The solar energy sector in Italy experienced significant growth in the first half of 2024, with particularly notable expansion in the large-scale segment. As of June 30, 2024, Italy had 1,763,977 PV systems connected, with a total capacity of 33.62 GW, equivalent to one third of Europe's total nuclear capacity, according to Eurostat data. 3x4k50

In the first six months of the year, 169,003 new plants were connected for a total of 3.34 GW. Of this capacity, 29% (985 MW) is attributable to the residential sector (with a capacity of less than 20 kW), 35% - equivalent to 1,155 MW - is attributable to the commercial and industrial sector (20 kW ≤ P < 200 kW), while the remaining 36% (1,201 MW) corresponds to large (utility-scale) plants with a capacity of more than 1 MW. This is what emerges from ITALIA SOLARE's calculations, based on Terna's Gaudi data.

 240% growth in large utility-scale plants

In the first half of 2024, compared to the same period in 2023, the connected power in the residential sector decreased by 21%, while it increased by 60% in the commercial and industrial (C&I) sector and by 240% in the utility-scale sector. This significant increase was mainly driven by the connection of 17 plants exceeding 10 MW, totaling 540 MW, distributed across various Italian regions.

Over the past nine months, 25 new photovoltaic plants have come online, contributing 881 MW to the total power. These plants for about one-third of the total installed power in the utility-scale sector in less than a year. The growth in connections for plants between 1 MW and 10 MW also surged by 122% during the same period.

Paolo Rocco Viscontini of ITALIA SOLARE highlighted that the utility-scale sector is finally growing, with permits now translating into connected plants, though the process remains lengthy and complex.

Residential sector feels the impact of the end of the 110% Superbonus

In contrast, the residential sector saw a 21% decrease in connected capacity during the first half of 2024, primarily due to the end of the 110% Superbonus and the halt in credit transfers. After a slight 4% increase between the last quarter of 2023 and the first quarter of 2024, connected capacity dropped by 20% in the second quarter, highlighting the negative impact of recent regulatory changes.

Commercial and industrial sector stabilizes

The commercial and industrial (C&I) sector showed signs of stabilization in new connections during the first six months of 2024. After a 10% growth between the fourth quarter of 2023 and the first quarter of 2024, connected capacity declined by 6% in the second quarter, mainly due to the anticipation of the Transizione 5.0 decree and the time needed for project organization.

Leading regions in solar power

The regions contributing the most to solar power growth in the first half of 2024 were Lombardy, Lazio, Veneto, Emilia-Romagna, Piedmont, and Sardinia. These regions collectively connected 2.11 GW, distributed across the residential sector (515 MW), C&I (717 MW), and utility-scale (880 MW).

The year 2024 is proving to be a pivotal one for Italy's solar power sector, with record growth in the utility-scale segment demonstrating how authorizations are finally translating into tangible projects. However, the end of the 110% Superbonus and pending regulations could negatively impact the residential and C&I sectors in the coming months.