Acqua Azzurra

PLANT CAPACITY:
Two plants are currently in operation with a total capacity of 829 kWp, and by 2025 the energy pipeline is expected to be completed with over 3.5 MWp installed, achieving full energy self-sufficiency.

LOCATION:
Sections 1/2/5: installed over fish tanks (purpose-built structure)
Sections 3/4: the facility’s domed roofs
Section 6 (under construction): installed over tanks

ESTIMATED ANNUAL OUTPUT: 4,510,916.4 kWh
EXPECTED SELF-CONSUMPTION: 80%
FINANCING MODEL: EPC
INCENTIVES: part of the project was funded through the Italian Agrisolare grant scheme
CARBON FOOTPRINT: 2,138,174.374 kg of CO₂ saved every year

THE PROJECT:

The need to reduce significant energy consumption – around 4.5 GWh a year drawn from the grid to power the vital water exchange and tank oxygenation operations, running 24 hours a day – led the management of Acqua Azzurra to embark on an ambitious path, based on the one hand on integrated technology and energy solutions and, on the other, on complex structural works.

Multi-level plant and energy solutions

• Solar PV plants built across several sections
• Design of an innovative PV mounting system with perimeter anchoring, able to span large tanks without internal fixing points
• Overhaul of the electrical systems
• Hot-dip galvanised metal components for maximum resistance to the saline environment
• Efficiency upgrade of the medium-voltage transformer substations
• C&I energy storage systems
• Routine and extraordinary maintenance under an O&M contract
  

Positive impacts
Installing the plants directly over the tanks brought additional environmental and production benefits:

• Optimised water use: The PV canopy limits water evaporation, reducing overall water demand.
• Tank temperature control: The shade created by the PV panels helps keep the water cooler – crucial for the welfare of the farmed species – reducing overheating from direct sunlight.
• Land sustainability: The chosen approach required no additional land, preserving the agricultural character of the surrounding area.
• Durability and strength: Hot-dip galvanised steel profiles, specifically designed to withstand the aggressive saline environment, and protective treatments applied to all structures and fixings ensure the plants have a long life.

TECHNOLOGIES USED

PV modules JA SOLAR:
SECTION 1: 330 MODULES – JA Solar PV Technology Co. Ltd., JAM6-60-280PR, 280.0 Wp
SECTION 2: 1356 MODULES – JA Solar PV Technology Co. Ltd., JAM72S30-545/MR, 545.0 Wp
SECTION 3: 1195 MODULES – JA Solar PV Technology Co. Ltd., JAM54S30-415/MR, 415 Wp
SECTION 4: 571 MODULES – JA Solar PV Technology Co. Ltd., JAM54S30-415/MR, 415 Wp
SECTION 5: 2228 MODULES – JA Solar PV Technology Co. Ltd., JAM54D40-445/LB, 445 Wp
SECTION 6: in development

Solar inverters ZCS AZZURRO:

SECTION 1: 2 x ZCS AZZURRO 3PH 50000TL-V1-3PH 50000TL-V1-S5
SECTION 2: 7 x ZCS AZZURRO 3PH 100KTL-LV, 100 000 W + 1 x ZCS 3PH 50000TL-V1-3PH 50000TL-V1-S5
SECTION 3: 5 x ZCS AZZURRO 3PH 100KTL-LV, 100 000 W
SECTION 4: 2 x ZCS AZZURRO 3PH 100KTL-LV, 100 000 W + 1 x ZCS AZZURRO 3PH 30KTL-V3, 30 000 W
SECTION 5: 10 x ZCS 3PH 100KTL-V4-100 000 W
SECTION 6: in development