Agrivoltaics Can Reduce Soil Temperatures by More Than 20°C – A Game Changer for Mediterranean Farming

As climate change intensifies, Mediterranean agriculture faces a daunting challenge: higher temperatures, more intense solar radiation, and increasingly scarce water resources. But a growing body of research suggests that agrivoltaics – the co-location of solar panels and crops on the same land – could offer a powerful solution.

New findings from researchers at the University of Bari in Italy reveal just how dramatic the microclimate benefits can be. According to Professor Giuseppe Ferrara, agrivoltaic systems can lower soil temperatures by more than 20°C compared to directly exposed areas.

At Sunlink (Xiamen), we see this as a pivotal moment for agrivoltaics. The technology is no longer just about generating clean energy alongside food production – it is emerging as a climate adaptation tool that can help farmers cope with the realities of a warming world.

The Research: Two Pilot Sites, Real-World Data

Ferrara’s team is conducting field measurements at two complementary pilot sites in southern Italy:

• Vigna Agrivoltaica di Comunità in Laterza, Puglia – where researchers are studying fig and olive crops. This site features a 970 kW south-oriented system with approximately 7,770 panels.

• An installation in Scalea, Calabria – operated by the Le Greenhouse consortium, where the focus is on lemon and lavender.

The two projects are designed to complement each other, investigating different crops under different environmental conditions and with different photovoltaic configurations – including fixed-tilt and tracking systems, as well as panels installed at different heights.

Key Finding: Soil Temperature Reduction Exceeds 20°C

Measurements at the Laterza site have shown substantial differences between shaded and sun-exposed soil. At around 11 a.m. , soil temperatures beneath the agrivoltaic system were more than 20°C lower than in areas directly exposed to sunlight.

The figure was recorded during a period of particularly high temperatures and is therefore not representative of an average reduction. Ferrara notes that the difference can vary according to latitude, time of day, ambient temperature, and soil characteristics. Soil colour also plays a role, as darker soils generally absorb more solar radiation and can reach higher temperatures.

This cooling effect could be particularly relevant in Mediterranean regions, where agricultural production is increasingly exposed to high temperatures, intense solar radiation, and limited water availability.

The Balance: Shade vs. Light

However, the researchers are also examining how the reduction in solar radiation affects plant development. Reduced light availability is one of the main constraints of agrivoltaic systems. While shading can lower temperatures and potentially reduce water stress, excessive shading can limit photosynthetic activity and ultimately reduce crop yields.

The movement of the sun – and in some systems the movement of the photovoltaic panels – can help distribute radiation throughout the day, providing crops with sufficient light to maintain photosynthetic activity, growth, and production.

Ferrara and his team also found that crops with a lower tolerance for shade can experience a much stronger reduction in productivity and should therefore be assessed carefully before being introduced into agrivoltaic systems.

The researchers are consequently looking not only at the amount of shade but also at how the timing and duration of shading interact with crop physiology and production.

Why This Matters for Mediterranean Agriculture

Ferrara believes the research is particularly relevant to regions with Mediterranean climates, where high temperatures and solar radiation coincide with periods of limited water availability.

“Agriculture is changing rapidly, particularly in response to drought,” Ferrara said. “Agrivoltaics could represent another pathway that may be adopted, at least under certain climatic conditions.”

The interaction between energy production and agriculture needs to be considered at the site level. Crop selection is only one part of the equation; the configuration of the agrivoltaic system must also ensure that crops receive sufficient radiation to maintain an acceptable level of production.

Rather than relying on preconceived assumptions about which crops or systems will work best, Ferrara argues for continued field experimentation.

Sunlink’s Perspective: A Growing Opportunity

At Sunlink, we view agrivoltaics as one of the most promising frontiers in solar deployment – particularly in regions where land is scarce and agricultural communities need additional revenue streams. The University of Bari’s research reinforces several key insights:

For farmers: Agrivoltaics offers more than just lease income from solar panels. The microclimate benefits – including significant soil temperature reduction – can help protect crops from heat stress, potentially reducing irrigation needs and improving yields for shade-tolerant species like olives, figs, and certain herbs.

For developers: The research underscores the importance of site-specific design. There is no one-size-fits-all agrivoltaic configuration. Panel height, tilt, tracking vs. fixed, and crop selection must all be tailored to local conditions. Projects that invest in thorough agronomic assessment will outperform those that treat agrivoltaics as a simple solar-plus-land play.

For the industry: Ferrara’s call for “continued field experimentation” is well-taken. The solar industry needs more real-world data across different climates, crops, and configurations. Collaboration between research institutions, developers, and farmers is essential to move agrivoltaics from niche to mainstream.

The Path Forward

The ongoing measurements at Laterza and Scalea are intended to provide the data needed to determine where agrivoltaic potential can be realized and how systems should be designed to balance electricity generation with agricultural production.

“Combining different areas of expertise allows us to examine the system from different angles and identify both its positive and negative aspects,” Ferrara said. “Research should not be marketing. It should provide information that is useful to decision-makers.”

At Sunlink, we couldn’t agree more. As agrivoltaics continues to gain momentum across Europe and beyond, the industry must ground its growth in rigorous science – not just enthusiasm.

Interested in exploring agrivoltaic solutions for your land or project? Contact Sunlink to discuss our PV products and how they can be integrated with sustainable agriculture.