With the inaugural edition of Solar & Storage Live Italia on the horizon (8-9 October), we spoke to Andrea Praticò from Canadian Solar.
Andrea discussed the evolution of the storage sector in Europe, the incentive frameworks in Italy the company are keeping an eye on, and their latest energy storage solution.
“Over the next decade, we expect home energy storage in Europe – and particularly Italy – to become a standard component of residential PV systems, not a niche add-on.”
What was the original vision behind EP Cube, and how does it fit into Canadian Solar’s broader residential storage strategy in Italy?
Andrea: The original vision behind EP Cube was to give homeowners a flexible, future-proof, and user-friendly energy storage solution that adapts to their evolving needs. Designed with modularity at its core, customers can start with a smaller capacity and expand as their consumption or EV charging needs grow.
In Italy, this fits perfectly into the growing residential market: we want to empower households to maximise self-consumption of solar, reduce energy bills, and gain resilience against rising energy costs. With Italy’s high solar penetration and growing interest in electrification, EP Cube offers a new way to fully bring value to homes and businesses.
How do you see home energy storage evolving in Europe and Italy over 5–10 years, and what role do you expect EP Cube to play in that evolution?
Andrea: Over the next decade, we expect home energy storage in Europe – and particularly Italy – to become a standard component of residential PV systems, not a niche add-on. Three trends will drive this:
- Increasing electricity price volatility, which strengthens the case for storage.
- Electrification of transport and heating, which raises household energy demand and the need for smart management.
- Integration with flexibility markets, where households can contribute to grid stability and earn revenue.
EP Cube is positioned to play a leading role in this evolution because of its scalability, smart integration with PV and EV charging, and sleek design that suits Italian homes. It’s not just a battery; it’s an energy management hub that prepares households for the future of distributed energy.
How do you expect the regulatory and incentive frameworks in Italy (or the EU) to influence EP Cube adoption?
Andrea: In Italy, incentives have historically been crucial for driving solar adoption, and we see a similar role for storage. Programs like the Superbonus and Communita Energetica (CER) have boosted awareness, even though they are being phased out. Going forward, we expect:
- EU-level initiatives, like the Green Deal and REPowerEU, to accelerate distributed energy solutions.
- Italian policies focusing on grid resilience and decarbonisation, where storage will be central.
- Potential new regional incentives for self-consumption and grid services.
These frameworks will lower barriers for households to adopt EP Cube, making it easier to justify investment while reinforcing the long-term trend towards energy independence.
Ahead of Solar & Storage Live Italia in October, what are you hoping to showcase or communicate to the Italian market via EP Cube?
Andrea: At Solar & Storage Live Italia, we want to show Italian customers and partners what makes EP Cube unique:
- Its modularity – households can scale their storage over time.
- Its design – compact, modern, and easy to install, fitting seamlessly into Italian homes.
- Its intelligence – smart energy management, compatibility with EV charging, and integration with PV.
This year we are especially excited to showcase our three-phase EP Cube together with our partner Exsal. This version has been launched this year and which meets the needs of larger Italian households and aligns with the country’s grid requirements.
In addition, we will present our upcoming EP Cube HEMS (Home Energy Management System), which will enable even smarter optimisation of household energy flows, helping families integrate PV, storage, EVs, and appliances into a single intelligent platform. We are already collaborating with software partners such as Home Connect to develop this important feature.
As you can see, EP Cube is redefining energy generation and management by maximising efficiency, enhancing comfort, and making sustainable living smarter.
Canadian Solar will be attending Solar & Storage Live Italia – find them at stand C65.
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.
