires solar panels to be placed at a minimum height of two meters above the ground. This avoids damaging crops and soil, but also prevents agricultural activities from being interrupted.
A clear problem we must solve before 2030: this is what happens with photovoltaics
What the Minister of Agriculture, Francesco Lollobrigida, has initially stated is that the best thing for the fields is to regulate the use of solar panels since the land is mainly used for agricultural production, even though energy production is also compatible.
Although the prohibitions may sound extremely delicate to many, the government assures that solar panel fields can still be applied in areas concessioned to railroads, airport concessionaires, mines and quarries, as well as in highway buffer zones, among others.
Despite this, the news has not been very well received by energy operators as agrivoltaic installations are much more complex and costly than traditional ones. Agostino Re Rebaudengo, president of Elettricità Futura assures that the elevation of the panels from the ground increases problems related to wind and sealing.
An important decision for America: this states are worried about a similar step here
Following the example of the Italian government, some states in America could be affected if the Government decided to take a similar measure, like Texas.
As you know (and we have recently covered), agrivoltaics is rapidly growing, so we shouldn´t have any problem, but everything could happen now with the increase of other renewable sources.
Despite the advantages and disadvantages of these government measures, farmers and photovoltaic energy operators will now have to adjust to the new rules imposed, this is explicitly to preserve the fertility of Italian soils, without running the risk of damaging the land and future plantations.
