Advancing Photovoltaic Transition: Exploring Policy Frameworks for Renewable Energy Communities

In the decarbonization process, the solar energy sector will play a crucial role, representing one of the key technologies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. In Italy, photovoltaics stands out as the fastest-growing energy sector, thanks to the combination of favorable climatic conditions, suppo...

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Main Authors: Francesca Giuliano, Andrea Pronti
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-03-01
Series:Solar
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2673-9941/5/1/10
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author Francesca Giuliano
Andrea Pronti
author_facet Francesca Giuliano
Andrea Pronti
author_sort Francesca Giuliano
collection DOAJ
description In the decarbonization process, the solar energy sector will play a crucial role, representing one of the key technologies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. In Italy, photovoltaics stands out as the fastest-growing energy sector, thanks to the combination of favorable climatic conditions, supportive policies, and a growing interest in renewable energy sources. In this context, renewable energy communities (RECs) emerge as potential strategic tools for promoting the development of photovoltaics nationally and at the European level. Therefore, this study aims to examine the policy and regulatory frameworks governing RECs in Europe and Italy, highlighting their impact on the establishment, operation, and evolution of these communities. Through a critical analysis of legislative documents at both the European and national levels, this research identifies the key factors shaping the growth and functionality of RECs, such as governance structures, economic incentives, and social inclusivity. This study underscores the dual influence of comprehensive regulation and a certain degree of flexibility in fostering RECs’ adaptability to diverse contexts. Additionally, it identifies existing challenges, including regional implementation disparities, legal ambiguities, and potential conflicts with other renewable energy policies. The findings contribute to the ongoing discourse on decentralized energy systems, providing insights for policymakers to refine frameworks and maximize RECs’ contributions to sustainable energy transitions.
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spelling doaj-art-e218b8723b4d45b2ace04d2065f0c2192025-08-20T01:49:08ZengMDPI AGSolar2673-99412025-03-01511010.3390/solar5010010Advancing Photovoltaic Transition: Exploring Policy Frameworks for Renewable Energy CommunitiesFrancesca Giuliano0Andrea Pronti1Dipartimento di Economia Internazionale, Delle Istituzioni e Dello Sviluppo (DISEIS), 20123 Milan, ItalyDipartimento di Economia Internazionale, Delle Istituzioni e Dello Sviluppo (DISEIS), 20123 Milan, ItalyIn the decarbonization process, the solar energy sector will play a crucial role, representing one of the key technologies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. In Italy, photovoltaics stands out as the fastest-growing energy sector, thanks to the combination of favorable climatic conditions, supportive policies, and a growing interest in renewable energy sources. In this context, renewable energy communities (RECs) emerge as potential strategic tools for promoting the development of photovoltaics nationally and at the European level. Therefore, this study aims to examine the policy and regulatory frameworks governing RECs in Europe and Italy, highlighting their impact on the establishment, operation, and evolution of these communities. Through a critical analysis of legislative documents at both the European and national levels, this research identifies the key factors shaping the growth and functionality of RECs, such as governance structures, economic incentives, and social inclusivity. This study underscores the dual influence of comprehensive regulation and a certain degree of flexibility in fostering RECs’ adaptability to diverse contexts. Additionally, it identifies existing challenges, including regional implementation disparities, legal ambiguities, and potential conflicts with other renewable energy policies. The findings contribute to the ongoing discourse on decentralized energy systems, providing insights for policymakers to refine frameworks and maximize RECs’ contributions to sustainable energy transitions.https://www.mdpi.com/2673-9941/5/1/10renewable energy communitiesphotovoltaicregulationspoliciesItaly
spellingShingle Francesca Giuliano
Andrea Pronti
Advancing Photovoltaic Transition: Exploring Policy Frameworks for Renewable Energy Communities
Solar
renewable energy communities
photovoltaic
regulations
policies
Italy
title Advancing Photovoltaic Transition: Exploring Policy Frameworks for Renewable Energy Communities
title_full Advancing Photovoltaic Transition: Exploring Policy Frameworks for Renewable Energy Communities
title_fullStr Advancing Photovoltaic Transition: Exploring Policy Frameworks for Renewable Energy Communities
title_full_unstemmed Advancing Photovoltaic Transition: Exploring Policy Frameworks for Renewable Energy Communities
title_short Advancing Photovoltaic Transition: Exploring Policy Frameworks for Renewable Energy Communities
title_sort advancing photovoltaic transition exploring policy frameworks for renewable energy communities
topic renewable energy communities
photovoltaic
regulations
policies
Italy
url https://www.mdpi.com/2673-9941/5/1/10
work_keys_str_mv AT francescagiuliano advancingphotovoltaictransitionexploringpolicyframeworksforrenewableenergycommunities
AT andreapronti advancingphotovoltaictransitionexploringpolicyframeworksforrenewableenergycommunities