Incentives: Energy Account
The new Energy Account came into force with the Ministerial Decree dated February 19, 2007, enacting the European Renewables Directive, a programme of incentives for photovoltaic generation of power. The mechanism of the Energy Account guarantees, a period of 20 years, a monthly incentive bonus proportionate to the production of electrical power from photovoltaic systems connected to the national grid. Therefore the Energy Account, like trading accounts, will wncourage the effective production of electrical power instead of investment required for installation of the system. The incentive bonus varies in relation to the power of the system and the level of architectural integration with the structure hosting it.The incentive is available up to a global maximum amount of 1200 MW installed, of which approximately 63 MW have so far been installed, hence leaving space for the foreseeable growth of investments in this field.
Table of Energy Account Incentive Bonuses
| Nominal System Power | Non-Integrated System (€/kWh) | Partially Integrated System (€/kWh) | Integrated System (€/kWh) |
| 1 kW <= P <= 3 kW | 0,40 | 0,44 | 0,49 |
| 3 kW <= P <= 20 kW | 0,38 | 0,42 | 0,46 |
| P > 20 kW | 0,36 | 0,40 | 0,44 |
To conclude, the differences between the three types of architectural integration indicated in the decree dated 19/02/2007 and for which different incentive rates are envisaged in Italy should be mentioned:
- photovoltaic systems integrated into the architecture (the highest rate), in which the photovoltaic modules replace the material used to cover the roof and façades, or modules that form sheds and cantilever roofs, or systems in which the modules replace transparent or semi-transparent material, thus enabling lighting of the interiors, as well as sun screening;
- photovoltaic systems partly integrated into the architecture (for which the incentive rate is lower than for the case illustrated above), in which the photovoltaic modules are installed on top of roofs or façades on the same plane as the surface, or in case of tilted modules on flat roofs when the mean height of the modules is less than that of the parapet;
- photovoltaic systems not integrated into the architecture (for which the incentive rate is further reduced): systems not belonging to the previous two categories.
For a better illustration of the different system typologies refer to the useful guide published by the GSE (Gestore dei Servizi Elettrici) “Guida agli interventi validi ai fini del riconoscimento dell’integrazione architettonica del photovoltaic”, available via the portal www.gse.it
Another form of incentive for the production of renewable energy is offered by the ways in which it can be sold, as follows.
- Directly, by way of sale on the electricity market or, by a bilateral contract, to a gross dealer. The disadvantage, constituted in this case by a complex selling process, is often compensated by a higher price. A disadvantage in financial terms includes, in particular, the necessity to enter into transport and dispatch agreements with the operator of the national grid (TERNA) and possibly with local distributors and to provide the relative collaterals to secure performance, as well as the complex management organisation required for the trading of the energy produced.
- Indirectly, by way of a sale to the GSE, in conformity with AEEG Resolution 280/07 (so-called dedicated withdrawal), irrespective of the grid to which the relevant plant is connected and that of its purchaser. The advantage for the producer is the simplified process of sale, dispatch and transport, all of which is regulated by a power purchase agreement with the GSE. The price is the average price on the electricity market at the time (hour) of the producer introducing the electricity into the grid. For newcomers to the market and for small producers, there is no doubt that this constitutes an extra incentive for the production of renewable energy.
