Solar Saves
Today, more Europeans than ever are installing solar panels on their homes, schools, farms, and businesses. Why do they opt for solar?
We travelled across Europe to get the real stories from real people.
What we discovered is a technology that is transforming people's lives by making them the masters of their own energy.
In times of uncertainty, solar delivers huge cost savings, significant CO2 emission reductions, and an important sense of security.
Explore the stories behind Europe's fastest growing energy source: what does solar mean to people and how does this technology spark hope for a brighter future?
How solar empowers Europeans
Hear from the voices of European families, farmers, and businesses on how solar energy is powering resilient communities and why they're installing solar in numbers never seen before.
Croatia
Filip Koprčina, a young entrepreneur from Croatia, shares his experience of having solar on his family home and how it is helping them navigate the energy crisis.
Bulgaria
We had a chat with Boyan Vassilev, a psychologist with the Health and Social Development Foundation in Bulgaria. He shared his experiences of installing a 6kW rooftop system in a community centre in Sofia.
Portugal
We spoke with Maria Benquerenca, Energy Communities Director, and Michael Wilkinson, Head of Corporate Communications & PR, from Cleanwatts. They shared Cleanwatt’s experience of developing Portugal’s first renewable energy community.
Germany
We spoke with Michael Aigner who installed balcony solar on his apartment balcony in Berlin.
Croatia
Renewable energy initiatives are taking centre stage globally, and one exemplary effort comes from the Zelena Energetska Zadruga (Green Energy Cooperative) in Croatia.
Cyprus
Nicosia General Hospital, the largest healthcare facility in Cyprus, has installed over 2,000 solar panels across its parking spaces.
Greece
Chalki, a small Greek island in the Aegean Sea, has become an inspiring example of the energy transition.
Bulgaria
Solar Saves visits Bulgaria to explore how the academic sector is adopting solar energy.
Hungary
We spoke with György Balogh, a client of GÁTIBA Solar, a solar energy equipment supplier in Budapest, Hungary. He shared his experiences of installing 14 solar panels on his home.
Ireland
We spoke with John Murphy, an Irish farmer from Co. Cork, Ireland. He shared his experiences of installing 32 solar panels with a 6 kW inverter on his farm.
Belgium
We spoke with Birgit Coninx, Secretary-General at ASTER. ASTER is a cooperative society of social housing providers, and an initative from Flemish social housing sector. Its goal is investing in sustainable social living. Birgit discussed ASTER's work and the positive effects that solar panels are already providing for social tenants.
Greece
Nestled in the heart of the picturesque region of Epirus, CommonEn, an energy community based in Ioannina, Greece, is transforming the way residents think about power, democracy, and their role in the energy transition.
Romania
Meet Romania's first-ever energy community providing 100% green energy.
Norway
In a significant step towards sustainability, Ullevaal Stadion located in Oslo, has embraced solar energy. The iconic venue, home to the national football team and the Norwegian Cup Final, recently installed a massive vertical solar PV system, marking a transformative shift in energy production.
Spain
In this edition of the Solar Saves campaign, we go to Barcelona, where we met Milena Ràfols Salvador and Aniol Alsius, who are at the forefront of the ‘Sun4All’ campaign.
Hear real SolarSaves stories
Fact & Figures
Top 10 EU countries solar capacity per capita
When it comes to solar power per capita, the Netherlands ranks first, reaching the remarkable milestone of more than 1,000 watt per inhabitant in 2022, 28% up from 2021.
View factsheet
Annual rooftop and utility scale installations in the EU
Both the rooftop and the utility-scale segments grew significantly with the increase of the total annual market in 2022.
View factsheet
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