Italy 3rd worldwide for solar power

(ANSA) - Rome, March 16 - Italy's solar power installation rate is third worldwide, following Germany and China, said Anie Renewables, a group representing companies that make components for green energy production, on Monday.
    The group said Italy reached 648,183 solar energy installations at the end of 2014, representing 18,325 potential megawatts, nearly 15% of solar power generated worldwide.
    Anie Renewables President Emilio Cremona said residential and small-to-medium businesses were the fastest-growing sectors for solar energy.
    Two reasons for continued growth in the sector include a 50% government tax deduction extended until the end of 2015, along with costs of installation having fallen about 75% when compared to a few years ago, Cremona said.