Agrivoltaics
Agrivoltaics: energy and farming on the same land
Agrivoltaic plants with elevated structures and certified crops: dual income for landowners and continuity of farming activity.
Solar energy and agriculture, together
Agrivoltaics is the most balanced response to the challenge of the energy transition in Italy: it enables large-scale clean energy generation without taking land away from agriculture. Energy generation and farming coexist and enhance each other.
How agrivoltaics works
In our plants, PV modules are mounted on elevated structures that leave sufficient clearance for farm machinery and for the crops growing beneath. Ground clearance, module density and orientation are designed to secure both energy yield and certified agricultural productivity.
The crops mainly used in our projects are lucerne (alfalfa) and other compatible forage crops, chosen for their tolerance of partial shading and for the agronomic benefit they can gain from reduced evapotranspiration.
Gaya Solar specialises in developing agrivoltaic plants that meet the requirements of the Ministry of Environment and Energy Security (MASE) decree and Legislative Decree 199/2021 (Article 20), classified as "suitable areas" and therefore subject to simpler permitting procedures than conventional solar PV.
The benefits of agrivoltaics
For landowners
- Dual income from the land: a guaranteed energy lease payment and continued agricultural income
- Priority access to "suitable areas" under Article 20 of Legislative Decree 199/2021, with simplified procedures
- Enhanced value of agricultural land through long-term contracts (purchase or 30-year lease)
- No investment required from the landowner
For local areas and the environment
- Reduced visual impact compared with conventional solar PV
- Land retained in agricultural use
- Reduced evapotranspiration, benefiting crop yields during dry periods
- Full compliance with the ESG requirements of institutional investors
Are you a landowner?
If you own an agricultural plot of more than 5 hectares on flat or gently sloping ground, it may be suitable for an agrivoltaic plant. Our team will assess your land in under 72 hours, free of charge and with no obligation.