Italy’s solar industry is gaining ground as the government seeks to accelerate renewable deployment and reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels.
A combination of policy-driven auctions and private investment has fuelled a wave of activity in recent months, with developers competing for capacity and companies pursuing acquisitions and financing deals.
Against the backdrop of the EU’s decarbonisation targets, Italy is positioning itself as one of Europe’s most active solar markets. Here, we outline just a few of the country’s most recent solar achievements.
Auction interest under FER X / NZIA constraints
Italy’s latest solar tender under the transitional FER X decree has drawn strong developer interest. The GSE (Gestore dei Servizi Energetici) received 273 expressions of interest totalling 3,161MW for the second auction portion.
This follows an earlier round that attracted roughly 10GW of solar-PV bids.
The second auction is subject to new rules in line with the EU’s Net Zero Industry Act (NZIA), aiming to diversify supply chains and limit reliance on Chinese-made components.
The 10GW bid wave
The first auction under the new mechanism saw 10GW of solar PV bids, prompting the government to immediately open a second round under stricter component sourcing rules.
The second round, expected to allocate 200MW to 1.6GW, will only admit projects using modules, cells and inverters not manufactured in China for plants over 1MW.
The initial round had 818 project proposals totalling over 10.1GW.
Iberdrola’s acquisition: 9.6MW in Molise
Spanish utility Iberdrola’s Italian arm has acquired Montenero Green Energy Srl, the owner of a 9.6MW PV project in Molise.
According to the announcement, all necessary authorisations and permits are already secured for construction. This move supports Iberdrola’s strategy to expand in the Italian solar market, adding to its footprint and pipeline in the country.
X-ELIO sells 50 MW Sicilian project to PLT Energia
X-ELIO has sold a 50MW solar PV project in Sicily (Castelvetrano) to Italian renewables firm PLT Energia.
The plant is expected to generate around 92 GWh annually. Nicholas Pentreath of X-ELIO said, “We are proud to close this agreement with PLT Energia, which culminates the effort and the relationship between two leading renewable companies.”
PLT’s CEO, Stefano Marulli, added, “This transaction represents a further step in PLT Energia’s growth strategy, aimed at consolidating an integrated platform in the renewable energy market on a national scale.”
Enfinity Global secures €316m for 276MW
Enfinity Global has closed €316m in project financing to build eight utility-scale solar plants across Emilia-Romagna, Basilicata, and Lazio, totalling 276MW.
Expected commercial operation is by the end of 2026. Annual output is estimated at 403 GWh, avoiding some 109,000 tCO₂e emissions. Carlos Domenech, CEO of Enfinity, said: “We are proud to partner with Rabobank, BNP Paribas, and ING to continue accelerating the energy transition in Italy.”
Broader implications and outlook
With developer appetite outpacing available auction capacity and major deals continuing across the private sector, Italy’s solar market is entering a pivotal phase.
The country faces the challenge of reconciling supply-chain requirements with its need to accelerate deployment. However, with significant financing already flowing into large-scale projects and international players reinforcing their presence, Italy’s progress could prove decisive in helping the EU reach its renewable energy and climate targets.
Italy Solar Week marks the leadup to Solar & Storage Live Italia, taking place in Verona 8 – 9 October. Secure your free place here, or find an event near you.
Also in the news:
Italy Solar Week: Econergy signs €58m project finance agreement for Italian solar portfolio
Terrapinn and Veronafiere announce Solar & Storage Live Italia – Italy’s most exciting solar and energy storage exhibition, set to debut in Verona, 8-9 October 2025
Registration opens for Solar & Storage Live Italia
