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Italy surpasses 35 GW of installed PV with over 1,800,000 connected systems


Italy's photovoltaic sector has surpassed a significant milestone, reaching a total installed capacity of 35,763 MW as of October 31, 2024, reflecting a 36% growth compared to the same period in 2023. The figures were presented at the Italia Solare Institutional Forum 2024, held in Rome on December 2-3, where over 600 participants gathered to discuss the future of renewable energy in Italy.

"Photovoltaics represent the most immediate, cost-effective, and impactful solution to address the major energy and climate challenges we face today," stated Paolo Rocco Viscontini, President of Italia Solare, during the event.

From January to October 2024 alone, Italy added 5,481 MW of photovoltaic power, up from 4,018 MW in the same period in 2023. While these numbers highlight the sector's potential, Viscontini emphasized the need for accelerated progress to meet Italy’s 2030 renewable energy targets.

Falling costs and rising opportunities

The levelized cost of energy (LCOE) for photovoltaic systems has dropped by 90% over the last decade, making it the most competitive energy source on the market. Meanwhile, energy storage solutions have seen a 50% cost reduction in the past five years, further enhancing the feasibility of stable, renewable energy supplies.

"By combining photovoltaics with storage, we can stabilize energy costs, reduce dependence on fossil fuels, and cut greenhouse gas emissions," Viscontini explained.

Agrivoltaics: A model for sustainable development

The forum highlighted the benefits of agrivoltaic systems, which integrate solar energy production with agricultural activities. A standard 5 MW agrivoltaic system requires only 4 hectares of agricultural land, with minimal impact on crops and agricultural costs comprising less than 3% of total capital expenditure.

"Agrivoltaics demonstrate that energy production and agriculture can coexist, benefiting the environment, economy, and local communities," noted Roberto Rolando, Vice President of Italia Solare. Such systems also improve water retention, protect crops from wind, and provide shade, promoting sustainable farming practices.

Challenges and the path forward

While the photovoltaic sector is growing, significant obstacles remain. Delays in permitting and grid saturation hinder the development of both residential and industrial systems.

“The lack of a cohesive strategy for project approval is becoming a bottleneck for the sector,” said Tommaso Barbetti, Partner at Elemens, pointing out that 17 GW of authorized projects are still awaiting construction. Simplifying approval processes and ensuring regional coordination will be critical to unlocking the full potential of renewables.

Incentives for households and businesses

To encourage further adoption of photovoltaics, Italia Solare proposed:

  • 50% structural tax deductions for residential systems, with additional incentives for integrated storage solutions.
  • Public guarantees to facilitate financing for business installations.
  • Removing limits on primary substations in towns with fewer than 5,000 residents to boost the growth of Renewable Energy Communities (CERs).

A call for collaboration

The forum concluded with a call to action for institutions and citizens to embrace the energy transition. "Renewables are not a cost, but a crucial opportunity for economic and environmental sustainability. Delaying their development will only increase future costs," Viscontini emphasized.

The data and discussions from the Italia Solare Forum 2024 make one thing clear: Italy's photovoltaic sector is poised to play a central role in the nation's journey toward a sustainable energy future.

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