Webinar Q&A: With Paolo Rocco Viscontini (Italia Solare)

On the 16th of May, we invited Paolo Rocco Viscontini, the president of Italia Solare, to share the Italian PV association's investment outlook during a live webinar. He provided critical insights into the major trends and opportunities in Italy's solar PV market. His presentation was followed by a Q&A session with the virtual attendees. However, considering the high level of interactivity and large amount of questions, we couldn't get to all of them. In this follow-up article, we're featuring Paolo's written answers to the remaining questions, as an add-on to the webinar.

You can still watch the full webinar recordings and access the slides on the webinar resource page.

Question from Uniper:

Q: Which imminent decree presentation poses the most concern for the Utility Sector?

A: The DL Agrocoltura is critical as it can still be amended by June 10th. It is published in the Gazzetta Ufficiale and remains the most crucial decree.

Question from Juwi:

Q: Should energy demand from each Region be considered when evaluating suitable areas for solar installation?

A: Yes, it should have been considered initially. The current load of connection requests is unmanageable, and a selection will be necessary. Many requests are not economically viable or likely to be approved.

Q: Does it make sense to force developers to design advanced agriPV in areas with low crops?

A: We support interrow systems for areas with low crops. Elevated agripv systems are too expensive and restrictive.

Question from Sunrock:

Q: What subsidy developments do you expect for Rooftop PV (C&I) <500 kwp / 2 MW)?

A: Fer X is expected to become effective early next year. It has significant potential.

Q: Is the tax credit available when the solar PV system is installed & financed by a third party?

A: Yes, the tax credit is available as long as the property of the plant is clear. It is normal for systems to be financed by third parties.

Q: Is FER X defined as CfD?

A: Yes, FER X is defined as a Contract for Difference (CfD).

Question from Bioma technology:

Q: Do the latest decree provisions apply only to plants authorized with DILA per art. 6bis decree 28/2011?

A: Refer to the final decree version; there are doubts about the reference's correctness. We are working to correct it.

Q: Why does the decree cancel suitable areas from art. 20§8?

A: The decree specifies what is feasible. What is not listed as feasible cannot be done.

Question from Coriolis:

Q: What will be the LAOR constraints for agriPV?

A: The decree doesn't mention LAOR as it doesn’t reference MASE Guidelines. These guidelines are not legally mandatory.

Greenenesya:

Q: Will the decree stop projects with a connection offer but no VIA or AU document?

A: No, most projects will continue to be filed despite the decree.

Question from Elementsgreen:

Q: How will the new Sardinian Moratorium and DL Agricoltura affect the Solar Belts and projects in AU/VIA?

A: The new decrees won't likely affect BESS regulations. The current movement between Regions and Ministries remains disordered.