Future of the solar industry

The European Union (EU) – solar industry has grown rapidly in recent years, and its future looks bright.

With increasing demand for renewable energy sources, the solar industry is poised to play a critical role in meeting the EU’s climate goals. Let’s try to examine the current state of the EU’s solar industry, its challenges, and future prospects.

Current State of the Solar Industry in the EU

The EU has been a leader in renewable energy adoption, and solar power is no exception. According to the European Photovoltaic Industry Association (EPIA), the cumulative installed solar capacity in the EU reached 146 GW in 2020. Representing a 15% increase compared to the previous year. Moreover, in terms of new installations, solar power accounted for 13% of the EU’s electricity generation capacity in 2020. It is second only to wind power.

Several countries have been at the forefront of the solar revolution in the EU. Germany, for example, has the highest installed solar capacity in the region, with over 50 GW. Other countries such as Spain, Italy, and France are also major players in the solar industry. They have significant installed capacity and ambitious plans for further expansion. Poland is also catching up very quickly and, at this pace, will replace Spain in 3rd place.

Challenges Facing the Solar Industry in the EU

While the growth of the solar industry in the EU is impressive, it is not without its challenges. One of the primary obstacles is the cost of solar panels. Although the price of solar panels has fallen significantly in recent years, it remains higher than that of conventional energy sources such as coal and natural gas. This makes it challenging for solar power to compete on price alone.

Another challenge facing the solar industry in the EU is the intermittency of solar power. Solar panels produce electricity only when the sun is shining. This means that the output can vary significantly depending on weather conditions. This can make it difficult to integrate solar power into the grid. What’s more, it requires a constant and reliable source of electricity.

Finally, the regulatory framework for solar power in the EU can also be challenging. For example, different countries have different policies regarding subsidies, net metering, and feed-in tariffs. Those aspects can make it difficult for solar power companies to operate across borders.

Prospects for the Solar Industry in the EU

Despite the challenges, there are several reasons for this optimism.
First, the cost of solar panels is continuing to fall. According to a report by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), the cost of solar power is expected to decline by a further 50% by 2030. Making it more competitive with conventional energy sources.
Second, technological advancements are likely to improve the efficiency of solar panels. New materials and manufacturing processes are being developed that could significantly increase the output of solar panels. Thus making them even more attractive to consumers and businesses.
Third, energy storage technologies such as batteries are also advancing rapidly. Such storage could help to address the intermittency of solar power. By storing excess electricity generated during sunny periods, batteries can provide a reliable source of electricity during periods of low solar output.
Finally, the EU is committed to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions and transitioning to renewable energy sources. The European Green Deal, for example, aims to make the EU climate-neutral by 2050, and solar power is expected to play a key role in achieving this goal. This commitment to renewable energy will likely drive further investment in the solar industry and accelerate its growth.

We collect solar modules for recycling.

If you are interested in investing in photovoltaic farms in Poland, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us at +48 797 897 895 or biuro@lighthief.com

Read about solar asset management in Poland.

Also read about Solar Investments in Poland.

Read about Poland’s solar farm’s industry.

Read about Chinese solar investors in Poland.

Read about O&M services on solar farms.