MET, Keppel JV Starts 10-MWp Agri-PV in Italy

• Keppel and MET Group power up a 10-MWp agrivoltaic plant in Ferrera Erbognone, fusing solar with farming to boost Italy’s clean energy and land efficiency.

Keppel and MET Group have launched a 10-MWp agrivoltaic solar plant in Ferrera Erbognone, northern Italy. The facility, which combines agriculture and solar power generation, has commenced commercial operations, marking a significant step in sustainable energy development.

The Switzerland-based MET Group's project aims to enhance renewable energy production while supporting agricultural activities. This initiative reflects a growing trend in integrating solar technology with farming, promoting efficient land use and contributing to Italy's renewable energy goals. The collaboration between Keppel and MET Group underscores their commitment to innovative energy solutions and sustainability.

How does the new agrivoltaic solar plant in Italy integrate agriculture and energy?

• Uses elevated, wide-span racking so farm machinery can pass underneath and between rows for seeding, cultivation, and harvest
• Spaces and orients rows to preserve sunlight corridors, enabling growth of shade-tolerant crops and pasture beneath the arrays
• Employs single-axis tracking with height limits to balance energy yield with consistent light distribution on crops
• Integrates drip irrigation and rainwater catchment from panel edges to reduce water use and improve soil moisture
• Plants pollinator-friendly strips along array perimeters to boost biodiversity and crop pollination
• Trials multiple crop varieties under different shading regimes to identify optimal agronomic-energetic combinations
• Enables rotational grazing (e.g., sheep) for vegetation control, lowering mowing costs and improving soil health
• Installs soil and microclimate sensors to fine-tune panel tilt schedules and irrigation based on plant stress indicators
• Uses bifacial modules to harvest reflected light from ground cover while maintaining vegetation under panels
• Designs cable routes and inverter pads to minimize soil compaction and keep field access routes unobstructed
• Coordinates planting calendars with maintenance windows so agricultural operations and O&M crews don’t conflict
• Implements agronomic stewardship agreements with local farmers, sharing data and revenue from both harvest and power
• Connects to the local grid with curtailment and forecasting tools to align farm activities with peak-price generation
• Plans community outreach and on-site training to develop regional know-how in dual-use solar farming