Advanced Agrivoltaics in Italy: Innovation, Sustainability, and Regulation for the Future of Rural Energy

This article offers a critical analysis of the evolving legal framework governing advanced agrivoltaic systems in Italy, with a focus on their structural integration into sustainable land use and rural energy policy. Distinct from conventional ground-mounted photovoltaics, these systems support the simultaneous performance of agricultural and energy-producing functions. The study examines recent regulatory interventions – most notably the Unified Renewable Energy Act and the NRRP incentive programme – while addressing persistent implementation challenges. Particular emphasis is placed on the legal qualification of agrivoltaics, procedural complexities, and the need for coherent governance strategies within a multifunctional territorial paradigm.