Solar energy has long been considered to be an alternative source of energy because it is environment-friendly and requires less consumption. Obtaining solar energy is done through solar panels or photovoltaic systems that are usually mounted on land. However, it turns out that installing solar panels may also affect other industries such as agriculture that are also significant to socio-economic development.
Italy’s current government is pushing for a ban on solar panels on agricultural land, with Agriculture Minister Francesco Lollobrigida saying at a press conference, “We put an end to the wild installation of ground-mounted photovoltaic panels.” However, energy community projects supported by EU funds are exempt.
For the Philippines and other agricultural and archipelago countries in Southeast Asia, floating solar panels or floating photovoltaic systems (FPV) show great potential in being the solution for acquiring solar energy without compromising agricultural land.
Image by BBC
According to Rystad Energy analyst Tristan Pheh to Eco-Business, “[The Philippines, Indonesia, and Thailand] have suitable natural conditions – like isolated bodies of water and naturally-occurring ponds – that make FPV viable to install, as well as reservoirs and hydropower dams that are [also] ideal for FPV installations.” Eco-Business also stated that, “Pheh added that while countries like Malaysia, Vietnam and Myanmar still have plenty of space to develop ground-mounted solar before committing to a large floating solar push, the Philippines has scarce land that can be allotted for solar farms without encroaching on farmland and conservation areas.”
This shows a hopeful future as some of today’s latest technological advancements have great potential to address our limited resources and also push for a greener and sustainable Philippines.
Reference:
Agence France-Presse. (2024 May 7). Italy bans ground-mounted solar panels on agricultural land. Inquirer.net.
https://business.inquirer.net/457638/italy-bans-ground-mounted-solar-panels-on-agricultural-land
