Solar and climate change
Solar energy is at the heart of the fight against climate change, cutting CO₂ emissions, helping us adapt to a changing climate, and accelerating the shift to a renewable energy system. Because each sun ray can bring us closer to net zero.
Solar energy generates electricity without burning fossil fuels, which means it doesn’t release carbon dioxide (CO₂) or other greenhouse gases. By switching to solar, we can reduce pollution, slow down global warming, and take real action towards a cleaner, healthier planet.
In 2025, solar and wind accounted for a record 30% of EU electricity, overtaking fossil power for the first time on record. That same year, EU solar generation hit a record 369 TWh, up 20% from the year before (EMBER European Electricity Review 2026). By 2030, solar power is projected to reduce EU emissions by 154 MtCO₂eq per year (SolarPower Europe GMO report 2025), the equivalent of the total GHG emissions of the Netherlands in 2023 (EDGAR Emissions Database for Global Atmospheric Research).
Yes, solar energy helps reduce dependence on fossil fuels, which are the main contributors to climate change. By generating clean electricity, it lowers carbon emissions and improves air quality. Solar power also increases energy resilience, especially in areas prone to extreme weather events. For example, rooftop panels or local solar grids can keep power running during storms or heatwaves.
Modern solar panels are designed to handle a range of environmental conditions, including extreme temperatures, heavy snowfall and high winds. Thanks to advanced technology, they are efficient in various climates, even in low-light or high-heat temperatures. Ongoing research is also making them more durable, so they stay reliable even as weather patterns change.
