Idromeccanica Lucchini, leveraging its knowledge and experience, has developed its own comprehensive project on advanced agrivoltaics.
The system, entirely designed and built by Idromeccanica Lucchini, represents a turning point in the landscape of renewable energy in Italy, efficiently and sustainably combining photovoltaics with agriculture.
Lucchini's innovation
The versatility of the system has already proven that the plant is one of the best solutions currently available on the market, thanks to its technical and, above all, agronomic advantages.
The knowledge Gaines over the years regarding agronomic structures, has enabled us to design a system that does not require concrete foundations, thus avoiding soil disruption and preserving existing crops, while ensuring stability through steel structures compliant with construction technical standards (NTC).
Simulations confirm a structural life of more than 50 years, an extraordinary figure - considering that the average life of photovoltaic panels is, for now, estimated at around 25-30 years. This makes Idromeccanica Lucchini's system a particularly advantageous long-term solution.
The technological excellence of the system
In terms of technology, we have introduced a number of innovative components, ensuring resistance against even the most extreme weather events, and minimizing wear and maintenance requirements. This type of innovation, as mentioned, guarantees maximum reliability for 50 years, limiting the need for routine and extraordinary maintenance: a real ‘bonus’ in terms of cost and management for customers.
Agronomic benefits and sustainability
In addition to the technological benefits, agriculture also benefits greatly from the installation of these agri-voltaic systems.
Our innovative hail and/or rain cover system is designed for maximum protection and flexibility. The solution combines two advanced technologies: one part of the system is built with an arched system and a tuning rain cover, similar to a greenhouse; shile the other uses a cable system, inspired by the 'orchard' model, with rain protection for enhanced durability and reliability. In an ideal planting with ample space, the system can be completely ‘boxed’, offering total and optimal protection, perfect for those investing in new plants.
The solar panel system, in this case, acts as a kind of natural protection, shielding the plants from both variable weather conditions and excessive exposure to the sun, particularly during the increasingly hot Italian summers. This solution, in fact, reduces the risk of sunburn of the fruit, while also contributing to the reduction of H2O consumption, thanks to the penumbra effect - a crucial aspect at a time when water scarcity is an increasingly pressing issue.
Although studies are still underway to measure the increase in yield per square meter, the first empirical results suggest that the system provides very encouraging responses in terms of both crop protection and productivity.
All-inclusive service: technology, consulting and economic sustainability
The project, however, stands out not only for its advanced technology, but also for the comprehensive and integrated approach offered by Idromeccanica Lucchini.
In addition to supplying the technological infrastructure, in fact, the company accompanies customers throughout the entire process, from bureaucracy to the electrical connection, and even advice on financing. Our ‘tailor-made’ approach, a trademark of Lucchini, enables continuous fine-tuning, which not only improves the agronomic and energy yield, but also the economic viability of the plant, thanks to a comprehensive advisory service and the presentation of financial solutions tailored to the specific situation.
A model for the future - versatility and diversified applications
This is just the beginning of a path characterized by continuous growth. In fact, agrivoltage lends itself to numerous applications, not only for kiwi cultivation, but also in other agricultural contexts, such as orchards, vineyards, open fields, and even in the livestock sector. This versatility makes Lucchini's proposal not only premium, but also (and above all) scalable and adaptable to a wide range of production needs, including small-scale systems for private contexts.
In conclusion, we can safely say that our advanced agrivoltaics system demonstrates how technological innovation can be skilfully combined with sustainability and agriculture, building a successful business model where technology and agriculture come together to guarantee concrete environmental and economic benefits.
Thanks to a targeted strategy and tailor-made solutions Idromeccanica Lucchini confirms itself - once again - as a leader in the innovation, in technology and, above all, ready to replicate and adapt this cutting-edge case study in new contexts and new markets.
