EU Solar Standard Solar PV industry recommendations for the national implementation of Article 10 of the 2024 Energy Performance of Buildings Directive

The EU Solar Standard is an opportunity to use existing, readily available artificial structures to generate renewable electricity while lowering consumers’ energy costs. Rooftop PV installations offer long-term independence from power markets, while providing net financial benefits. 

Implementing the EPBD will lower PV installation costs by integrating the PV installation into the building construction process. BNEF estimates that lower soft and construction costs increase the Internal Rate of Return (IRR) by 11% and 8% for commercial and residential buildings, respectively. 

PV installations under the EPBD guard the power grid by maximising the potential of prosumers in non-residential buildings. The European Commission expects 52 – 61% of the PV-generated electricity to be consumed on-site by 2030 when the EPBD is fully in force. This electricity never touches the grid. 

Already today, 9 EU countries have adopted Solar Standards. We recommend the following priority measures for a cost-efficient, future-proof implementation. While the EPBD article is open to all solar technologies, our recommendations focus on solar PV.