Due to demand in the agricultural sector, there is a need for photovoltaic solar panels but the Italian government has banned them. Based on this ban, we explore the reasons. Also known as PV solar panels, the government has imposed a ban on installations.
Why the Italian government has banned these solar panels
While the country’s solar trade association doesn’t take this ban kindly as it is projected to cost the European country a staggering €60 billion (US$64.5 billion) in lost private investment and tax revenues, the move is aimed at preserving productive land.
According to Agriculture Minister Francesco Lollobrigida, the decision that has set tongues wagging is that these ground-mounted solar panels pose various risks on agricultural land.
In a brief statement to the media, as cited by portals such as Reuters, Lollobrigida said they must put an end to “the wild installation of ground-mounted photovoltaic (panels).”
At the same time, advocacy groups focusing on climate and the environment, lashed out at the government, saying it is undermining green goals agreed with partners from the Group of Seven (G7) wealthy countries.
From Energy Minister Gilberto Pichetto Fratin’s point of view, he said to the reporters that the new curbs or bans would not jeopardise a government goal to install around 38 GW by 2030 through photovoltaic plants.
Surprisingly, this move or ban comes as PV solar panels are quickly becoming one of the most demanded by various industrial sectors such as agriculture owing to their great energy benefits.
However, the fever for photovoltaics is becoming a risk for some countries as important tasks are being replaced by the implementation of solar panels.
Inspite of the ban, it’s published that not all forms of solar energy are excluded from agricultural land or farming areas – agrivoltaic energy is permitted but under certain conditions.
Compared to photovoltaics, agrivoltaic is an innovative system that demands solar panels to be placed at a minimum height of two meters above the agricultural surface.
Why this is the case, research reveals the move is aimed at avoiding damage on crops and soil, but also prevents agricultural activities from being interrupted.
Why America must be concerned as Italy bans solar panels
Various publications such as EcoNews report that American farmers must be worried as this ban might also be introduced in some of the states.
Just on the back of such a massive ban by the Italian minister and government, it’s anticipated that several American farmers might be hit by such a move.
“Following the example of the Italian government, some states in America could be affected if the Government decided to take a similar measure, like Texas,” indicates EcoNews.
“As you know (and we have recently covered), agrivoltaics is rapidly growing, so we shouldn´t have any problem, but everything could happen now with the increase of other renewable sources.”
Are agrivoltaic solar panels a better option
While the Italian government or authorities might be looking at the disadvantages of installing photovoltaic solar panels, American farmers and energy stakeholders may be forced to consider different options such as agrivoltaic panels.
However, the news has received mixed reactions from the energy and agricultural fraternity considering that agrivoltaic installations are more complex and expensive than traditional ones.
The president of Elettricità Futura Agostino Re Rebaudengo, is of the view that elevation or installation of the panels from the agricultural land increases problems that are related to wind and sealing.
In essence or from a business sense, it seems American farmers and energy stakeholders must also be ready to part ways with substantial amounts of money.