- SolarPower Europe’s latest Global Market Outlook for Solar Power 2024-2028 reveals the wider European region* installed 70.1 GW of new solar capacity in 2023. Almost 21 million more European homes were powered by solar in 2023, a testament to the continent's rapid solar expansion.
- European Solar Day celebrates the continent's rapid solar expansion, with the total operating solar fleet surpassing the 300 GW mark.
BRUSSELS, Belgium (Friday 21st June 2024): With a staggering 70.1 GW of new solar capacity installed in 2023, almost 21 million more European homes were powered by solar last year. The European solar market has more than doubled over the past two years, from 32.0 in 2021.
In a recorded message for European Solar Day, EU Commissioner for Energy, Kadri Simson, said:
“In just a few years, Solar PV has risen as the bright star of our energy transition, filling our energy system with green electricity and powering our homes. Installations around the world and in the EU are only going one way, and this is up. It is the fastest growing source of electricity, responsible for 8% of electricity generated last year in the EU.”
Thanks to this record capacity, the total operating solar fleet in Europe has now surpassed the 300 GW mark, a significant milestone in the continent’s energy transition.
“Throughout history, June 21st has been a day of sun celebrations across Europe. Today, we are excited to honor this tradition by marking European Solar Day. This event symbolises our collective journey towards a sustainable future, highlighting the remarkable progress we've made in solar energy. By working together with our partners, we are transforming the energy landscape and harnessing the power of the sun for generations to come."
Walburga Hemetsberger, CEO of SolarPower Europe.
Solar continues to soar amongst its renewable colleagues, installing 78% of the total renewable energy installed around the world in 2023. The European solar PV market is poised for further growth in the short and medium term as projections indicate a 10% increase to 77 GW of new solar in 2024, with annual installations expected to exceed 100 GW by 2026. This growth underscores the increasing importance and viability of solar power in Europe's energy landscape.
Global Market Outlook for Solar Power 2024-2028
The world deployed 447 GW of new solar PV capacity last year; an incredible 87% more than 2022 and achieving a growth rate we haven’t seen since 2010, when the global solar market was only 4% of today’s size.
Read the report
On the 21st of June, the longest and brightest day of the year, SolarPower Europe joined forces with 54 cross-sector organisations to celebrate European Solar Day. This event aims to raise awareness about the remarkable benefits of solar power and to promote the rapid growth and potential of solar energy across the continent.
European Solar Day is a collaborative initiative spearheaded by SolarPower Europe in partnership with a diverse range of organisations and associations throughout Europe. This year’s edition saw the unveiling of a new digital Solar School, designed to equip individuals with the knowledge and tools on the power and potential of solar energy. From its intriguing history and fascinating progress, to its endless potential, in 5 episodes, Solar School aims to provide everyone with information on solar energy.
Join the celebration!
Explore the platform, watch the stories, & take the quiz at:
solarday.org
Available in EN DE FR ES IT FI PT BG GR LT
Questions? Get in touch.
Amalia Speleta
Communications Campaign Advisor
*Europe region = EU27 + Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Iceland, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Norway, Russia, Serbia, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine, and the United Kingdom.
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