Italy’s favorable climate and abundant sunlight make it an ideal location for PV installations. In recent years, the government has implemented various policies to promote the use of renewable energy sources, including generous feed-in tariffs, tax incentives, and grants. These measures have encouraged both residential and commercial customers to invest in solar power systems, driving the growth of the PV sector.

As a result of these initiatives, PV installations in Italy have soared, and the country has witnessed a substantial increase in solar capacity. According to recent statistics, Italy had over 20 million PV installations by the end of 2020, generating around 19,100 megawatts (MW) of electricity. This represents a significant contribution to the country’s energy mix, reducing its dependence on fossil fuels and lowering carbon emissions.

The Italian government’s commitment to renewable energy is further exemplified by its ambitious targets for solar energy production. The National Energy Strategy aims to achieve 30% of electricity consumption from renewable sources by 2030, with a particular focus on solar power. Such targets demonstrate Italy’s dedication to transitioning towards a more sustainable and environmentally-friendly energy system.

Overview

Gela, located on the southern coast of Sicily, is home to one of Italy’s largest photovoltaic plants. The photovoltaic plant in Gela occupies a significant portion of the town, stretching across 245 hectares of land. It consists of several solar panels arranged in a grid-like fashion to harness the abundant solar energy in the region.

The plant in Gela is a testament to Sicily’s commitment towards renewable energy. It has a total capacity to generate approximately 100 MW of clean energy, which is enough to power around 80,000 households. The solar panels are strategically placed to maximize sunlight absorption, ensuring optimal energy production.

The photovoltaic plant not only helps in reducing carbon emissions but also provides employment opportunities for the local community. The construction and maintenance of the plant have created jobs, positively impacting the local economy.

In addition to its large-scale power generation capabilities, the Gela photovoltaic plant serves as an educational hub for students and visitors. It offers guided tours and educational programs to promote awareness about renewable energy sources and the benefits of solar power.

Overall, the photovoltaic plant in Gela, Sicily is a shining example of how renewable energy projects can contribute to sustainable development while conserving the environment.

Keypoints

Project Type: PV on Industrial Land
Status: PAS (Ready to Build)
Location: Gela, Sicily, Italy
Total Area: 11 Ha
Land Rights: Ownership (Included in the Price)
Installed Power Capacity: 7.50MW
Total number of PV modules: 12600
Annual energy yield (approximate): 11224.63MWh
Peak power: 7434.0kWp
Number of PV inverters: 30
Performance report (approximate): 83.46% Rated AC power: 6.0MW
Specific energy (approximate): 1509.9kWh/kWp/year DC/AC: 1.24
Approx EPC Costs: 850,000 EUR / MW