Caviro Group Unveils Italy's Largest Agrivoltaic System in Vineyard

The Caviro Group, Italy's largest wine cooperative, has inaugurated an innovative agrivoltaic system at its vineyard adjacent to the Cantine Caviro facility in Forlì. This advanced installation, built over a year with an investment of 1.5 million euros, combines renewable energy production with vineyard protection. Covering 1.5 hectares, the system includes 63 single-axis solar trackers and 1,386 bifacial solar panels designed to maximize solar energy capture. It is expected to generate 1,300,000 kWh annually, contributing significantly to the winery's energy self-sufficiency.

The agrivoltaic system serves a dual purpose: generating clean energy while protecting the vines from adverse weather events such as hail, wind, and spring frost. Equipped with advanced technology and data management software, the system adjusts the tilt of the panels to balance sunlight exposure, ensuring adequate photosynthesis and reducing irrigation needs. Caviro plans to monitor the system over the coming years to evaluate its impact on water consumption and vine development.

Giampaolo Bassetti, CEO of Caviro, stated that the initiative aims to test whether energy generation can be integrated with a more sustainable vineyard cultivation model without compromising the quality or quantity of production. The system provides a protective cover for the plants, shielding them from extreme weather conditions, while exploring the synergy between agriculture and energy production in a shared space.

Researchers will compare the growth and productivity of vines under the agrivoltaic system with those cultivated in open fields. This analysis will assess fruit quality and gather key data to develop solutions tailored to the specific characteristics of different regions. According to Bassetti, the goal is not only to enhance environmental sustainability but also to identify grape varieties best suited to this cultivation method.

The system marks a significant step in Caviro's sustainability strategy, which focuses on circular economy principles and improved production practices. As the largest agrivoltaic project in a vineyard in Italy, this pilot initiative could serve as a model for other wineries in Caviro's producer network. By combining tradition with innovation, the project supports the transition to more environmentally friendly and resource-efficient wine production.

Caviro, recognized for its commitment to sustainability, sees this agrivoltaic system as an opportunity to lead the integration of clean technologies in the wine sector. The combination of agricultural practices with solar energy generation represents a step toward a more resilient and sustainable production model, aligning with current demands for climate adaptation and reduced environmental impact.