Italy is one of the world’s trailblazers in renewable energy production, and after hydroelectric power, solar is its standout performer among green energy sources. Between 2005 and 2015, Italy’s photovoltaic systems, in particular, experienced a boom, surpassing those of every other country in international rankings.

However, as of today, many of these installations are underperforming or nearing the end of their design life. But instead of letting them fade away, Italy is embracing repowering and revamping as a strategic tool to meet its PNIEC 2030 climate goals without expanding land use.

The challenge of aging solar infrastructure

The average lifespan of a solar array is around 30 years, so many of Italy’s installations are entering their twilight years.

For example, the 990 kWp IGEP Francavilla plant in Apulia was one of the first plants ever built in Italy. Thirteen years after the PV system was initially connected to the grid in 2011, collected data showed a sizable drop in module performance, which was clearly showing its age.

Cases like this highlight the growing need to update early-generation systems not only to recover lost efficiency but also to extend their operational life. However, in addition to module and component degradation, there are other significant challenges to overcome.

Regulatory risks (e.g., feed-in tariff compliance)

Many of the first-generation solar plants were built under generous feed-in tariffs or other incentive schemes. Any major equipment upgrade can trigger compliance reviews or requalification requirements, and operators risk losing those subsidies if repowering isn’t handled in accordance with the law.

Grid limitations and upgrade costs

Older sites weren’t designed for modern generation levels or new grid codes. Repowering can require transformer replacements, substation upgrades, or new grid connections, all of which can turn a straightforward upgrade into a costly infrastructure project.

Financial uncertainty and ROI concerns

While repowering can improve energy yield and extend asset life, the upfront capital costs and uncertain payback periods still make some investors hesitate, especially with fluctuating electricity prices and evolving incentive structures.

The keys to a successful revamp

Despite these challenges, the ongoing strength and resilience of the solar industry are now pushing the concept of “repowering” into the spotlight, as operators seek ways to modernize older installations and boost long-term performance and sustainability. 

Here are some ways that photovoltaic energy suppliers can assess and get the most out of their installations.

Use aerial thermography and performance analytics

Aerial infrared thermography is now a key method for detecting faults in solar modules, offering a cost-effective, scalable way to assess performance. By combining it with continuous monitoring and advanced fault-detection techniques, operators can keep systems running efficiently and extend the lifespan of their PV modules.

Upgrade inverters, modules, and consider adding trackers 

As solar plants age, upgrading components such as inverters, modules, and trackers has become a practical way to boost efficiency and extend operational life. Trackers in particular have proven their worth, delivering payback within just a few years and continuing to generate strong returns over decades. 

Repowering projects with newer, more reliable equipment not only improves energy yield but also helps prevent costly production losses and downtime. For asset owners focused on long-term performance, targeted upgrades are a smart investment that can future-proof their installations.

Ensure regulatory compliance with GSE and local authorities

Ensuring regulatory compliance with GSE and local authorities is essential to maintaining project integrity and avoiding costly delays. Developers must align with GSE’s stringent quality, safety, and sustainability standards, as well as national and regional regulations governing construction, environmental protection, and grid connection. Transparent reporting, regular audits, and adherence to established codes of conduct help demonstrate accountability while reinforcing a project’s long-term credibility and operational resilience.

Cluster upgrades across multiple plants to optimize logistics

Coordinating upgrades across multiple solar plants can unlock major cost and performance gains. In Italy, companies like ContourGlobal are adopting a cluster approach to repowering. 

The firm is modernizing 35 of its 71 PV plants (about 42 MWp of capacity) and expects to increase output by around 43% without expanding land use. By upgrading modules, inverters, and converting fixed arrays to single-axis trackers, multiple sites can be revitalized in parallel, cutting downtime and streamlining logistics. 

This coordinated model, supported by recycling initiatives that recover up to 97% of old materials, shows how treating aging assets as part of a unified energy portfolio can reduce costs, enhance reliability, and accelerate the renewable transition.

Why repowering matters for Italy’s energy future

Italy’s drive to revamp its solar energy infrastructure isn’t just about boosting megawatts. It’s about maximizing efficiency while preserving land. 

According to EF Solare Italia, repowering existing PV plants could account for 10 to 15% of the country’s 2030 solar target, while saving up to 120 km² of land that would otherwise be needed for new installations. 

Meanwhile, a recent overview by SolarPower Europe underscores that the scale of deployment required (around 8 GW of new solar per year in Italy from 2024-30) places repowering front and center of a smart strategy. By breathing new life into aging arrays, operators can achieve two things at once: increased clean output and reduced space demands.

Beyond yield and land efficiency, repowering supports broader policy goals and community-level transition. Upgraded solar assets help reduce CO₂ emissions, optimize site resources, and lay the groundwork for Renewable Energy Communities (RECs) to flourish, enabling local stakeholders to engage directly in production and consumption. 

Coupled with incentives in Italy’s Piano Nazionale Integrato per l’Energia e il Clima (PNIEC), repowering serves as the practical lever to accelerate the country’s renewable energy transition at scale.