Frequently asked questions on solar project development in Italy
Developers, milestone-based co-development, RTB, agrivoltaics and BESS: answers to the questions investors and developers ask us most often.
Developers
What does a solar project developer do?
Takes a project from land to ready-to-build. The developer finds and checks the site, secures the land with the owner, applies for and accepts the grid connection solution, prepares the design, files the application and follows the procedure until the permit is granted.
How do you choose a solar project developer in Italy?
Look at three things: the projects they have already taken to permit, their knowledge of the areas you want to invest in, and their willingness to tie their fee to results. This is the selection work in which we support investors.
Is greenfield.solar a developer?
No. It is an advisory service for investors and developers: it works with several professionals who can develop projects from greenfield to RTB and connects them with investors.
What is the difference between a developer, an EPC and an IPP?
The developer takes the project to permit. The EPC does the detailed engineering and builds it. The IPP, an independent power producer, owns it and sells the power. Some companies cover more than one role.
Co-development and milestones
What is co-development?
An agreement between investor and developer to take one or more projects from greenfield to RTB: the investor funds development, the developer brings expertise and local presence. Full details on the page about milestone-based co-development.
What are milestones?
Verifiable development stages, such as land secured, grid connection accepted, application filed, permit granted, RTB. An instalment of the developer's fee is tied to each.
What does success-based mean?
That an instalment falls due only if the stage is reached. If the project stops earlier, the fees tied to later stages do not fall due.
Who signs the co-development agreement?
The investor and the developer, directly. greenfield.solar is not a party to it.
How is greenfield.solar paid?
Through an advisory engagement set out in writing before work starts.
Terms and technologies
What does greenfield mean?
A project to be developed from scratch: there is a candidate site, not yet a permitted project.
What does RTB mean?
Ready to build: permit granted, grid connection solution accepted, land rights in place. The stages in between are in the guide from greenfield to RTB.
What is agrivoltaics under Italian law?
A plant on farmland that preserves the continuity of agricultural or pastoral activity. See agrivoltaic project development.
Do you cover storage as well?
Yes: the professionals we work with develop BESS projects, stand-alone and co-located with solar.
What are the permitting routes for a solar plant in Italy?
Free activity, the simplified procedure (PAS) and the single authorisation, under Legislative Decree 190/2024. Which one applies depends on capacity, location and constraints. See solar project development.
Working with greenfield.solar
Which parts of Italy do you cover?
It depends on the developer: each knows certain areas well. Tell us the regions or provinces you are interested in.
Do you work with investors based outside Italy?
Yes, this English version of the site is for them.
I am a developer: can I put myself forward?
Yes. The page for developers explains what we need to know.
I own land or a rooftop: will you assess it?
No. greenfield.solar is for investors and project developers, not for property owners.
How do I contact you?
By WhatsApp, by e-mail at info@greenfield.solar or through the enquiry form. From Italy you can also call 800 955358 toll-free.
Tell us about the project you want developed
Message us on WhatsApp or fill in the form: technology, indicative size and the Italian regions you are interested in are enough to start. From Italy you can also call toll-free.