the type of plant (photovoltaic / agrivoltaic)
From Project to Operation
Permitting process for photovoltaic and agrivoltaic plants in Italy
A structured process, managed by GDS Sole Italie
The development of a utility-scale photovoltaic or agrivoltaic plant requires a structured permitting process, different from that applicable to small-scale plants (< 1 MW). Depending on the type of project, the installed capacity and the type of land, the process may extend from one to four years and involve numerous public bodies and technical operators.
Drawing on its experience in developing solar plants across Italy, GDS Sole Italie coordinates the entire permitting process, from the preliminary phase through to obtaining the authorisations required for construction and operation of the plant.
The landowner does not need to handle any administrative procedures or bear any costs. They may also continue to use their land until the start of plant construction works.
The regulatory framework
The regulatory framework governing photovoltaic and agrivoltaic plants is set out in Legislative Decree 190/2024, as amended by Law 4/2026, which defines the administrative regimes applicable to plants powered by renewable sources.
Permitting procedures vary depending on:
The complexity of the process increases proportionally with the size of the plant and the environmental sensitivity of the area concerned.
Environmental procedures
For plants with a capacity of less than 12 MWp, no environmental screening procedure is required, regardless of the type of plant or land. For projects with greater capacity, a preliminary non-subjection check to Environmental Impact Assessment (VIA Screening) is required, at regional or national level depending on the project's characteristics and its impact on the territory. The objective of VIA Screening is to determine whether the project may generate significant effects on the environment, such as to require a full Environmental Impact Assessment (VIA) procedure.
Where the project presents significant environmental or landscape impacts, the competent authority may require the initiation of an VIA procedure. This procedure enables an in-depth analysis of the project's effects on the environment and the definition of any mitigation, environmental compensation and landscape integration measures.
In certain specific cases, where the project's impacts are already clearly identifiable from the earliest stages of development, it is possible to submit directly to the VIA procedure without going through the preliminary VIA Screening phase.
As a general indication, the VIA Screening procedure takes approximately 6 months. Should the project subsequently be subjected to a full VIA, the environmental procedure may extend by an average of a further 12 months.
Thresholds for environmental procedures, based on plant capacity
| Project type | Land type | Environmental procedure | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| N/A | Regional screening | National screening | ||
| Photovoltaic | Industrial land Landfills Quarries |
< 12 MWp | Between 12 and 30 MWp | > 30 MWp |
| Suitable areas | Between 12 and 25 MWp | > 25 MWp | ||
| Agrivoltaic | Agricultural | > 12 MWp | - | |
Planning procedures
Depending on the type and capacity of the plant, the project may follow different permitting regimes.
Thresholds for planning procedures, based on plant capacity
| Project type | Land type | Planning procedure | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Free activity | PAS | AU | ||
| Photovoltaic | Industrial land Landfills Quarries |
< 5 MWp | Between 5 and 15 MWp | > 15 MWp |
| Suitable areas | - | < 12 MWp | > 12 MWp | |
| Agrivoltaic | Agricultural | < 5 MWp | - | > 5 MWp |
GDS Sole Italie is always looking for new land to develop new projects
How to transfer your land for a photovoltaic or agrivoltaic plant? What does the contract provide for, what are the owner’s rights and what happens at the end of the 30 years?
Transferring your land for a photovoltaic or agrivoltaic plant
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to handle the permitting procedures myself?
No. GDS Sole Italie fully manages all activities required for project development, including permitting procedures and studies required by current regulations. The landowner does not need to carry out any administrative activity or bear any costs related to the permitting process.
How can I find out whether my land is subject to an environmental procedure?
The need for an environmental procedure is assessed on a case-by-case basis and does not depend solely on the land. Several factors are taken into consideration, including the type of plant, the planned capacity, the characteristics of the area and the possible presence of environmental, landscape or territorial constraints. Our technical team carries out all the necessary preliminary checks to determine the most appropriate permitting pathway for the project.
Can I choose the type of authorisation to apply for?
No. The permitting procedure cannot be chosen by the landowner. It is defined by current regulations and depends on several elements, such as the type of plant, its capacity and the characteristics of the site concerned. GDS Sole Italie identifies and manages the permitting procedure required by law for each project.
Is the permitting process for a photovoltaic plant different from that for an agrivoltaic plant?
Yes. Permitting procedures may vary depending on the type of plant, the installed capacity and the land designation. In the case of agrivoltaics, the project must also comply with specific technical and regulatory requirements aimed at guaranteeing the continuity of agricultural activity and the coexistence of agricultural production and renewable energy production.