Solarpower Europe Report: PV Expansion in The EU Climbs to New Record Level in 2022

Brussels, Belgium - In 2022, the capacity of newly installed photovoltaic systems in the EU is expected to reach a record level of about 41,400 MW (41.4 GW) at the end of the year.

Against the backdrop of the massive energy crisis resulting from Russia's war of aggression on Ukraine and increasing energy security concerns, this would increase the EU's total solar power capacity by 25 percent in just one year, from 167,500 MW (167.5 GW) to 208,900 MW (208.9 GW) in 2022.

These are core findings of the annual solar energy progress report published by the European solar association Solarpower Europe.

Compared to 2021, the annual addition of 41,400 MW would represent a whopping 47 percent increase in capacity (2021: 28,100 MW / 28.1 GW). According to the solar association, this new capacity is sufficient to cover the electricity needs of 12.4 million European households. Looking at annual additions, Germany remains the EU country installing the most photovoltaic capacity annually in 2022 (7,900 MW in 2022), followed by Spain (7,500 MW / 7.5 GW), Poland (4,900 MW / 4.9 GW), the Netherlands (4,0000 MW / 4.0 GW) and France (2,700 MW / 2.7 GW).

"The numbers are clear. Solar is offering Europe a lifeline amid energy and climate crises. No other energy source is growing as quickly, or reliably, as solar. We’re building a secure, green, prosperous Europe on a foundation of solar," comments Solarpower Europe CEO Walburga Hemetsberger on the results of the analysis.

In the short to medium term, the solar association expects the dynamic growth to continue in Europe. Thus, the average forecast for the next year 2023 is a new installed solar capacity of 53,600 MW (53.6 GW). Continuing on this path will result in at least 85,000 MW (85 GW) of new solar power capacity by 2026, meaning that the EU solar market will more than double in size within four years, reaching 484,000 MW (484 GW) by 2026.

"It’s more than high time to take solar seriously. That means tackling barriers head on. We need more electricians and stable electricity market regulation. A solar-powered Europe can only be based on smoother administrative processes, speedier grid connections, and resilient supply chains," adds Dries Acke, Political Director at Solarpower Europe.

Source: IWR Online, 21 Dec 2022