Italian storage market in Q1 2026: C&I and standalone BESS grow, residential stabilizes
As of March 31, 2026, Italy has reached 11.4 GWh of electrochemical energy storage capacity (BESS) connected to photovoltaic systems. In total, there are approximately 919,000 BESS systems in the country, representing a capacity of 18.8 GWh and a power rating of 7.73 GW. These figures come from the latest analysis by Italia Solare based on Terna’s Gaudì data.
The report, “Energy Storage Systems Q1 2026,” reveals that the capacity connected to PV plants (11.4 GWh) consists largely of small-scale storage: 59% falls between 6 kW and 20 kW, while 36% is below 6 kW.
In the first quarter of the year, 802 MWh of new capacity was connected, of which 454 MWh was associated with solar plants and 349 MWh was stand-alone. These numbers highlight a decline compared to the previous quarter for storage connected to PV: a 9% drop in connected capacity, a 22% decrease in installed power, and a 1% dip in the number of systems connected.
The data confirms a stabilization phase for the residential sector (power under 20 kW), a trend already observed in 2025, which remains around 350-400 MWh connected per quarter. In Q3 2025, 354 MWh were connected; in Q4, connections rose to 363 MWh; and in Q1 2026, the figure was again 363 MWh.
The Commercial and Industrial (C&I) segment (power above 20 kW) is growing, with 91 MWh connected during Q1 2026. This is an increase compared to the same period in 2025, which recorded 54 MWh, though it represents a decrease from the final quarter of 2025, which saw 130 MWh connected. Meanwhile, the evolution of the stand-alone fleet continues, with five systems connected during Q1 2026 for a total of 349 MWh and 93 MW.
Italia Solare pointed out that after the strong growth of past years driven by incentives, we are now seeing a slowdown in residential installations. Simultaneously, large-scale and stand-alone storage systems are becoming increasingly important, as they are fundamental for ensuring the flexibility and security of the grid.
In terms of the number of systems connected, Lombardy remains in first place with over 5,000 new installations in the quarter, followed by Veneto and Emilia-Romagna. Regarding installed capacity in Q1 2026, Lombardy again leads with approximately 69 MWh, followed by Veneto (57 MWh) and Emilia-Romagna (42 MWh).
“To achieve the 2030 targets, it is necessary to encourage the development of the commercial and industrial segment,” stated Paolo Viscontini, President of Italia Solare.
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