ENEA's DELPHOS, Demonstration ELectric PHOtovoltaic Systems Project is one of the largest and best-known PV power stations in Europe.

ENEA is the Italian National Agency for New Technology, Energy and the Environment, and was set up in 1960 as a public body originally for research into nuclear energy. Today, it covers its expanded responsibilities with more than 5000 staff in twelve research centres. ENEA plays a leading role in Italy's PV programme, which forms part of the National Energy Plan, and has a strategic objective to develop PV technology for large-scale electricity generation.

DELPHOS is located at Monte Aquiline in Apulia, and has been in operation since 1986 when the first 300 kWp generator came into service. A second 300 kWp was completed in 1992. This comprises three standard 100 kWp plants, known as PLUGs, Photovoltaic Low-cost Utility Generators. The successive phases of the project have played an important part in providing accurate technical and cost data.

The first 300 kWp section cost US$ 18,8/Wp. In the second section, each successive PLUG cost US$ 11,9/Wp, US$ 10,6/Wp and US$ 9,1/Wp. The cost reduction between the first and second sections gives a good indication of PV cost decreases between 1986 and 1992. This cost reduction between the three PLUGs resulted from plant standardization and economies of scale. Further cost reductions for large-scale PV power plants are expected as this trend, coupled with increasing module efficiencies, continue.

The DELPHOS project has given financial support and incentive to further the growth of Italy's PV industry, and has acted as a catalyst to large-scale PV developments in other countries. As with the other large PV projects installed in Italy, it plays an important role in providing electricity for Italy's grid network.

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