 (Financing in Italy) The new incentive mechanism of energy produced from renewable sources expects that the plant is connected to the national distribution network and the energy input in the network is opportunely accounted with a dedicated meter. The energy produced and placed into the network creates two types of incentives: 1) Production Account: the local distributor (for example Acea, Enel, Edison) has the obligation to deduct bills from passive users (i.e. the already present meter) all the energy put into the network for the total functionality of the Power Plant. Produced kWh will be deducted starting with those of more expensive charges. This allows the holder of the Plant to disengage himself from the electricity market. 2) Energy Account: The Authority (AEEG) purchases for 20 years from the date of connection to the network at a fixed rate specified by law (rate that depends on the type of integration of the Power Plant), the whole energy released into the network, including that already deducted from the local distributor’s bills. In essence, the incentive CONTEMPORANIOUSLY consist in the right to self use of the produced energy and to receive the monetary incentive from the Authority. Photovoltaic energy costs Approximately the two contributions, added together, give an economic benefit of around € 0.57 per produced kWh, and as the produced kWh per installed kW in standard conditions, in Central Italy latitudes are approximately equal to 1350 kWh/year, that is a net economic benefit of about € 770 per year. A power plant of 1 kW requires an installation surface of about 7/9 m2 at a cost of about € 5.000,00 therefore the investment will be amortized in less than 7 years. How long it lasts? The average useful life of these power plants are estimated to be over 25 years. The major manufacturers ensure a maximum loss of yield of 20% in 25 years and a resistance against hailstones up to a diameter of 2.54 cm. |
