Harvests of solar light: Italian agriculture in the age of the photovoltaic era
Author(s)
Date Issued
April 15, 2026
Type
article
Volume
230
ISSN
0921-3449
Abstract
This study quantifies the structural determinants of photovoltaic (PV) adoption and investment intensity among Italian farms within the Food-Water-Energy-Environment nexus. Based on 167,081 FADN-RICA observations (2008–2023), only 2.9% of professional farms currently produce solar energy, yet 33.5% display structural profiles compatible with PV adoption, revealing substantial untapped potential. LASSO-based logistic models show that higher education (β = 0.139, p < 0.001), organic certification (β = 0.408, p < 0.01), machinery intensity (β = 0.004, p < 0.001) and cooperative/association legal forms (β = 2.1–3.5, p < 0.01) significantly increase adoption probabilities, while Southern regions exhibit markedly lower uptake (β = −2.091, p < 0.001) despite superior solar resources. Transformation Trees identify five farm typologies with differentiated agricultural–energy integration patterns. Policy implications include targeted advisory services for structurally ready farms, simplified grid and net-metering rules for small systems, streamlined permitting and long-term contracts for large extensive farms, spatially differentiated measures to close the North–South gap, and embedding renewable energy indicators into CAP strategic plans..
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