Solar for Europe
Our vision for solar in the next 5 years
We stand at the cusp of a transformative era in Europe’s energy landscape, one that promises clean, reliable, and competitive energy sourced from the sun. This new energy paradigm is not just a technological shift but a critical element to modernise our economies and ensure Europe’s prosperity for the generations to come.

Solar energy is now the fastest-growing energy technology globally. It’s not just the cheapest; it’s also the most versatile and easily deployed. Solar’s true superpower lies in its universal benefits. From farmers and business owners to public services and families, solar energy enhances resilience, competitiveness, and prosperity across the board. 

 

The widespread appeal of solar energy is undeniable. The stories in our new magazine showcase how people and communities are better connected due to solar energy; farmers benefiting from increased crop yield and additional revenue streams; small businesses to energy intensive industries reducing their carbon footprint and their energy bills. 

5 key benefits
1
Solar for the climate
1 Solar for the climate
In 2022, solar generated 203 TWh of electricity across the EU, saving 45 MtCO2eq of emissions, and 300 MtCO2eq in total in the last ten years. By 2030, solar could reduce Europe’s emissions by 180 MtCO2eq per year, the equivalent of the current emissions of the Netherlands.
2
Solar for competitiveness
2 Solar for competitiveness
The world’s clean technology value chains will be worth over €600 billion by 2030. The European solar sector could employ 1 million workers in 2025.
3
Solar for the people
3 Solar for the people
A solar PV system could save households up to €1250 annually, and up to €1800 with a heat pump, on an average household electricity bill.
4
Solar for energy security
4 Solar for energy security
Solar saved Europe €29 billion in fossil fuel imports in summer 2022. Under EU targets, by 2030, 55 million solar PV panels are set to be manufactured in Europe each year, creating enough capacity to power 9 million more homes annually.
5
Solar for nature
5 Solar for nature
Nature-positive solar power plants are boosting biodiversity by up to 250%. In the face of growing drought, solar supports farmers in reducing evaporation and water needs by up to 30%. Floating solar protects European reservoirs – it can reduce evaporation by 42%.
SolarPower Europe presents
The Sun Times
Read SolarPower Europe's first ever magazine with real-life stories on how solar is energising Europe.
Download here
10 actions for Solar Power to deliver
Accelerate solar PV deployment
161
Deliver 2030 targets, in particular by aligning EU financial instruments with climate and energy goals, including a new Green Investment Plan as part of the next EU budget post-2027
162
Land 2040 targets early-on to give visibility and confidence to investors
Improve solar PV integration in highly electrified energy systems
163
Propose a new EU Electrification Action Plan, including legislative action on grids, hybrid renewables, prosumers and cybersecurity
164
Propose a new EU Skills for the Energy Transition strategy
Promote solar solutions in harmony with the environment
165
Land an urban renewables strategy with cities and communities
166
Land a rural renewables strategy for ground-mounted and agri-PV with land owners and agriculture constituencies
167
Embark on an EU-wide renewables communications campaign to ensure public support for the energy transition
Build up diverse and sustainable solar PV supply chains
168
Substantially increase support for reshoring solar supply chains to Europe
169
Embark on multiple international partnerships on solar supply chains and raw materials, leveraging the Global Gateway Initiative
Secure EU’s leadership on solar PV innovation by expanding R&I funding
170
Double R&I funding for innovation in PV, via programmes including Horizon Europe and the European Innovation Council
Watch how solar benefits Europeans
On the subject
Insight
Policycast: How can solar thrive in a new EU?
Insight
Policycast: How can the EU deliver the right conditions for solar?
Insight
Policycast: How can solar’s success continue into the next EU mandate?
Insight
Policycast: How can solar help improve land use efficiency in the EU?
Insight
Policycast: How can we take solar to new heights in the EU?
Insight
Policycast: How can R&I drive the solar revolution in Europe?
Insight
Policycast: How can the EU support a sustainable solar future?
Insight
Policycast: How can we keep the momentum for the EU green transition?
Story
Analysis: What do the EU Elections Manifestos have to say about energy?
Story
Dawn of the solar age
Solar Saves
Solar powered community centre in Sofia
Solar Saves
Solar powered farm in Cork
Solar Saves
Solar saves in Croatia
Solar Saves
Balcony solar in Berlin
Solar Saves
Solar energy community in Portugal
Solar Saves
Solar powered house near Budapest
Solar Saves
Solar on Belgium social housing
Video
SolarSaves - Ginette and Ronnie live in social housing in Belgium with solar panels on their roofs
Video
SolarSaves - Isabel tells us about solar helping her kindergarten and the surrounding community
Video
Solar floats! The benefits of Floating Solar and how to progress the technology in Europe
Video
Making farming cool! What is Agrisolar and what benefits does it have for Europe?
Video
SolarSaves - What is the link between solar and democracy?
Video
#MakeSolarEU: SolarPower Europe visit SMA Solar Technology's inverter factory in Germany
Download the Solar for Europe Manifesto

Through this manifesto, SolarPower Europe calls on concrete steps and draws attention to the five priorities for the European Union energy agenda in the next five years.

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