Transferring Your Land
Transferring Your Land for a Photovoltaic or Agrivoltaic Plant
What land GDS Sole Italie is looking for
GDS Sole Italie develops photovoltaic and agrivoltaic projects across the entire Italian territory. In this context, it seeks plots of at least 7 hectares, in a single body, located outside areas subject to environmental, landscape or cultural constraints, and technically suited to the development of photovoltaic and agrivoltaic plants.
Private landowners, farming businesses and industrial companies interested in enhancing the value of their land through sustainable energy projects are the primary contacts for GDS Sole Italie. The preliminary land assessment is completely free and without obligation for the owner.
Land suitable for ground-mounted photovoltaic plants
Not all land can host a ground-mounted photovoltaic plant. Current Italian legislation (Legislative Decree 190/2024, as amended by Law 4/2026) defines the categories of areas considered suitable based on their urban planning designation and site location.
The main types of suitable areas for ground-mounted photovoltaics are:
- industrial and commercial areas
- decommissioned quarries and closed landfills, not recovered or abandoned
- agricultural land within 300 metres of the motorway network
- agricultural land within 350 metres of industrial facilities and plants
On these areas, in order to benefit from the simplified permitting procedures available for ground-mounted photovoltaic plants, GDS Sole Italie primarily seeks land with an area of between 7 and 20 hectares.
Photovoltaic plant on an industrial site
Badia Polesine case study
Explore the ground-mounted photovoltaic solution
Ground-mounted photovoltaic plants
Land suitable for advanced agrivoltaic plants
For advanced agrivoltaic projects, GDS Sole Italie seeks agricultural land of at least approximately 20 hectares, whose current agricultural activity is not classified as protected or prestigious (IGP, DOP, DOC, etc.). On this land, agricultural activity continues to be carried out by the farmer concurrently with the photovoltaic plant.
For agricultural land that is not suitable for ground-mounted photovoltaics, GDS Sole Italie develops advanced agrivoltaic projects. These plants make it possible to integrate renewable energy production with the continuity of agricultural activity, in compliance with the technical and functional requirements set out in current regulations. Agrivoltaic projects can be developed on agricultural land located outside areas subject to environmental, cultural or landscape constraints.
To find out more about the role of the farmer in an agrivoltaic project:
Agrivoltaics for farmers
Explore the agrivoltaic solution:
Agrivoltaics
The two contractual arrangements
To develop, build and operate a photovoltaic or agrivoltaic plant, GDS Sole Italie requires availability of the land for the entire operational life of the plant. The transfer of land from the owner can take place through two contractual arrangements, designed to adapt to the needs of each individual owner. In both cases, the land is enhanced through a stable, secure and economically advantageous transaction.
Land purchase
With the purchase arrangement, the owner permanently transfers the land to GDS Sole Italie in exchange for an immediate, agreed payment. This solution makes it possible to obtain a significant one-off cash payment and permanently transfer all legal rights and obligations relating to the land.
Surface right
(DDS) — Duration 30 to 40 years
With the surface right contract, the owner retains full ownership of the land and grants GDS Sole Italie the right to use the area for the construction and operation of the plant.
In return, the owner receives a fixed and guaranteed annual fee for the entire duration of the contract, generally between 30 and 40 years. This arrangement generates a stable, long-term income without relinquishing ownership of the asset.
At the expiry of the contract with GDS Sole Italie, the plant is completely dismantled and the land returned to its original condition as provided for contractually.
An investment with no costs or risks for the owner
Under both contractual arrangements, GDS Sole Italie bears all costs related to the project in full:
These commitments are formally set out in the contract, guaranteeing the owner maximum transparency, security and freedom from operational or financial risks.
From first contact to signing: how the process works
The process for a photovoltaic or agrivoltaic plant is a long-term journey requiring specific technical, permitting and operational expertise. To guarantee maximum transparency and security for landowners, GDS Sole Italie divides the process into three main phases: a preliminary study and verification phase, a permitting phase dedicated to project development, and an operational phase encompassing construction, management and final site restoration.
Throughout the entire process, GDS Sole Italie acts as the owner's sole point of contact and handles all technical, administrative, financial and operational aspects of the project in full.
Preliminary phase
approximately 6 months
1
Land referral
The owner contacts GDS Sole Italie directly or is put in contact with the company through one of GDS Sole Italie's local partners.
2
Pre-assessment
The GDS Sole Italie Development team carries out an initial analysis of the land, checking cadastral data, location, irradiation, accessibility, presence of constraints, proximity to the electricity grid, and urban planning and technical compatibility. This phase enables rapid verification of the site's development potential.
3
Technical site visit
GDS Sole organises an on-site visit to confirm the pre-assessment.
4
Signing of a Letter of Intent (LOI)
If preliminary project feasibility is confirmed, GDS Sole Italie enters into a Letter of Intent (LOI) with the landowner, granting it an exclusivity right in order to obtain a grid connection estimate (STMG) from the grid operator.
Permitting phase
approximately 2 to 5 years
5
Contractual proposal
Before launching project development, GDS Sole Italie enters into a final notarial contract with the owner, either for purchase or for a Surface Right (DDS). The contract is conditional on obtaining the necessary authorisations and generally provides for a term of 36 to 48 months.
6
Permitting process
GDS Sole Italie manages the entire permitting phase. The owner does not bear any costs or need to handle any administrative procedures. The permitting phase varies significantly depending on the complexity of the site and the authorisation process. As a general indication, it may take between 2 and 5 years.
Operational phase
approximately 30 to 40 years
7
Construction and plant commissioning
Once all necessary authorisations have been obtained, the final recognition deed is entered into with the owner. GDS Sole Italie then commences construction works and proceeds with plant commissioning.
8
Operational management
For the entire operational life of the plant, estimated at between 30 and 40 years, GDS Sole Italie handles operational management, maintenance and performance monitoring in full.
9
Dismantling and land restoration
At the end of the plant's useful life, GDS Sole Italie carries out the complete dismantling of the plant and restores the land to its original condition.
Why choose GDS Sole Italie
GDS Sole Italie is the Italian subsidiary of the French group Générale du Solaire, an independent renewable energy producer active since 2008 in the development, financing, construction and management of photovoltaic plants.
The Générale du Solaire Group has a capacity of over 75 MWp of its own solar plants in Italy through its subsidiary GDS Sole Italie, and over 550 MWp of solar plants in France. With a project development pipeline of 500 MWp in Italy and 2 GWp in France respectively, the Générale du Solaire Group is one of the leading independent companies in the sector.
The GDS Sole Italie team is made up of professionals operating across the entire national territory. The team is driven by the desire to contribute to the energy transition by offering renewable energy production solutions. Possessing all the expertise required to operate in this highly demanding market, GDS Sole Italie draws on numerous external collaborators located across the territory, to ensure it is always in direct contact with local realities.
Frequently asked questions
Is my land suitable? How do I find out?
Regulatory and technical compatibility is assessed by GDS Sole Italie after the land is submitted. It is sufficient to indicate the location and the available area: the GDS Sole Italie development team will provide an initial feasibility assessment, with no obligation on the part of the owner.
Do I need to do anything to obtain the authorisations?
No. The entire permitting process is managed directly by GDS Sole Italie. The owner does not need to follow any bureaucratic procedures or bear any costs related to the authorisations.
Can I choose whether to sell or simply "lease" the land?
Yes. GDS Sole Italie offers both options:
- outright purchase of the land
- grant of a long-term surface right with an annual fee
The choice of contractual arrangement always rests with the owner.
How much can I earn?
GDS Sole Italie does not communicate amounts or economic parameters in a generalised way, as each project depends on several factors, including:
- location
- land area
- type of plant
- chosen contractual arrangement
An initial land assessment is required in order to receive an economic proposal.
What happens to the land after 30 years?
Regardless of the contractual arrangement chosen by the owner (purchase or surface right), GDS Sole Italie is required — both administratively and contractually in the case of a DDS — to dismantle the plant and return the land to its original condition, at its own expense.
Can agricultural land be used for an agrivoltaic plant even if I am not the farmer?
Yes. Land ownership and management of agricultural activity can belong to different parties. GDS Sole Italie takes care of coordinating the agreement with the farmer who will oversee agricultural activity during the life of the agrivoltaic plant.