Octopus Renewables has started commercial operations at seven solar farms in Italy totalling 70MW.
The plants are located near Cagliari on the island of Sardinia and produce enough energy to power roughly one fifth of homes in the city.
The solar panels use single axis trackers to follow the sun during the day, providing a 30% uplift in production compared with if they were laid flat.
The projects receive no public subsidy and have fixed price power purchase agreements in place until 2023.
BYD supplied panels, SMA provided the inverters and the plants were constructed by Comal Impianti.
Octopus was advised by Pavia e Ansaldo on legal matters and by Rina on technical issues.
The plants are owned by funds managed by Octopus.
Octopus Renewables commercial asset manager Sara Grottola said: “Subsidy-free solar is still in its infancy in Italy, so this is another significant step forward in their transition to a future powered by renewable energy.
“The construction of large-scale renewable energy plants has numerous benefits including job creation, with approximately 380 people involved in the construction of these plants alone.
“The health benefits from improved air quality and reduced energy prices will also help to improve the lives of local residents.”
Octopus Renewables head Matt Setchell said: “The connection of these sites cements our position in the top ten Italian PV owners and further demonstrates our ability to construct assets across Europe.
“As we continue to focus on driving a future powered by renewable energy and reaching out to a wider base of investors, these skills in origination, construction and operation will be critical.”