A large fleet of Bobcat machines, including skid-steer loaders, telehandlers and mini-excavators, is engaged in an ambitious sustainable energy project: the construction of one of Italy’s largest agro-photovoltaic plants, located in Loreo, in the province of Rovigo, in the heart of the Po Delta.
This initiative combines technological innovation and renewable energy production, while preserving the area’s agricultural industry.
The plant covers approximately 65 hectares and houses over 73,684 latest-generation bifacial photovoltaic modules. This technology maximizes energy production by capturing both direct and reflected solar radiation from the ground, thus increasing overall efficiency.
The plant’s total power output will be approximately 42 MWp, with a storage system, for an estimated annual production of 63 GWh—enough energy to power thousands of homes and numerous local businesses.
The photovoltaic modules, arranged in ‘sail’ structures composed of 52, 78 or 104 panels, are installed on poles driven into the ground and orientable east-west via field sensors, to optimally follow the sun’s path.
The project represents an innovative agrivoltaic system model, integrating renewable energy production with the maintenance of agricultural activity. The photovoltaic panels are mounted on structures raised approximately two metres above the ground, allowing the passage of agricultural vehicles and the cultivation of the land below.
The Bobcat Machines: Versatility and Performance
To tackle the complex operational phases of the construction site, a dozen Bobcat machines were chosen, including compact track loaders (T76, T86, T300), telehandlers (TL30.70 and TL43.80HF), mini-excavators (E55, E60), and the L85 articulated wheel loader, for their reliability, power and ability to operate on delicate and unstable terrain, typical of clay-loam areas.
Among the companies involved in the plant’s construction, Oresi Italia stands out, specializing in the installation, maintenance and repair of electrical systems and civil engineering works.
The company is part of the Oresi Energy SRL group, based in Romania, which has been active in the development, construction and management of photovoltaic, wind and micro-hydroelectric plants in Europe since 2009.
Vasile Bogdan Roba, Oresi Italia manager, explains: “For this type of intensive work, we needed powerful, agile and efficient equipment. We were happy to hear from the companies we work with about choosing Bobcat. The solutions proposed by local Bobcat dealer DMO, represented by Maurizio Mantovani, were absolutely up to the task. The equipment has been operating non-stop for over a year, in all types of weather conditions. We’re just coming off a rainy winter that forced the equipment to work even more intensively. Now, some of the equipment is almost unrecognizable due to the amount of mud covering it, but it performs as well as it did on day one. Their power is at its peak, and thanks to this, the work is proceeding at a rapid pace: truly impressive reliability.”
Bobcat machinery at every stage of the operation
The construction site involved numerous operational phases, all supported by Bobcat machines.
The first phase involved the excavation of the ducts for the low-voltage cables, performed by Bobcat E60 mini-excavators. These cables electrically connect the individual photovoltaic panels to an inverter, which converts the energy generated in direct current (DC) into medium-voltage alternating current (AC). This AC will then be transported to the nearest power plant, where it will be fed into the electricity distribution grid for domestic and industrial use.
With the ground cleared and the excavations completed, one of the most intensive phases of the construction site began: material handling. Bobcat T76 and T86 compact track loaders, equipped with forks, are used daily to load, unload, and transport the supplies needed to build the system.
Every day, dozens of trucks arrive at the construction site loaded with components for the photovoltaic system installation: solar panels, support poles, torque tubes, motors, gearboxes, nuts and bolts (millions of them), electrical cables, and other structural and electronic components.
Bobcat loaders unload the materials and transport them to the temporary storage area, where each component is catalogued, sorted by type, and arranged according to its intended operational phase. Then, following the progress of the construction site, the same vehicles distribute the materials to the various assembly teams.
“Bobcat’s T76 and T86 track loaders are constantly on the move to ensure each team has the necessary components, exactly when they need them,” explains Vasile Bogdan Roba.
Their speed and load capacity allow the operational chain to be maintained without interruptions, avoiding delays and slowdowns. The entire construction site organization relies on the use of these vehicles. Reliable, versatile, and capable of adapting to a variety of tasks, Bobcat loaders are essential for ensuring construction site efficiency and meeting system construction deadlines.
Once the entire supporting structure of the solar panel has been assembled on the ground, the delicate lifting process begins. This operation uses the Bobcat TL30.70 telehandler, a robust and versatile machine designed to handle loads exceeding one tonne with precision and safety, even on uneven terrain.
The TL30.70 lifts the entire supporting structure two metres high, allowing it to be attached to the support posts anchored to the ground. This operation, performed with extreme precision, requires absolute stability and pinpoint positioning, qualities that the Bobcat telehandler guarantees even when handling bulky and heavy loads. In addition to this essential function, the TL30.70 is used to distribute pallets containing photovoltaic panels near the pre-installed structures, ready for installation.
A Winning Partnership
Vasile Bogdan Roba emphasizes the importance of the collaboration with DMO, based on availability, expertise and mutual commitment to achieving project objectives: “I thank Maurizio Mantovani and his entire team for the constant support they provide us, throughout every stage of the project. Whatever needs arise, we can count on a rapid, competent and effective response.”
A solid synergy based on ongoing dialogue, as confirmed by Maurizio Mantovani, Area Manager for DMO Veneto for over thirty years: “Our goal is not limited to simply selecting and supplying the right equipment for the operational needs of the construction site. We aim to build a relationship of trust, supporting the customer step by step throughout the entire operational cycle. I regularly visit the construction site to personally monitor the condition of the equipment, evaluate their performance, and gather useful feedback.”
Teamwork is also crucial. Mantovani adds: “My colleague Monica Zecchetto, DMO rental team leader in Veneto, in addition to managing the bureaucratic and contractual aspects, is in constant contact with the company to assess the needs of the Loreo construction site, as well as other important Oresi construction sites in the area where Bobcat machines operate. This allows us to respond promptly and guarantee timely and effective assistance.”
To learn more about Bobcat’s products, attachments and services, visit www.bobcat.com.
