PHOTOVOLTAIC SOLAR PANELS ON VINEYARDS TO IMPROVE WINE QUALITY
La Svolta (Italy) combines renewable energy with viticulture, installing solar panels in vineyards to support grape quality and reduce environmental impact
Information
Sector:
Agriculture, forestry and fishing,
Manufacture of food, beverages and tobacco
Industrial ecosystem(s):
Environmental Impacts:
Use of renewable and alternative energy
Estimated Resource Saving:
20-50%
The project features 7,770 double-jointed thin-film solar energy panels. Together they add up to a power output of 970 kW. The photovoltaic park is raised 2 metres with the intention of cultivating various crops underneath. The rows of vines are made up of the poles that support the panels. The solar energy panels are oriented to the south at an angle of 28 degrees.
Integrating agrivoltaic energy systems in vineyards not only helps mitigate the effects of climate change, but also delays the ripening of grapes, resulting in a significant improvement in wine quality.
Integrating agrivoltaic energy systems in vineyards not only helps mitigate the effects of climate change, but also delays the ripening of grapes, resulting in a significant improvement in wine quality.
KEY RESULTS
The company has grown more than 30 grape varieties.
Less sun exposure slows down the accumulation of sugars in the grapes, which improves the balance between alcohol content and acidity during fermentation. This allows high-quality wines to be produced without the need for corrective interventions.
The agrivoltaic energy system improved the water stress of the plants, protected the grapes from weather excesses and halved wind speed, compared to open fields: reduction in water consumption for irrigation of up to 20% and an increase in land yield of between 20% and 60%.