Investments in the photovoltaic sector in Italy in 2011 exceeded 2,8 billion euros. Solar companies are starting to invest abroad to take advantage of more incentive tariffs: this year the operations were 4%, against 1% last year. This is what emerges from the data of the Irex Annual Report 2011 presented at EnerSolar+, the renewable energy fair underway in Milan.
With these numbers, the turnover in 2010 is equal to 7,6 billion euros (+162%). The number of companies active in the sector is also growing (+13%), which stands at 800 companies, as is employment. The sector employs 18.500 people and over 50 if related industries are also considered. Furthermore, in Italy last year 2.100 MW were installed, with a growth of 192% compared to 2009.
“Our study -explained Alessandro Marangoni of Althesys- shows that the strategies of the operators are changing. Operations involving the industrial-commercial user increased from 6% in 2010 to 11% in 2011 and, in the photovoltaic sector, investments exceeded 2,8 billion euros in the current year”. To improve competitiveness, continues Marangoni, “in Italy the sector is rapidly concentrating and companies are aiming to diversify their business. Looking ahead, the hoped-for achievement of grid parity in 2013 could further change the dynamics of the sector, with new interesting prospects especially for Southern Italy should the current legislation remain unchanged”.
