Image: Saper

A photovoltaic system of around 5,000 panels was destroyed in a fire in Viddalba, Sardinia, on September 8, in what local renewable energy associations are calling a deliberate attack.

The installation is reportedly owned and operated by Valledonia-based Avru srl, although the company has not confirmed this. Surveillance footage shows two individuals exiting a vehicle and setting fire to the solar panels. Police have launched an investigation.

The Sassari fire department confirmed the incident to pv magazine Italia and said crews worked for several hours to contain the blaze, which began around 4 a.m.

Sardinians for Renewable Energy (SAPER) and the Italian Federation of Social Mediators for Renewable Energy (FIMSER) condemned the fire as “yet another act of violence against renewable energy in Sardinia.”

“Hate campaigns against renewables fueled by false and biased news continue to prey on the population’s fears: that of an invasion and exploitation that in reality exist only in the headlines,” the associations said in a joint statement. “Behind this narrative lie powerful economic interests tied to gas, with the aim of maintaining the status quo and leaving Sardinia further behind the rest of Italy and Europe.”

The groups voiced concerns not only over the physical damage caused but also over the “climate of hatred” that could inspire further attacks. They pointed to online comments under news reports of the incident, where some users appeared to praise the arson.

SAPER and FIMSER urged regional and national governments “to intervene decisively to stop this spiral of violence, before the lives of those who work in this sector every day are put at risk.”

The Sardinia Region, through Industry Councilor Emanuele Cani, has also expressed “serious concern” regarding the alleged malicious intent.