New Amendments to the Transitional FERX Decree: How Incentives for European Panels Are Changing the Italian Photovoltaic Market
Summary
If you are a distributor, installer, or large end-user in the photovoltaic sector, what is happening now could completely transform your procurement and investment strategies. The new ministerial decree of August 4, 2025, has introduced substantial changes to photovoltaic incentives, creating unique opportunities for those who know how to capitalise on them.
The Problem Solved by the New Decree
The European photovoltaic market has experienced a critical dependence on Chinese components: in 2023, over 50% of the EU’s supply came from China. This has created vulnerabilities in the supply chain and limited the resilience of the European energy sector.
The Ministerial Decree of 4 August 2025 introduces “resilience contribution” criteria into competitive procedures for photovoltaic installations, reserving up to 20% of the maximum available quota for installations using non-Chinese components.
Why This Change is Crucial Now
Ignoring this transformation means losing access to privileged incentives and being excluded from a significant share of the market. Diversifying supply sources is no longer just a risk management strategy, but a necessity for accessing the best government incentives. Companies that adapt quickly to these new criteria will have a decisive competitive advantage, while those that continue with traditional strategies risk seeing their business opportunities reduced.
The Secret That the Big Players Don't Want You to Know
There is a little-known aspect of this decree that could make the difference between a profitable investment and a mediocre one. We will reveal it later, but we can anticipate that it concerns the strategic combination of components that maximises both access to incentives and long-term ROI.
Why Read This Article Written by Us
As a company specialising in the direct import of photovoltaic panels, we have already navigated the complexities of global supply chains. Our experience in shortening the production chain has allowed us to build relationships with European, Asian (non-Chinese) and American manufacturers, positioning us perfectly to take advantage of the opportunities created by this decree.
Our team of Italian experts has already analysed the operational implications of the decree in detail, identifying which combinations of components offer the best value for money and incentives.
Download the Complete Guide to the Decree
If you would like more information, you can download the complete ministerial decree from the official MASE website: Decree of 4 August 2025.
Why This Change is Crucial Now
The decree introduces Article 5-bis into the Ministerial Decree of 30 December 2024, establishing specific criteria for accessing the dedicated competitive procedure:
- To access the reserved incentives, photovoltaic systems exceeding 1 MW must meet all of the following requirements:
- Photovoltaic modules not assembled in China: The panels must be manufactured in factories located outside China
- Non-Chinese photovoltaic cells: The cells, the technological heart of the panel, must originate from outside China
- Non-Chinese inverters: Conversion devices must come from third countries. At least one non-Chinese additional component: From the list in EU Regulation 2025/1178, at least one other component must originate from a country other than China.
The reserved procedure provides for:
- Dedicated quota: Up to 20% of the maximum available power
- Less competition: Only plants that meet the criteria are eligible for this procedure
- Defined timeframes: 30 days for submitting applications, 45 days for rankings
The Opportunity Hidden in the Decree
Here is the detail that can make the difference: the decree does not require that ALL components be non-Chinese, but only those specified. This means that it is possible to optimise the selection of components for:
- Maximise cost savings
- Ensure quality and reliability
- Access exclusive incentives anyway
The winning strategy is to identify European, American or other Asian suppliers for critical components, while maintaining freedom of choice for other elements of the plant.
The Competitive Advantage of Diversification
Many operators in the sector are focusing solely on European suppliers, which are often more expensive. The real opportunity lies in strategic geographical diversification: Korean manufacturers for cells, German or Italian inverters, and modules from European assemblers using non-Chinese raw materials.
This strategy not only guarantees access to incentives but also creates a more resilient and often more cost-effective supply chain than an “all-European” one.
Practical Conclusions
The decree of 4 August 2025 represents a turning point for Italian photovoltaics. The key points to remember are:
- Timing: The dedicated procedures for plants >1 MW will start by the end of 2025
- Opportunities: Up to 20% of the quota reserved for compliant plants >1 MW
- Small plants: Plants under 1 MW retain the previous regulations
- Strategy: Geographical diversification of suppliers, not necessarily all European
- ROI: Reserved incentives can significantly improve the profitability of investments in large plants
Success will depend on the ability to adapt quickly to new criteria, developing innovative procurement strategies that balance cost, quality and regulatory compliance.
Contact us to maximise your opportunities
Don’t let this market transformation catch you unprepared. Our team of experts has already identified the best combinations of suppliers and components to make the most of the opportunities created by the decree.
Contact us today for personalised advice on how to adapt your procurement strategy to the new resilience criteria. We can help you:
Identify the optimal suppliers for each component
Calculate the effective ROI with the new incentives
Plan the transition from the Chinese supply chain to a diversified one
Ensure compliance with all the criteria of the decree
The future of Italian photovoltaics is being decided now. Make sure you are on the right side of history.
