The Feed-in Tariff

Introduction

The "Feed-in Tariff" (Conto Energia) in an incentive device remunerating the energy produced by photovoltaic systems along a period of 20 years thanks to special incentive rates.

The "Feed-in Tariff" has been introduced first by the 28th July 2005 decree and it's currently ruled by the 6th August 2010 decree. The "Feed-in Tariff" is issued by GSE SpA, that provides for:

• the request for the incentive rates after the system entry into operation
• the possibility to carry out systems of any size bigger than 1 kWp
• tariffs rewarding the level of architectural integration and the efficient use of energy

Net metering

The Feed-in Tariff provides for different options in the electricity supply to the network, also according to the size of the system. As regards the private use, the system is usually designed on the basis of the energy requirements taking advantage of the so-called "Net Metering" service.

In general, with the Net Metering service it's possible to feed the electricity pruduced but not immediately used into the grid, and then get it afterward when required. It constitutes, therefore, the annual balance between the energy the photovoltaic system supplies to the grid and the one used by the consumers connected to that system. It's possibile to take advantage of the Net Metering only if the feed-in and drawing points of the exchanged energy match, and in case of systems whose nominal power is more than 200 kWp.

Incentive rates

The 4th Feed-in Tariff provides for gradual decreasing rates on a monthly basis for all the photovoltaic systems coming into operation (mains connection) by 31st December 2011 (check the attached 05/05/2011 Decree). So, the reference rate must be verified on the basis of three parameters; size of system, kind of system ("on roof" and "other kind of systems") and month of grid connection.
Below, there is a list of the rates charged for the different kinds of systems connecting to the grid in the last 2011 quarter.

The new law has also confirmed the peculiarity of shelters, sheds, pergolas, greenhouses and noise screens which are part of the "special tariff systems" category; in this case the rate must be calculated as the arithmetic mean between the fee for "photovoltaic systems installed on buildings" and the one for "other kinds of systems". Other important issues of this law concern:

• Distinction between small and big systems. The signed version of the law defines as "small systems" those systems whose power is less than 1 megawatt if installed on buildings, less than 200kW if installed on the ground and operating in net metering, and all the systems of any size if realized on public administrations buildings and areas (tit. 1, Art. 3, letter u). Unlike the big systems, the small ones aren't subject to planned expense limitations -untill the end of 2012- and to be listed in a computerised register (on the contrary, this procedure has become compulsory for all the big systems after 31st August (tit.1, Art. 8);
• 5 cents/kWh extra award in the tariff for those systems installed in substitution of roofs made of asbestos cement or, in any case, containing asbestos;
• 10% extra award in the tariff for those systems whose investment costs for components apart from work is for no less than 60% ascribable to a production made within the European Union.

• 05/07/2011 Decree enforcement rules (11/07/2011) (pdf - 1,9MB)

History of incentive tariffs

• Download the 05/05/2011 decree (4th feed-in tariff) (pdf - 1MB)
• Download the 06/08/2010 decree (3rd feed-in tariff) (pdf - 1,8MB)
• Download the 19/02/2007 decree (2nd feed-in tariff) (pdf - 112KB)
• Download the 28/07/20005 and the 06/02/2006 decree (1st feed-in tariff) (pdf - 43KB)