ITALY –  Fantoni, a leading Italian and international manufacturer of wood-based panels, laminates, and office furniture, has begun installing Italy’s largest photovoltaic rooftop system on its industrial facility in Osoppo.

Covering 130,000 square meters—the size of 18 football fields—the project will feature 27,614 solar panels and generate 13.37 GWh annually, equivalent to the energy needs of 4,900 homes. The system will reduce CO₂ emissions by 4,000 tons per year, comparable to the effect of planting 130,000 trees.

The EUR 14 million investment is part of Fantoni’s broader EUR 250 million sustainability strategy. The installation is being led by renewable energy firm Nyox, using high-efficiency modules from Austria’s Sonnenkraft and support structures from Dutch company Panelclaw. A helicopter is aiding in the fast and precise placement of panels, without halting factory operations.

Fantoni already produces 70% of its energy needs from biomass and hydroelectric sources. This new solar plant will contribute an additional 5%, reinforcing the company’s commitment to energy independence and decarbonization.

“Our industry is energy-intensive,” said Paolo Fantoni, President of the Group. “But by investing in renewable energy and recycled materials, we aim to reduce environmental impact and protect ourselves from energy market volatility. Today, 100% of our particleboard and 50% of our MDF panels come from recycled wood.”

The solar system is scheduled to be fully operational by the end of 2025.