Italy has made significant strides in solar energy, with the installation of 5.23 GW of new solar capacity in 2023, bringing the country’s total cumulative installed PV capacity to 30.28 GW by the end of December, as reported by Italia Solare, the nation’s solar energy association.
In the past year alone, Italy added 5.23 GW of new PV capacity, a substantial increase compared to 2.48 GW in 2022 and 0.94 GW in 2021.
Italia Solare’s data reveals that residential installations accounted for 43% (2.26 GW) of the new solar capacity connected to the grid in 2023, while the commercial and industrial (C&I) segment contributed 35% (1.82 GW). Utility-scale PV plants made up the remaining 22% (1.16 GW) of the total new capacity.
According to the association, 12 utility-scale solar plants were connected to the grid in 2023, totaling 417 MW. Among these, six were located in Sicily and Sardinia, with a combined capacity of 222 MW, while the remaining plants were dispersed across Basilicata, Lazio, Piedmont, and Puglia.
Italia Solare attributes last year’s significant growth in solar installations to factors such as the expiration of the “super bonus” for building renovation projects and soaring energy prices.
In conclusion, Italy’s continued progress in expanding its solar energy capacity underscores the country’s commitment to renewable energy and sustainability. The collaboration and efforts of various stakeholders have been instrumental in driving the growth of solar power in Italy.