Greece is significantly boosting its photovoltaic capacity, with multiple projects planned across the country as part of an ambitious energy transformation. This rapid expansion aligns with its National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP), which, in line with EU ambitions, targets 14.1 GW of installed PV capacity by 2030. The strategy involves a diverse portfolio of projects, including private rooftop installations, large-scale solar parks, and innovative initiatives like floating photovoltaic systems.

Private Rooftop Installations for Greece solar power

The Greek government is providing financial incentives for homeowners and small businesses to install photovoltaic systems on rooftops. This initiative is part of Greece’s broader strategy to increase renewable energy production, decentralize the power grid, and reduce dependency on fossil fuels. The program aims to make photovoltaic technology more accessible to the average consumer and promote energy independence at the local level.

These rooftop and small-scale agricultural installations are expected to generate substantial clean energy, reducing electricity bills for participants and contributing to the national grid. The government has streamlined the application process, making it easier for citizens to participate and benefit from renewable energy.

Large-Scale Solar Parks in Greece solar power

In addition to rooftop installations, Greece is developing several large-scale solar parks, which are the primary driver of its recent growth. These projects, undertaken by both domestic and international companies, have led to a stunning 2.6 GW growth in solar capacity in 2024 alone.

Notable examples of massive projects under development include two solar parks by RWE and PPC with a combined planned capacity of nearly 2 GW. A comprehensive Greece solar panel manufacturing report details these and other major developments. These large-scale projects are crucial for Greece to meet its renewable energy targets and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. However, this solar energy boom, with a projected pipeline of 44.8 GW by 2028, is also creating significant challenges, as the rapid expansion strains the country’s grid capacity. This highlights the parallel need for substantial investment in grid modernization and energy storage solutions.

Floating Photovoltaic Systems and Greece solar power

Greece is also exploring innovative photovoltaic solutions, such as floating solar systems, also known as “floatovoltaics.” These systems are designed to float on reservoirs and other bodies of water, providing a unique way to generate solar energy without occupying valuable agricultural or natural land. The first major floating photovoltaic project is planned for the Aliakmonas Reservoir, with a proposed capacity of 500 MW.

Floating photovoltaic systems offer several advantages, including reduced land use, lower water evaporation rates from reservoirs, and increased energy efficiency due to the natural cooling effect of water on the panels. These pioneering projects are expected to play a significant role in Greece’s renewable energy future, especially in regions with limited land availability.

Conclusion

Greece’s rapid expansion of photovoltaic capacity reflects its firm commitment to renewable energy and environmental sustainability. The combination of rooftop installations, large-scale solar parks, and innovative floating systems is set to significantly increase the country’s solar energy production. Projections show Greece reaching a total installed capacity of 12.57 GW by 2028, cementing its position as a key player in Europe’s energy transition.

While challenges like grid integration must be addressed, this multi-faceted expansion will help Greece achieve its renewable energy targets, reduce its carbon footprint, and enhance energy security for future generations.

If you are interested in the technical and business aspects of solar energy, from production to deployment, consider enrolling in our free e-course on solar panel manufacturing.

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Moldova Champions Dual-Use Farming with New Moldova agrivoltaic systems Guide

Moldova is taking a significant step forward in its renewable energy journey by launching a comprehensive guide to promote agrivoltaic systems. This innovative approach, which combines solar panel installations with agricultural activities, is set to enhance the country’s clean energy production while optimizing land use for a more sustainable future.

The new guide, titled “Cultivating the Sun and the Land: Unlocking Moldova’s Dual Potential,” was developed by the Ministry of Energy with key support from the German Energy Agency (dena) and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi). It serves as a foundational resource for farmers, investors, and local authorities looking to harness this dual-yield technology. This initiative is a key part of the country’s broader clean energy strategy, which includes other major developments like a recent Moldova solar energy breakthrough with a 60 MW project.

Unlocking a Dual Potential with Moldova agrivoltaic systems

Agrivoltaics allows for the simultaneous production of solar energy and the cultivation of crops on the same piece of land. By strategically placing solar panels, farmers can continue their agricultural work while generating electricity. This synergy is particularly promising for Moldova, offering a unique business opportunity for specialized solar modules. The guide provides crucial details on the technology, including best practices for installation criteria such as panel height, orientation, inclination, and spacing to ensure both crops and panels receive optimal sunlight.

The document dives deep into the practical application for farmers, recommending suitable crops based on their specific light and moisture requirements under the panels. It also outlines the legal framework for developing such projects and details available state support schemes. For those considering an investment, the guide provides valuable financial estimates, complementing resources that explore the financial model for a solar plant in Moldova.

Enhancing Agricultural Resilience and Profitability with Moldova agrivoltaic systems

One of the most significant advantages highlighted by Moldovan authorities is the potential for agrivoltaic systems to help farmers adapt to climate change. The solar installations can create a favorable microclimate, reducing water evaporation from the soil and protecting crops from extreme weather events like hail or excessive sun exposure. This not only boosts agricultural resilience but also opens up new revenue streams through energy sales.

This initiative complements other efforts to expand Moldova’s solar energy capacity, demonstrating a multi-faceted approach to energy independence. By empowering farmers to become energy producers, the government is also fostering a decentralized energy model, similar in spirit to its push for citizen-owned solar projects. Understanding the basics of solar panel manufacturing and the specific raw materials involved can give potential investors an even clearer picture of the industry’s landscape.

The guide is a critical tool for stakeholders across the board, from individual farmers to regional institutions, aiming to make agriculture more profitable and the national energy grid more robust. The entire solar panel manufacturing process, from sourcing materials to using advanced manufacturing machines, culminates in technologies like these that reshape economies. For those interested in the financial side, a detailed plant cost breakdown can offer further insights into the investment required.

To learn more about the fundamentals of entering the solar manufacturing industry, you can enroll in our free e-course.

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In a significant step forward for its renewable energy sector, Kosovo’s Energy Regulatory Office (ERO) has officially become a full member of the Association of Issuing Bodies (AIB). This pivotal development, confirmed on November 26, 2025, during the AIB’s General Assembly in Lisbon, Portugal, grants Kosovo the authority to issue internationally recognized certificates that verify the green origin of its domestically produced electricity.

Significance of the Kosovo renewable certification

By joining the AIB, Kosovo adopts the European Energy Certificate System (EECS), a standardized framework that ensures Guarantees of Origin (GOs) issued in Kosovo are recognized throughout Europe. This is a historic milestone that enhances the transparency and credibility of the nation’s renewable energy certification, confirming its commitment to a sustainable energy transition aligned with EU standards.

This move is set to unlock significant potential for the country. The ability to issue credible GOs facilitates more efficient cross-border trade in renewable energy and is expected to pave the way for new investments. As Kosovo’s renewable energy sector surges, this new certification capability will be crucial for projects like the planned 100 MW KEK solar plant and for the growing number of “prosumers” generating their own solar power. According to Ymer Fejzullahu, chair of the ERO Board, this achievement strengthens Kosovo’s institutional capacities and positions it as a reliable partner in the broader European energy market.

Background and Support for Kosovo renewable certification

This accomplishment is the culmination of dedicated efforts by the ERO to operationalize its platform for issuing certificates of origin. These efforts included collaborative meetings with Swedish institutions to learn best practices in managing GO registries and implementing EECS rules.

The successful membership bid was strongly supported by the “Energy transition and climate mitigation in Kosovo” project, an initiative funded by the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and implemented by LuxDev, the Luxembourg Development Cooperation Agency. This support underscores the international cooperation driving Kosovo’s solar energy advancements.

For homeowners and tenants in Germany and across Europe, Kosovo’s integration into the AIB is a positive development. A more interconnected and transparent European green energy market contributes to overall grid stability and can foster more competitive energy pricing. It also expands the pool of certified renewable energy available to meet climate targets. The entire value chain, from understanding the basics of solar panel manufacturing to final energy certification, is strengthened by such international standards.

This new chapter for Kosovo not only boosts its domestic green ambitions but also reinforces the collective European push towards a cleaner energy future. To learn more about how solar energy systems are developed from start to finish, explore our free e-course on solar panel manufacturing.

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Italy’s landmark FER X auction has successfully concluded, allocating a massive 8.6 GW of renewable energy capacity and marking a pivotal moment for the nation’s energy transition. This initial round awarded contracts to 82% of the available solar photovoltaic (PV) and onshore wind capacity, with solar power projects securing the lion’s share at approximately 7.7 GW. The results underscore strong market confidence and are a significant step towards the growth targets for the Italian solar market.

Key Auction Mechanics and Bidding Dynamics in the Italy solar auction

A key innovation in the FER X auction was the introduction of a new two-tier bidding process for projects exceeding 20 MW. This mechanism provided greater flexibility, allowing developers to submit higher bids that exceeded the maximum bid cap. This adjustment proved crucial in the current economic climate.

The average awarded bid reached €118.2/MWh, a figure that clearly reflects the impact of rising interest rates and persistent inflation on project development costs. By accommodating these financial realities, the auction framework ensured robust participation and the successful allocation of a substantial volume of clean energy capacity. This auction’s scale is a dramatic increase compared to previous tenders, such as when Italy’s 15th renewables auction allocated 322 MW of solar, showcasing accelerated momentum.

Market Maturity and Project Scale in the Italy solar auction

The auction results revealed a significant polarization in the market, highlighting the industrial maturity of Italy’s utility-scale solar sector. The majority of winning bids were for large-scale plants ranging from 50 to 100 MW. These projects benefit from considerable economies of scale, which helps reduce capital expenditure and makes them more competitive. This trend indicates a structural advantage for larger developers, while smaller projects found it more challenging to compete. The successful deployment of these large plants will be critical to achieving milestones like the recent surge in Italy solar installations.

Strategic Withdrawals and Future Rounds of the Italy solar auction

Interestingly, 72 PV projects, totaling 744 MW, were withdrawn from this initial round. This was a strategic move by developers who intend to participate in the subsequent FER-X auction, which is specifically designed for PV plants utilizing non-Chinese components. This focus on diversifying the supply chain highlights the growing importance of understanding the solar panel raw materials and manufacturing origins.

The second round has already attracted 156 applications for a total of 1.85 GW of PV capacity, although the energy ministry has set a cap of 1.6 GW. The results for this next phase are eagerly awaited and expected by December 15.

Implementation and Broader Energy Goals of the Italy solar auction

Successful projects from the FER-X auction are required to be fully operational within 36 months of the results announcement. This timeline ensures that the newly awarded capacity will contribute to Italy’s grid in a timely manner. This massive injection of solar power is a cornerstone of the country’s decarbonization strategy and complements other key initiatives, such as the recent Italy battery storage auction that secured 10 GWh of capacity to enhance grid stability. To maximize the efficiency of these new solar farms, developers will likely leverage advanced technologies, including the use of AI solar trackers to optimize energy production.

This auction is a clear victory for Italy’s renewable energy ambitions, demonstrating a mature market ready for large-scale deployment. To gain a deeper understanding of the technology behind this boom, from production lines to project financing, explore our free e-course on solar panel manufacturing.

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Hungary is taking a significant leap forward in its renewable energy sector with the launch of four new solar energy storage projects by Alteo, a Budapest-based renewable energy company. These projects, part of an impressive 2024 growth essential to the nation’s energy strategy, have a combined capacity of 90 megawatts and are set to significantly enhance the country’s energy grid and support the seamless integration of renewable energy sources.

New Hungary solar energy storage Projects

Alteo has connected four new energy storage units to Hungary’s electricity grid, boosting the country’s solar power capabilities. These units, located in Dunaharaszti, Balassagyarmat, Törökszentmiklós, and Nagykeresztúr, have a total power capacity of 90 megawatts (MW) and a storage capacity of 193 megawatt-hours (MWh).

The first unit in Dunaharaszti has already begun operations, with the remaining three set to follow shortly. These projects are part of Hungary’s broader efforts to transition to renewable energy and reduce its reliance on fossil fuels, a move critical for national energy security. The trend is clear, as other developers like Photon Energy have also expanded Hungary’s solar PV capacity with new plants, showing a robust and growing market.

The energy storage units are co-located with photovoltaic (PV) power plants, which use solar panels to convert sunlight into electricity. The intricate solar panel manufacturing process transforms basic solar panel raw materials into the high-tech devices that power these plants. The addition of battery storage technology is crucial for managing the intermittent nature of solar power, allowing excess energy generated during sunny periods to be stored and released when demand is high or the sun isn’t shining.

Government Support for Renewable Energy in Hungary solar energy storage

The Hungarian government has been actively supporting the development of renewable energy projects through various financial incentives. In 2020, Alteo received a HUF 1.2 billion grant from the Ministry of Innovation and Technology to develop its energy storage projects. This funding has been crucial in enabling Alteo to expand its renewable energy portfolio and contribute to the country’s energy transition.

The company has also secured long-term power purchase agreements (PPAs) with major industrial consumers, providing it with a stable revenue stream. These agreements ensure that the electricity generated by Alteo’s solar power plants is sold at a fixed price over a specified period, reducing investment risk and making it easier for the company to plan and finance its projects.

In addition to the government’s financial support, Alteo has raised funds through a successful initial public offering (IPO) on the Budapest Stock Exchange. The company raised HUF 4.5 billion through the IPO, which has been used to finance its renewable energy projects, including these new energy storage units.

Benefits of Energy Storage for Hungary solar energy

Energy storage is a vital component of a modern, renewables-heavy power system. It allows for the storage of excess energy generated during peak sunlight hours, which can then be used during periods of low sunlight or at night. This helps to balance supply and demand, ensuring a stable and reliable electricity supply. A unique 2024 deal for a solar battery system elsewhere in the country underscores the growing recognition of storage as a key grid-stabilizing technology.

The storage units will help integrate more renewable energy into Hungary’s grid. As the country continues to increase its share of renewables, the need for energy storage solutions will grow. These systems allow for the smooth integration of variable sources like solar and wind, reducing the risk of blackouts. For residents across Europe, including in Germany, a more stable and interconnected European grid means greater energy security and potentially more stable long-term energy prices.

These new projects will have a significant impact on Hungary’s renewable energy sector. The country is on track to not just meet but surpass 8 GW in solar power capacity by mid-2025, and these new energy storage units will play a crucial role in managing this impressive capacity and achieving an impressive 30% share of solar energy in its electricity mix.

The new solar energy storage projects by Alteo represent a significant step forward for Hungary’s renewable energy sector. With strong government support and innovative technology, these projects are expected to enhance the country’s energy security and contribute to its ambitious goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.

If you are interested in understanding the fundamentals of this technology, consider enrolling in our free e-course on the basics of solar panel manufacturing.

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Hungary has achieved a significant milestone, becoming the leading country in Europe for solar power generation per capita. This Hungary solar energy leader: Stunning 2025 surge is the result of a massive expansion in photovoltaic projects. According to Bloomberg, Hungary produced an average of 18.5 watts per person per hour in the first two months of 2025, outpacing all other European nations.

Hungary’s Solar Power Surpasses Germany’s with Hungary solar power

Hungary’s rise in solar power generation is particularly notable as it has outperformed Germany, a long-established leader in renewable energy. During the same period, Germany managed to produce 10.8 watts per person per hour. This achievement is significant given Hungary’s smaller size and population, demonstrating that Hungary solar power Leads Europe with 7,800 MW by 2025. For homeowners and tenants in Germany, this shift underscores how rapidly the European energy landscape is evolving, with emerging leaders influencing grid stability and energy markets across the continent.

Hungary’s strategic focus on solar has been driven by a strong commitment to renewable energy and a desire to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels. The country’s success is a testament to favorable policies, substantial investments in infrastructure, and the active participation of both public and private sectors.

Hungary’s Solar Capacity Growth in Hungary solar power

The growth of solar power in Hungary has been nothing short of explosive. In recent years, the country has significantly increased its installed solar capacity, leading to a substantial rise in electricity generation from solar sources. This trend of Hungary solar energy: Impressive 2024 growth essential has continued, with key projects and acquisitions further boosting capacity. The real-world impact is clear, as at one point, Hungary Solar Power Hits Record 42% of Electricity generation, showcasing the technology’s growing importance.

This rapid expansion is supported by a deepening industrial ecosystem. Success on this scale requires a comprehensive understanding of the entire value chain, from the basics of solar panel manufacturing to the intricate details of the solar panel manufacturing process. Securing the right solar panel raw materials and deploying advanced solar panel manufacturing machines are crucial components of this success story. Hungary’s leadership in generation reflects a broader shift towards a more sustainable and self-sufficient energy future.

Hungary’s Contribution to EU’s Green Transition with Hungary solar power

Hungary’s achievement in solar power generation aligns perfectly with the European Union’s broader goals. It is a significant contribution to the REPowerEU Plan and the Green Deal Industrial Plan, which aim to increase the share of renewables in the EU’s energy mix to 45% by 2030.

This solar expansion also serves a dual strategic purpose. While contributing to the EU’s green targets, it simultaneously enhances Hungary’s energy security by diversifying its energy sources away from fossil fuels. This is particularly relevant given the country’s stance on energy imports. The success of Hungary’s solar strategy highlights the potential for other countries in the region to follow suit. With continued investment and support, Hungary is well-positioned to maintain its leadership in solar energy and contribute meaningfully to the global fight against climate change.

If you want to understand the technology and business behind this renewable energy revolution, consider exploring our free e-course on solar panel manufacturing.

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In a significant move to bolster ethical practices, Solar Ireland and the Solar Stewardship Initiative (SSI) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance cooperation in promoting responsible solar supply chains. The agreement, formalized at SolarPower Europe’s Sustainable Solar Europe event in Brussels, aims to ensure transparency, accountability, and sustainability in the rapidly growing solar sector by addressing environmental and social risks across the entire value chain.

Commitment to Transparency and Sustainability in Responsible solar supply chains

The Solar Stewardship Initiative (SSI) is a vital multi-stakeholder initiative dedicated to creating a sustainable, ethical, and transparent solar supply chain. It provides essential tools and resources for companies to manage risks and improve sustainability practices, setting impressive solar ESG standards for the industry. Solar Ireland, the trade association representing the Irish solar and energy storage industry, has been an active partner with SSI since its inception, sharing a deep commitment to advancing sustainability through innovative solutions.

By signing the MoU, both organizations are aligning their efforts and resources to champion responsible solar supply chains. This renewed partnership will focus on adopting best practices, supporting solar companies in Ireland to implement responsible sourcing, and advocating for global supply chain sustainability, especially in line with EU expectations.

A Unified Approach to Addressing Supply Chain Challenges in Responsible solar supply chains

The global solar industry faces significant challenges, including ensuring the ethical sourcing of solar panel raw materials, reducing carbon footprints throughout the solar panel manufacturing process, and fostering fair labour practices. The Solar Stewardship Initiative (SSI) and Solar Ireland recognize that tackling these challenges head-on is crucial for supporting the industry’s growth and maintaining public trust.

Their collaboration will promote awareness about responsible sourcing within the solar industry, particularly among Solar Ireland’s members. Key objectives include sharing guidance and training resources to help companies adopt credible traceability and due diligence approaches. The partnership will support the development and implementation of these practices across the entire supply chain, from understanding the basics of solar panel manufacturing to the final installation.

Additionally, the two organizations will collaborate on advocacy efforts to promote transparency and accountability, addressing critical issues such as forced labour and environmental degradation.

Statements from the Leaders

Ronan Power, CEO of Solar Ireland, emphasized the strategic importance of the partnership. He stated, “This enhanced partnership enables our members to access European standards, tools, and training, allowing the sector to continue growing at pace while maintaining transparency, integrity, and public trust. The collaboration directly supports Ireland’s ambitious 2030 renewable energy goals.”

Abigail Ross Hopper, President and CEO of the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), also highlighted the global significance of such collaborations. She noted, “The solar industry has a responsibility to ensure that our supply chains are as sustainable and ethical as the clean energy we produce. This partnership between Solar Ireland and SSI is a critical step in advancing our shared goal of building a transparent and accountable solar supply chain.”

Looking Ahead to Responsible solar supply chains

Both organizations are committed to working together to promote responsible sourcing and supply chain transparency as the solar industry continues its global expansion, exemplified by developments like First Solar’s manufacturing growth. This partnership reflects a shared vision for a sustainable future, driven by clean energy. By aligning their efforts, they aim to set a global standard for responsible solar supply chains.

This collaboration is particularly timely given Ireland’s solar boom, which has seen an impressive surge in capacity. With a national target of 8 GW of solar capacity by 2030, supported by mechanisms like the recent Ireland solar energy auction, ensuring this growth is sustainable is paramount. Partnerships between industry leaders, trade associations, and multi-stakeholder initiatives will play a crucial role in aligning this expansion with global environmental and social goals.

The MoU between SSI and Solar Ireland marks a significant milestone. With a clear focus on transparency, accountability, and best practices, this partnership sets the stage for a brighter, more responsible future for solar energy in Ireland and beyond.

To learn more about the complexities and opportunities in the solar industry, consider exploring our free e-course on solar panel manufacturing.

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Greenvolt Next Powers the Sanofi Waterford solar farm at Irish Facility

In a significant move for corporate sustainability in Europe, Greenvolt Next has successfully developed and launched a major 4MW solar photovoltaic (PV) farm for Sanofi’s Waterford facility in Ireland. This groundbreaking project, which is already operational, stands as the largest of its kind in Europe dedicated to powering a pharmaceutical plant.

The newly commissioned solar farm is a testament to Sanofi’s commitment to environmental stewardship, as it is projected to supply up to 20% of the plant’s total electricity requirements. By integrating clean energy directly into its operations, the global biopharmaceutical company is taking a substantial step towards reducing its carbon footprint and operational costs. The scale of this 4MW installation is noteworthy, putting it on par with significant renewable energy initiatives like the innovative Seychelles floating solar project.

This partnership highlights a growing global trend where corporations are investing in on-site renewable generation. This strategy not only supports sustainability goals but also provides greater energy independence and predictability in a volatile market. It’s a trend visible worldwide, as nations and companies alike contribute to massive clean energy initiatives, such as how El Salvador is expanding its renewable energy portfolio with ambitious solar and wind projects.

Greenvolt Next continues to demonstrate its expertise in delivering innovative energy solutions across the continent. The company’s portfolio of successful projects includes not just large-scale solar farms but also advanced systems like the first PV plant with integrated energy storage in Romania, showcasing their capability in comprehensive energy management.

Constructing a 4MW solar farm involves a sophisticated supply chain and deep technical knowledge. Understanding the basics of solar panel manufacturing is key to appreciating the engineering behind the thousands of panels deployed at the Waterford site. Each panel is a product of a complex solar panel manufacturing process, which relies on sourcing high-quality solar panel raw materials to ensure decades of reliable performance. The overall investment in such an infrastructure is substantial, reflecting the significant figures detailed in a typical solar panel manufacturing plant cost breakdown.

For homeowners and businesses in Germany, this project in Ireland serves as a powerful example of the Energiewende (energy transition) in action on an industrial scale. While a 4MW farm is a corporate endeavor, the underlying principle of generating decentralized, clean power is precisely what drives the adoption of rooftop solar systems on German homes and commercial buildings. These installations, both large and small, contribute to a more resilient and sustainable energy future for everyone.

The collaboration between Greenvolt Next and Sanofi is more than just an infrastructure project; it’s a blueprint for the future of industrial energy consumption. As more companies embrace on-site renewables, the path to a cleaner, more sustainable global economy becomes clearer.

To deepen your understanding of the solar industry and its potential, explore our free e-course on solar panel manufacturing.

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Record-Breaking German solar self-consumption: What’s Driving the Trend?

In a significant shift towards energy independence, German households and businesses—often called “prosumers” for both producing and consuming their own energy—are using their self-generated solar power at unprecedented rates. In the first half of 2023 alone, they utilized 9.2 TWh of solar energy, with a staggering 65% of this power being self-consumed. This marks a record high and signals a powerful trend, as highlighted in a recent report by the renowned Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems (Fraunhofer ISE).

This trend is now clearer than ever, thanks to a new comprehensive method developed by Fraunhofer ISE researchers to accurately quantify photovoltaic (PV) self-consumption, revealing the true scale of this energy revolution.

The Impressive Growth of German solar self-consumption

The data shows an exceptional expansion in the volume of self-consumed solar power over the last few years. The numbers tell a compelling story of rapid adoption:

• 2020: 3.55 TWh
• 2022: 5.57 TWh
• 2023: 8.20 TWh
• 2024: 12.28 TWh (projected)

This represents more than a threefold increase in just four years. By 2024, self-consumption is expected to account for 17% of Germany’s total net solar power generation, a testament to its growing importance in the national energy mix. This growth is underpinned by decades of refinement in the solar panel manufacturing process, making panels more efficient and accessible than ever before.

Why Are More Germans Using Their Own Solar Power for German solar self-consumption?

The sharp increase in self-consumption isn’t happening by chance. It’s primarily driven by two key factors: high electricity costs and advancements in technology.

For the average German homeowner or tenant, using self-generated solar power is no longer just an environmental choice—it’s a powerful financial strategy. With elevated grid electricity costs, maximizing the use of locally generated power provides a direct and substantial saving on energy bills. Instead of selling solar power to the grid for a modest feed-in tariff, it is far more economical to use it on-site, offsetting the need to purchase expensive electricity.

Additionally, the increased adoption of home energy storage systems (batteries) has been a game-changer. These systems allow households and businesses to store excess solar energy generated during sunny afternoons for use in the evening or on cloudy days. This capability dramatically boosts self-consumption rates and provides a greater degree of energy independence. The intricate basics of solar panel manufacturing involve creating durable products that can reliably power homes and charge these storage systems for decades.

A Major Shift from Past Practices in German solar self-consumption

This modern trend stands in stark contrast to the early days of Germany’s solar boom. Until 2009, PV system owners made minimal use of the electricity they generated themselves. The prevailing model, encouraged by generous feed-in tariffs, was to feed all generated power directly into the public grid.

The current shift toward self-consumption represents a fundamental change in how German solar installations are valued and utilized. It reflects a maturing market where economic pressures and technological advances—from the quality of solar panel raw materials to the precision of modern solar panel manufacturing machines—have reshaped the solar energy landscape over the past 15 years, empowering consumers to become active participants in their energy future.

As this trend continues, it solidifies solar power’s role as a cornerstone of a decentralized, resilient, and cost-effective energy system in Germany.

Ready to explore how you can become part of this energy revolution and take control of your electricity costs? Our free e-course provides the essential knowledge you need to get started on your solar journey.

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Encavis AG, the Hamburg-based wind and solar park operator, has strengthened its French portfolio by acquiring the 41 MW “Vallée de Joie” wind farm project. The project was purchased from the German developer ENERTRAG SE, highlighting a continued partnership focused on advancing Europe’s energy transition. Located in Mézières-sur-Oise in the Aisne department of northern France, the site is strategically positioned about 100 kilometers south of Lille.

This new facility will feature seven powerful Nordex turbines—six N163 models and one N149 model—each with a capacity of 5.9 MW. The components used in these advanced turbines are a testament to the sophisticated manufacturing process required for modern renewable energy technology.

Project Timeline and Capacity of the Encavis wind farm France

The “Vallée de Joie” wind farm is scheduled to be connected to the grid and become fully operational by the end of 2026. The project’s financial stability is secured by a 20-year fixed feed-in tariff under a power purchase agreement (PPA), ensuring predictable returns.

Once operational, the wind farm is expected to generate approximately 98,000 MWh of green electricity annually. This output is sufficient to power over 32,000 French households and will contribute significantly to decarbonization efforts by preventing nearly 50,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions each year. This project is a key part of the broader push for France renewable energy, which includes ambitious targets for both wind and solar power.

Encavis’ Commitment to Renewable Energy in France

This acquisition is a perfect illustration of Encavis’ accelerated growth strategy, “>> Fast Forward 2027,” which aims to expand its portfolio of wind and solar parks across key European markets. This latest addition increases Encavis’s total wind portfolio in France to a significant 250 MW and brings the company’s total generation capacity to approximately 4.1 GW. This strategy is not limited to France; for instance, Encavis begins construction of a 114MW solar farm in Germany, demonstrating a multi-faceted approach to European renewables.

“With this acquisition, we are expanding our existing wind portfolio by another 41 MW and thus continuing our growth strategy based on our ‘>> Fast Forward 2027’ strategy program,” said Dr. Dierk Paskert, CEO of Encavis AG. “We will continue to focus on the further geographic expansion of our wind and solar parks in our core European markets in order to achieve our goal of 5.8 gigawatts of generation capacity by 2027.”

Encavis’ Growth and Future Plans in the France wind farm sector

As a leading member of Germany’s MDAX index, Encavis AG is a pivotal player in the European independent power producer (IPP) landscape. The company focuses on acquiring and operating solar parks and onshore wind farms, securing long-term, stable returns through fixed feed-in tariffs and PPAs with major corporate buyers. For German homeowners and tenants, investments by German companies like Encavis across Europe help stabilize the continental energy grid and contribute to more predictable energy prices in the long run.

The company’s asset management division also leverages the expertise of Encavis Infrastructure Funds GmbH (EIF) to manage renewable energy assets for institutional investors. This acquisition in France underscores Encavis’s unwavering commitment to its growth targets and its vital role in Europe’s transition to clean energy. Such onshore projects complement larger initiatives like the Normandy offshore wind developments, creating a robust and diverse renewable energy infrastructure for the future.

If you’re interested in learning more about the technologies driving this green revolution, from the basics of manufacturing to the final product, explore our free e-course on the solar industry.

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