The RSE paper titled “Understanding the drivers for residential photovoltaic installations in Italy: An analysis across models and scales,” by Alessandro Amaranto, Martina Aiello, Igor Galbiati, Giulia Ronchetti, Marco Tangi and Elisabetta Garofalo of the Sustainable Development and Energy Sources Department, is available online.

Rooftop photovoltaic systems have seen exponential growth in Italy, contributing significantly to the country’s decarbonization targets under the European Green Deal. Their adoption presents key advantages for energy and spatial planning, including the use of existing built environments and the decentralization of electricity production.

The article investigates the factors influencing rooftop photovoltaic system adoption across Italian municipalities through a multi-scale multi-method approach.

Four complementary modelling techniques (correlation analysis, linear regression, random forests, and spatial econometric regression) are employed to assess economic, demographic, environmental, and socio-cultural determinants at national, electric market area, and regional levels. Among the modelling techniques, random forests are effective at uncovering complex, non-linear, interactions, while spatial econometric models underscore the significance of geographic proximity in determining adoption rates.

Results indicate that population density and age, income levels, and built environment characteristics are consistent drivers of adoption, while environmental factors, such as altitude and canopy cover, become more relevant at localized scales. Additionally, neighbourhood effects and social spillover dynamics play a crucial role, particularly in areas with strong community engagement, where collective awareness and shared initiatives amplify adoption rates. Socio-economic disparities also emerge, highlighting financial barriers for lower-income communities. These insights emphasize the need for region-specific policies that not only provide economic incentives but also address equity concerns and foster community-driven renewable energy initiatives.