Solar energy in europe

Why is solar energy so popular in Europe?

Solar energy is cheap, clean and flexible. The cost of solar power decreased by 82% between 2010-2020, making it the most competitive source of electricity in many parts of the EU. The EU solar generation capacity keeps increasing and reached, according to SolarPower Europe, an estimated 259.99 GW in 2023.

What is Solarpower Europe?

SolarPower Europe is the award-winning link between policymakers and the solar PV value chain. Get to know the SolarPower Europe team working to transform the European energy system. Get to know everything about solar power. Interested in joining SolarPower Europe? Become a member!

How does solar energy work in Europe?

Solar power consists of photovoltaics (PV) and solar thermal energy in the European Union (EU). In 2010, the €2.6 billion European solar heating sectors consisted of small and medium-sized businesses, generated 17.3 terawatt-hours (TWh) of energy, employed 33,500 workers, and created one new job for every 80 kW of added capacity. [ 1 ]

Is solar energy the fastest growing energy source in the EU?

Solar energy, the fastest-growing energy source in the EU, saw an 82% cost reduction between 2010 and 2020. Solar capacity expanded from 164.19 GW in 2021 to an estimated 259.99 GW by 2023. [ 2 ]

Is solar power a competitive source of electricity in the EU?

The cost of solar power decreased by 82% between 2010-2020, making it the most competitive source of electricity in many parts of the EU. The EU solar generation capacity keeps increasing and reached, according to SolarPower Europe, an estimated 259.99 GW in 2023. The EU has long been a front-runner in the roll-out of solar energy.

What is Solarpower Europe's EU market outlook?

SolarPower Europe’s annual EU Market Outlook helps policy stakeholders in delivering solar PV’s immense potential to meet the EU’s 2030 renewable energy targets. Produced with the support of our memb ers and national solar association, the outlook demonstrates how solar energy can, and will, be the engine that drives the European Green Deal.