The citron of southern Italy had almost died out from extreme weather and lack of economic value. But growing the crop under solar panels re
"growing the crop under a canopy of solar panels has given the fruit a new lease of life – with lessons for many climate-stressed crops."
Over the centuries, thanks to a mild climate, locals in this corner of Italy specialised in growing these large Liscia Diamante (which translates to "smooth diamond") fruits – which can weigh up to 11lb (5kg) each – to meet the demand of perfume makers who used the rind's essential oils. Jewish priests traveled from far away to select the fruits for use in prayer during the seven-day religious festival Sukkot. Every family had a few citron trees: the area prospered and took on the name of Riviera dei Cedri.
However, in the last 50 years, the Liscia Diamante almost went extinct as Calabrians migrated elsewhere searching for a better life, and cheaper industrial substitutes replaced essential oils. It made little economic sense for those who stayed behind to keep growing the fruit.
What if producing energy could support the production of the local endangered citron that, to grow well, needed some natural or artificial shade?
Both lemon trees and citron trees have benefitted from the relative cool and shade beneath the solar panels (Credit: Agostino Petroni)
Lancelotta is sure that agrivoltaics is the right solution. He believes that the farming side of the business should be preserved and strengthened by solar, and not compromised.
"Farmers have always been taking care of the territory,"
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