The concept of agrivoltaics, which combines agriculture and renewable energy production, is gaining popularity in Italy, thanks to funding from the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR). The Ministry of the Environment has developed guidelines for agrivoltaic systems, which must ensure the continuity of agricultural or pastoral activities and integration with electricity production. There are three types of agrivoltaic systems, including advanced systems that require monitoring systems for the impact on agricultural or pastoral activity and water savings. The PNRR has allocated €1.1 billion for incentives and defined the conditions for accessing them.
Several challenges remain, including bureaucratic hurdles, regulatory uncertainty, and the risk that agrivoltaics could become a ground for speculation. Some researchers and farmers are concerned about the risks of mafia interests in the renewable energy sector. Despite these challenges, there are many examples of successful agrivoltaic projects in Italy, such as the community agrivoltaic vineyard in Laterza and Le Greenhouse, a consortium of companies in Sardinia and Calabria. These projects demonstrate the potential benefits of agrivoltaics, including increased agricultural production, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and job creation.