Photovoltaic Systems for Archaeological Areas

Abstract

ENEA, the Italian Commission for Nuclear and Alternative Energy Sources, and the Commission of European Communities have promoted the construction of two photovoltaic plants in the parks of Cetona and Sovana (Tuscany, Italy), in order to demonstrate the economical and environmental advantages of using PV energy in remote archaeological areas. The first plant has a nominal power of 20 kW and feeds the lighting system of the Etruscan necropolis situated inside the Cetona caves. The second plant has a nominal power of 7.5 kW and is used to light the “Ildebranda grave”, situated in the Sovana Etruscan necropolis, and to power a small drainage water pump, installed in a death chamber a few meters below ground level. The availability of lighting systems has remarkably increased the number of daily visitors, while the drainage pump provides an important contribution to the monument preservation.