Agrivoltaics: The Simulated Possibilities in Lazio Region (Italy) on Two Test Municipalities

Agrivoltaics, also known as agriphotovoltaics, is a solution that combines agricultural production with photovoltaic energy generation on the same land. The use of agrivoltaics is conditioned by several factors, among which the first to consider is land suitability. This research investigates the potential of agrivoltaics in the Lazio Region to address the demand for clean and sustainable energy. The considered agrivoltaic system is one that is raised above the ground according to the standards of the most recent Italian legislation. This study examined two villages, Nepi and Calcata, to illustrate the application possibilities. Nepi has a population (9471 inhabitants) three times larger than the regional average (2429 inhabitants), while Calcata's population is about half the regional average (913 inhabitants). These examples were used to estimate the agrivoltaic energy required to meet the energy demands of hypothetical municipalities with varying population sizes. Suitable agricultural areas for agrivoltaic development were identified using Geographic Information System (GIS) analysis and various datasets, including regional land use and DEMs. The identified areas were analysed for optimal solar aspect, with acceptable values ranging from 135° to 225°. The research estimated energy potential and the energy demands of those areas. Subsequently, the areas to be allocated for agrivoltaics to meet the energy needs of the municipalities were estimated. Only a small fraction of the available agricultural land is needed to meet these demands, suggesting significant potential for agrivoltaic systems in these regions. The findings could advocate for investment in agrivoltaics by both public and private sectors.