The Impact of Photovoltaic on Permanent Grassland Composition and Productivity in Central Italy

Abstract

Climate change and population growth put a strain on energy and food resources, prompting a shift to renewable energy. The EU is aiming for 40 per cent renewable energy by 2030 and photovoltaic solar systems are expected as the primary source of electricity by 2035. However, the expansion of photovoltaics generates conflicts over land use, especially in agriculture. Agrivoltaic (AV) systems, which integrate photovoltaic panels with agricultural practices, offer a promising solution by providing crops with partial shade, thus potentially mitigating excessive sunlight and reducing water stress. This study evaluates the effects of an AV system on a 70 ha pasture in Ravenna, Italy, examining changes in pasture composition and productivity. In order to identify variations along the shadow gradient, four sampling areas were chosen along the transect perpendicular to the panel row, where plant species were identified and crop biomass sampled throughout the growing season in 2023. The results revealed a dominant presence of Grasses, with percentages of Leguminous ranging from  20 to 40% in less shaded areas, and other species present mainly in shaded areas, particularly in the back edge of the panel. Biomass yield showed considerable variation along the transect, with higher yields near the panels and lower below the central panels. The biomass peaks highlight the role of shading, sunlight and water drainage in production. These results emphasize the critical influence of shading in AV systems, providing insights for optimizing pasture management and crop selection to increase productivity under different light conditions.