Hungary’s solar capacity is projected to exceed 8 GW by the second quarter of 2025. According to the Hungarian Energy and Public Utility Regulatory Authority (MEKH), this remarkable growth stems from a combination of extensive large-scale solar projects and eased restrictions on residential installations.
Hungary’s solar capacity: recent growth and milestones
Hungary’s installed solar capacity grew to 7.6 GW by the end of the first quarter of 2025, an increase from 7.3 GW at the end of 2024.
MEKH reports that the country added 282 MW of new solar capacity during the first quarter of 2025, with large-scale projects contributing a substantial 250 MW.
The remaining capacity came from small-scale projects, predominantly residential installations. In that same period, MEKH noted that the number of residential solar systems in Hungary grew from 292,000 to 309,000.
Large-scale projects driving solar capacity
In late 2024, MEKH announced that large-scale solar projects in Hungary are expected to reach 3.5 GW, with most sized around 50 MW each. Developers must complete these projects by the end of 2025.
The Hungarian government has issued calls for large-scale renewable energy projects, often in collaboration with the European Union. Through the National Recovery Plan (NRP), 270 billion Hungarian Forints ($750 million) have been allocated for these initiatives, with 150 billion HUF ($420 million) specifically earmarked for solar and wind energy.
Residential installations boosting solar growth
Hungary has also seen significant growth in residential solar, aiming to add 1 GW of capacity by the end of 2026. The government is providing financial support through 90% non-refundable grants for households installing solar panels.
The number of residential solar systems in the country reached 309,000 by the end of the first quarter of 2025—an increase of 17,000 from the 292,000 online at the end of 2024, according to MEKH.
Residential solar capacity grew from 2.3 GW at the end of 2024 to 2.4 GW by March 2025, a trend supported by the removal of restrictions on new grid connections for residential systems.
Regulatory changes supporting solar expansion
The Hungarian government has actively promoted solar energy through various regulatory changes. In February 2024, it launched a support scheme encouraging small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to invest in solar as part of a broader strategy to meet national renewable energy targets and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
The removal of restrictions on residential solar installations has also played a key role. This policy change enabled more households to invest in solar energy, directly contributing to the country’s overall capacity increase.
Future outlook for solar expansion in Hungary
Hungary’s solar capacity is expected to continue its upward trend, with projections indicating it will surpass 8 GW by the second quarter of 2025. This growth will be driven by the completion of large-scale projects and the ongoing expansion of residential installations.
Beyond solar, Hungary is also exploring other renewable energy sources like wind and biomass. The government has set an ambitious target of achieving a 20% share of renewables in the country’s energy mix by 2030.
With its solar capacity on track to exceed 8 GW by mid-2025, Hungary is leveraging both large-scale projects and residential installations to meet its goals. Ongoing regulatory support and financial incentives have positioned the country to achieve its renewable energy targets and significantly reduce its carbon footprint.
For more insights on Hungary’s solar energy achievements, you can read about the country’s leadership in solar power in Europe here.
