Observatory
31 August 2023
Strategic solar energy in the global energy transition
Also in 2022, solar energy represented the most produced and installed renewable energy in the world.
According to reports from the Global Market Outlook for Solar Power 2023-2027, during the year, 66% of the total 362 GW of renewable energy installed concerned solar. In the global energy transition, therefore, solar energy plays an increasingly important strategic role.
The panorama of solar in Europe
From 2018 to 2022 the percentage of photovoltaic systems installed in Europe grew from 11 to 19%, with a total of 46.1 GW in 2022. Over 80% of European markets have installed more solar energy than in the previous year. Spain is the leading country in Europe with 8.4 GW beating Germany with 7.4 GW. Poland (4.5 GW), the Netherlands (4.0 GW) and Italy (2.5 GW) also performed better than the previous year.
Overview of the Italian solar market
The Italian solar market grew slowly between 2014 and 2021, with an average of 0.5 Gigawatt of installed capacity per year. The most important growth occurred at the end of 2022, when Italy recorded a combined capacity of over 25 Gigawatts for a total of over 1.2 million photovoltaic systems. Only in 2022 there was an increase of 2.48 GW of new installed capacity. 1.1 GW concerned residential installations that benefited mainly from the 110% Superbonus incentive.
As for the size of the photovoltaic systems installed until 31/12/2022, 20% concerns plants below 12kw, another 20% those from 20 to 200 kW. 33% are larger plants (200 kW - 1 MW).
The regions with the largest installed capacity are Puglia, Lombardy and Emilia-Romagna; Valle d'Aosta, Liguria and Molise are the 3 regions with the lowest installed capacity.
As for the size of the photovoltaic systems installed until 31/12/2022, 20% concerns plants below 12kw, another 20% those from 20 to 200 kW. 33% are larger plants (200 kW - 1 MW).
The regions with the largest installed capacity are Puglia, Lombardy and Emilia-Romagna; Valle d'Aosta, Liguria and Molise are the 3 regions with the lowest installed capacity.
2030 target for Italy
The European Directive 2018/2001 RED II on the promotion of the use of renewable sources has been transposed by the Council of Ministers through D.Lgs. 199/2021. The norm has already produced its effects. In the process of transformation of the energy system, there have been positive effects not only in all production sectors but also in cities and buildings, in the mobility and habits of people.
The Italian standard, in addition to transposing the provisions of the EU Directive, introduces the first elements of implementation of projects and reforms of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR) preparing, in accordance with the Integrated National Plan for Energy and Climate, the measures needed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to 2030 by at least 55% compared to 1990 levels. Article 3 of Legislative Decree 199/2021, in particular, draws attention to the need for Italy to achieve a minimum target of 30% of energy from renewable sources on gross final consumption by 2030.
The Italian standard, in addition to transposing the provisions of the EU Directive, introduces the first elements of implementation of projects and reforms of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR) preparing, in accordance with the Integrated National Plan for Energy and Climate, the measures needed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to 2030 by at least 55% compared to 1990 levels. Article 3 of Legislative Decree 199/2021, in particular, draws attention to the need for Italy to achieve a minimum target of 30% of energy from renewable sources on gross final consumption by 2030.
Perspectives of the 2023-2026 solar market in Italy
By 2026, Italy has the target of installing about 27 GW of renewable energy. This equates to an average annual growth of more than 6.5 GW for the period 2023-2026. The most significant growth is therefore expected in 2024-2026. In 2023, the C&I (Commercial and Industrial) segment is likely to see a sharp increase linked to high energy prices; while there may be a decrease for residential installations due to the gradual elimination of Superbonus 110%. However, the Government has confirmed tax concessions, which, together with customized financing solutions put in place by companies producing plants, can certainly favor the consolidation of the photovoltaic market in our country.