For the first time in ten years, fewer photovoltaic systems could be installed in the European Union in 2025 than in the previous year. In its new half-year market analysis, the industry association SolarPower Europe assumes 64.2 gigawatts (GW) of newly installed solar capacity, which corresponds to a decline of 1.4 percent compared to 2024.
According to SolarPower Europe, the decline is due in particular to fewer private rooftop systems. Many of the subsidy programs associated with the energy crisis have now expired – particularly in key markets such as Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Italy and the Netherlands. In addition, significantly fewer electricity supply contracts for solar power were concluded in the first half of 2025. In contrast, the market for large solar power plants remains stable, according to SolarPower Europe, which is attributable to auctions throughout Europe.
The EU target from the “RePowerEU” plan of 400 gigawatts of installed PV capacity by the end of the year could still just be achieved due to the strong expansion in recent years. Market growth amounted to around 47 pecent in 2022, around 51 percent in 2023 and still 3.3 percent in 2024. However, to reach the 2030 target, Europe would have to install almost 70 GW per year by the end of the decade. However, the current trend indicates that Europe will miss its targets and only reach 723 GW of the 750 GW target.
© PHOTON
