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Complete guide to the Feed-in Tariff for photovoltaic systems
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Complete guide to the Feed-in Tariff for photovoltaic systems

How to turn the excess energy from your solar panel system into a safe and easy profit with the Dedicated Buyback.

Do you want to turn the energy produced by your photovoltaic system into an economic advantage for your home or business? The Feed-in Tariff (RID), is a safe, simple solution for selling non-self-consumed energy directly to the Gestore dei Servizi Energetici (GSE) at a set price per kWh, fed into the grid.

 

Let's explore how this mechanism can become an advantageous solution for managing self-generated energy from photovoltaic systems, especially after the end of the Scambio sul Posto [on-site exchange] (SSP) regime.

End of on-site exchange and impacts on the market

The Scambio sul Posto (SSP) scheme changed in 2025 ending a mechanism that had been widely used until now, whereby energy fed into the grid was offset against energy used. The timing and modes for the termination of the SSP vary according to the regulations defined by the GSE and ARERA (Regulatory Authority for Energy Networks and Environment), and its termination represents an important turning point in the management of the sale and consumption of energy produced from renewable sources. 

 

The Feed-in Tariff thus becomes the main option to market the energy self-produced by a photovoltaic system and fed into the electricity grid, along with other solutions to valorise the energy produced, including: 

  • Storage systems The installation of storage batteries allows the energy produced to be stored and used in times of need, reducing dependence on the grid and maximising self-consumption.

  • Renewable Energy Communities membership enables the sharing and valorisation of locally produced energy, often with dedicated incentives.

  • Sale on the free market: especially for large-scale producers, it is possible to conclude contracts for the direct sale of energy on the electricity market with the advantage of capturing higher market prices, albeit with greater management complexity.

For those who produce a lot of surplus energy, the Feed-in Tariff offers a cost-effective and safe solution, providing the right balance between profit and ease of use.

How does the Feed-in Tariff work for photovoltaic systems?

The energy from the photovoltaic system that is not self-consumed is fed into the electricity grid and detected by the installed meters. The GSE buys this energy, granting a sum to the producer according to two possible tariff regimes that depend on the type of system and any further incentives recognised on it. 

 

The Hourly Zone Price (HZP) is a fee decided by the electricity market, which varies according to the time of day in which the energy is fed into the grid and the market zone in which the system is located. It applies to installations:

  • incentivised renewable energy sources with a capacity of up to 1 MW;

  • incentivised and non-incentivised renewable energy sources with a capacity exceeding 1 MW. 

The Minimum Guaranteed Price (PMG) is a fee set annually by ARERA, which differs according to source and quantity of energy withdrawn annually. It applies to installations:

  • renewable sources, not incentivised, with a capacity of up to 1 MW;

  • incentivised photovoltaics up to 100 kW;

  • hydroelectric, incentivised, efficient power up to 500 kW.

For plants to which the PMG is applied, there is also an annual adjustment, if positive, with the application of the PO, so as to ensure an advantageous remuneration for producers.

 

The GSE is in charge of managing the entire Feed-in Tariff process by simplifying procedures. It is responsible for concluding the contract with the producer, checking the installations, managing the production data, and calculating and paying the payments.

 

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Who can join the Feed-in Tariff?

The service can be accessed at:

  • installations with a rated apparent power of less than 10 MVA powered by renewable and non-renewable sources;

  • installations of any power output powered by renewable sources such as wind, solar, geothermal, wave, tidal, hydraulic (limited to run-of-river plants);

  • installations with a nominal power of 10 MVA or more powered by renewable sources (other than those above)

Procedure for activating the Feed-in Tariff

To activate the Feed-in Tariff, it is necessary to verify the configuration of the installation, collect the necessary documentation, register with the GSE Portal, submit and send the RID application within 60 days of start-up, and wait for the GSE to approve and sign the contract.

The application is submitted through the Customer Area of the GSE Portal, using the Feed-in Tariff - RID service and can be made in two ways: 

  • Single Form: this is a simplified procedure for producers with photovoltaic systems up to 200 kW with active low and medium voltage pick-up points, installed on the roofs of buildings or on structures and artefacts above ground other than buildings, as well as in their appurtenances in the manner provided for by Legislative Decree no. 28/11.

  • Standard Mode: the producer sends an application via the GSE portal within 60 days of the plant becoming operational, providing the necessary technical and administrative data.

All technical and administrative data of the plant and the manufacturer must be provided. In the case of a Single Form, the GSE receives the data directly from the grid operator and activates the contract without any further formalities on the part of the producer.


The contract is for one year and is tacitly renewable. Producers may withdraw at any time by sending the cancellation directly through the dedicated IT portal at least 60 days before the date from which they intend to withdraw. There are no direct costs for joining the Feed-in Tariff, except for any technical costs for energy connection and measurement.