Greece is making significant strides in expanding its photovoltaic (PV) capacity, with a rapid influx of rooftop, agricultural, and large-scale solar installations. However, this faster-than-expected growth is met with considerable headwinds, as the slow pace of licensing, challenges with subsidy programs, and grid congestion threaten to hinder the progress of distributed rooftop PV systems.
Despite these challenges, Greece added an impressive 1.36 GW of PV capacity in 2022, bringing its cumulative total to 5.5 GW, with rooftop PV installations accounting for 1 GW of that figure. To maintain this momentum, the government has introduced a subsidy scheme to support household and agricultural installations, aiming to bolster the sector through 2025.
PV Projects Under Licensing Process for Greece PV Expansion
Greece is advancing its renewable energy goals with 3.7 GW of PV projects currently in the licensing stage. However, progress is being hampered by persistent delays and regulatory ambiguity. According to the Hellenic Association of Photovoltaic Companies (Helapco), the most significant barriers to rapid deployment are slow licensing, subsidy gaps, and grid congestion.
A key issue deterring investors is the lack of clarity in fast-track licensing for advanced-stage PV projects that are paired with battery storage. This ambiguity has stalled applications and slowed the integration of crucial energy storage solutions. As PV penetration accelerates, grid management is becoming a central concern. In response, the Regulatory Authority for Energy (RAAEY) is preparing to approve RES curtailment tests, a measure to manage the electricity supply when generation exceeds demand, highlighting the strain on the existing infrastructure.
Despite these hurdles, rooftop PV has shown progress. By the end of 2022, Greece had approximately 1 GW of rooftop solar capacity from over 70,000 systems. However, the growth rate needs to accelerate to meet the country’s ambitious renewable energy targets. Understanding the Basics of Manufacturing for these systems is key to appreciating the scale of this challenge.
Government Initiatives to Boost Distributed PV for Greece PV Expansion
To address these issues, the Greek government has introduced a subsidy scheme aimed at supporting the deployment of distributed PV systems. The program, expected to run until 2025, is open to households and agricultural producers, providing subsidies for PV systems with capacities from 1 kW to 10.8 kW. Crucially, it includes additional incentives for systems that incorporate battery storage. This focus aligns with a broader regional trend, with PV-plus-storage projects gaining traction across the Balkans in countries like Bulgaria and Romania.
This initiative is complemented by overwhelming public demand for wider energy-efficiency subsidy programs, such as Exoikonomo 2025 for home upgrades, which indirectly supports PV adoption by improving the nation’s overall energy infrastructure. The entire Manufacturing Process for solar technology, from the sourcing of Raw Materials to final assembly, is central to meeting this growing demand.
In the first quarter of 2024, Greece added another 135 MW of new PV capacity, highlighting ongoing momentum. However, Helapco emphasizes that more must be done to accelerate deployment and overcome existing barriers.
Future Prospects for PV in Greece for Greece PV Expansion
Looking ahead, Greece’s PV sector shows promising potential, with 3.7 GW of projects currently in the licensing pipeline. Helapco’s report suggests that if these projects are completed, Greece could add another 1.5 GW of new PV capacity by the end of 2024, bringing the total to 7 GW. This rapid expansion places Greece’s progress in the spotlight, and its performance can be contextualized within the broader industry trends detailed in the Global Solar Report.
By 2025, Helapco estimates that the country’s total PV capacity could reach 9 GW. Achieving this will require significant investment not only in panels but also in the Manufacturing Machines and facilities that support the supply chain, a factor detailed in the overall Plant Cost Breakdown.
Despite the challenges, Greece remains committed to expanding its PV capacity. The government’s efforts to streamline licensing, provide financial incentives, and address grid congestion will be crucial. However, Helapco warns that failure to resolve these barriers could hinder the country’s progress.
In summary, Greece is making significant progress in its solar energy transition, but its success hinges on resolving critical bottlenecks. The country’s initiatives to promote distributed PV are a vital step, but overcoming these obstacles will be essential to ensuring a sustainable and clean energy future.
To dive deeper into the world of solar energy production, from start to finish, enroll in our Free E-Course.
