Advanced agrivoltaic system

Project: Agrivoltaic Plant

Location: Emilia-Romagna, Italy

Design: Idromeccanica Lucchini SpA

Manni Sipre Services: Supply of machined beams and tubular sections

An agrivoltaic project developed in Italy integrates agricultural production with renewable energy generation, contributing to the spread of new energy management models in the agricultural sector. To realize this vision, the project is collaborating with Idromeccanica Lucchini, a company specializing in integrated solutions for agriculture, which has developed a state-of-the-art system. The support structure for the solar panels is built in collaboration with Manni Sipre, a key partner in the supply of structural steel.

The project called for the development of a system capable of integrating photovoltaic panels into agricultural fields without compromising crop productivity. Furthermore, the structures had to be sturdy, weather-resistant, and flexible enough to adapt to the project’s requirements. The main challenge was to design an agrivoltaic system capable of integrating renewable energy production with the needs of the crops, helping to limit their excessive exposure to the sun and providing partial protection from the elements.

Idromeccanica Lucchini designed an innovative agrivoltaic system that uses solar panels arranged to optimize land use and protect crops. To ensure the structure’s strength and durability, Manni Sipre supplied 20 metric tons of steel, including rolled beams and galvanized tubular sections, which were precisely cut and drilled to meet the project’s specific requirements, ensuring long-term stability and strength.

The project offers a number of key benefits:

Integrated land use: The project allows agricultural activities to be combined with solar energy production on the same land, promoting a multifunctional use of the available space.

Crop protection: The photovoltaic panels provide natural protection against the sun and weather events, improving growing conditions.

Renewable energy production: The system integrates solar energy generation with agricultural activities, helping to increase the share of energy produced from renewable sources.

Durability and flexibility: The steel structures supplied by Manni Sipre ensure strength and adaptability, which are essential for the project.

Completed in June 2024, the agrivoltaic system marks a turning point for the client, who has been able to reap the benefits of more efficient agricultural production combined with renewable energy generation. Thanks to the collaboration between Lucchini and Manni Sipre, the project lays the groundwork for potential implementation on a larger scale, with plans to expand to over 30 MW of installed capacity, thereby contributing to the widespread adoption of agrivoltaic solutions.