Forlì, 17 October 2024. In line with its commitment to the circular economy and sustainability, Caviro Group is inaugurating today Italy’s largest advanced Agrivoltaic plant assembled in the vineyard adjacent to the Caviro Wineries. The plant, which required an investment of 1.5 million euros, was completed in eight months and comprises 63 single-axis trackers and 1,386 bifacial solar panels over a surface area of 1.5 hectares. The annual production of 1,300,000 kWh of electricity represents the final step towards completing the energy self-sufficiency of the Caviro wine site.
The Agrivoltaic system is of the “advanced” type, meaning that, thanks to constant monitoring, it performs two specific functions: produces clean renewable energy and protects the vines. The system was designed to provide the best possible inclination of the photovoltaic panels, thus protecting the vines from atmospheric damage, such as hail and spring frosts, by taking advantage of the correct amount of sunlight for sufficient photosynthesis.
“The challenge that Caviro has taken up with this pilot project is to understand if the undisputed energy value can also be combined with an overall more sustainable vineyard, where quantity and quality are not modified, and if photovoltaic coverage can mitigate any damage resulting from the high incidence of extreme weather events” explained Giampaolo Bassetti, Caviro General Manager.
The growth of vines on the site will be compared with that of vines in the open field, thus allowing researchers to verify the productivity of the plants and the quality of grapes. The goal is to gather data and knowledge that can contribute to the development of increasingly efficient and personalised solutions adapted to the specific characteristics of the territory.
“We are happy to launch an innovative experiment that can be a replicable model for the wineries in our supply chain. The system will allow us to identify the vine varieties that are best suited to this type of cultivation, as well as increasing overall energy efficiency. It is an initiative that combines tradition and innovation, giving a concrete contribution to the transition towards a more sustainable future”, concludes Bassetti.
