SolarPower Europe

The European Union’s executive body sets out plan to more closely link the energy systems of EU member states, including commitment to fast-track key interconnector projects. Proposals have been welcomed by leading solar and energy storage trade bodies. The move comes as several EU nations lag 15% interconnection target set for 2030.

The policy map highlights that only five of the 18 EU Member States included in the tool have set a legal definition of agrivoltaics. SolarPower Europe is calling on policymakers to develop an EU-wide definition.

A report by SolarPower Europe and Fraunhofer ISE finds EU-made solar modules cost €0.103 ($0.12)/W more than Chinese imports, but targeted policies could close the gap and help reach the EU’s 30 GW annual manufacturing target by 2030.

The annual European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference (EU PVSEC) got underway today, this year in Bilbao. Conversations on the first morning focused on the need for strong policy support across multiple areas of renewable energy. While the week is sure to be filled with new ideas on the technological side, it’s clear that ensuring policies to support further growth in renewable energy is a growing challenge. Those working in the solar industry and research community need to reach a wider audience, and one that may not be as easy to convince.

SolarPower Europe says Latin America’s solar sector is at a pivotal moment. Its latest report offers recommendations on how Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Mexico and Peru can accelerate their solar growth trajectories and unlock investments.

SolarPower Europe’s mid-year market analysis is forecasting negative annual growth in 2025 for the first time in almost a decade. It is expecting 64.2 GW of solar to be added this year, compared to 65.1 GW last year.

Regulatory shifts in Germany are narrowing opportunities for standalone storage, pushing developers toward colocated battery systems that require more complex optimization, according to industry discussions at the Battery Business Development Forum in Frankfurt.

The ‘Revenue models and market perspectives across Europe’ panel highlighted the complexity of Europe’s most active markets and the range of available business models. Investors show strong interest, but lenders remain cautious on risk hedging.

From the floor of the Battery Business & Development Forum 2025, the first session delivered insights around investment strategies in battery energy storage systems across Europe and the UK.

Renewables accounted for 47.3% of electricity generation in the European Union in 2024, driven by a 7.7% year-on-year increase in output, according to data from Eurostat. Fossil fuel-fired power fell to 29.2% of the mix, while nuclear contributed 23.4%.