Solar energy adoption grows in Italy with rooftop and balcony systems

Italy has seen a significant rise in solar energy adoption, with the number of photovoltaic systems exceeding two million. As of 2025, the country has reached new production records. For those installing systems on primary residences in 2026, a 50% tax deduction remains available.

Beyond traditional rooftop installations, balcony-mounted 'plug-and-play' kits are becoming a viable option for apartment dwellers. These compact systems use a microinverter to convert direct current into alternating current, allowing users to connect the unit directly to a standard outlet.

Data from the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (PVGIS) indicates that while balcony installations are less efficient than tilted rooftop panels, they still provide substantial energy. For an 800-watt system oriented south, annual production varies by location: in Rome, vertical balcony mounting produces approximately 801 kWh, compared to 1,187 kWh for a 30-degree tilted roof. In Milan, vertical mounting yields 765 kWh versus 1,083 kWh on a roof, while Palermo produces 761 kWh vertically and 1,224 kWh on a tilted roof.