MILAN, May 23 (Reuters) - Enel plans to increase the production of solar panels at its factory in Sicily to 3 gigawatt (GW) capacity by the end of 2025, later than previously expected, documents published by the Italian utility showed.

The group announced in 2022 it would expand the capacity of its solar panel factory 15-fold in order to reach a maximum production capacity of 3 GW by July 2024.

At that time the group also said it would hire workers at the plant, which is dubbed 3Sun, to reach a workforce of around 1,000 people.

"The 3Sun project aims to produce innovative photovoltaic panels starting in the second half of 2024, with an expected production capacity of up to 3 GW - 5 million panels per year - by the end of 2025," Enel said in written answers published for its annual shareholders meeting.

The utility said in the document that it was still evaluating the possibility of finding partners to develop the solar panel factory, without giving details.

The factory employs 420 workers, Enel said, adding that potential changes in 3Sun workforce would depend on the evolution of the sector. (Reporting by Francesca Landini; editing by Philippa Fletcher)