EU Solar Market Update: 2026 Mid-Year Analysis
8 September 2026
Solar once again proved its value during the first half of 2026, helping Europe face a new fossil fuel crisis and record summer heat. Yet despite solar's growing contribution to energy security and affordability, policy support continues to weaken across key markets. The EU Solar Market Update: 2026 Mid-Year Analysis takes stock of the trends shaping Europe's solar market at the halfway point of the year.
The EU Solar Market Update: 2026 Mid-Year Analysis provides SolarPower Europe's assessment of the European solar market at the halfway point of the year. Drawing on preliminary market data from across the EU, the publication reviews deployment trends during the first six months of 2026 and analyses the market, policy and regulatory developments shaping solar growth across Europe. It also examines how key national markets have performed so far this year and what this means for the outlook for the remainder of 2026.
The review also explores the growing role of solar in Europe's energy system. As fossil fuel prices surged and heatwaves increased pressure on conventional generation, solar delivered record levels of affordable electricity across the EU. At the same time, the report highlights the challenges facing continued growth, including weakening policy support, grid constraints and the need for greater investment in flexibility and storage.
