A 1 MW ground-mounted solar installation using AIKO ABC modules is now operating at an agricultural estate in Lodi, northern Italy. Developed for Azienda Agricola La Torre di Rocca Marco, the project was designed to convert farmland that the estate was not otherwise using into a source of stable, long-term income.
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Farm owner Marco Rocca described the choice of technology as an important one. The AIKO modules were recommended by Sara Jaciara Azevedo of consultancy Jsquare, whose explanation of their technical advantages proved decisive. "We found a product that immediately inspired confidence, both for its quality and for the sense of solidity it provides," Rocca said. "It's an investment that allows us to look to the future with greater peace of mind."
For commercial and industrial projects, module efficiency has a direct bearing on installed capacity, land use and long-term returns. Compared with a conventional TOPCon-based solution, AIKO's n-type ABC modules required 75 fewer units at the Lodi site, saving 60 m² of installation area. Over a 30-year period, the system is projected to generate approximately 633.2 MWh of additional electricity, equivalent to around €25,010 in additional revenue based on an average electricity price of €40 per MWh. "Their high efficiency was a key factor, and we were also impressed by their ability to perform well even when conditions are not ideal," said farmer Rocca.
Farmland's practical challenges
Ground-mounted installations on farmland bring particular challenges. Surrounding trees can cast partial shade, while dust and organic residue tend to accumulate on module surfaces, reducing output over time. AIKO's partial shading optimisation is intended to limit shading-related losses and maintain more consistent generation under such conditions. The project team reports that the modules have performed steadily in the farm environment, with less frequent cleaning and maintenance required as a result.
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Safety was a further consideration. Partial shading combined with high temperatures can raise the risk of hotspots in conventional modules, with implications for both performance and fire safety. AIKO's ABC modules are designed to keep hotspot temperatures below 100°C, addressing this risk directly.
The Lodi installation illustrates how module-level design choices, including efficiency, shade tolerance and thermal performance, can shape the economics of solar projects on agricultural land. (TF)
