Solar energy achieved a historic milestone in 2024 as it surpasses coal in electricity production across the European Union for the first time. Renewables accounted for nearly half of the EU's energy mix, thus signalling a significant step in the region’s clean energy transition.
Solar Energy Leads EU Growth
The energy think tank Ember — in its 2025 European electricity review — reported that solar energy became the EU's fastest-growing power source in 2024. Solar energy accounted for 11% of the bloc’s electricity generation, an increase of 9.3% in 2023. Meanwhile, coal’s share dropped below 10% for the first time since Ember began tracking the figures in 2011.
Wind power held its position as the EU’s second-largest power source, above gas but below nuclear energy. Together, solar and wind helped boost renewable energy’s share to 47% of the EU’s electricity mix in 2024.
The EU’s solar energy sector set new records in 2024. Solar generation increased by 54 TWh, a 22% jump compared to 2023. This growth follows an already impressive rise of 40 TWh in 2023. The EU added 66 GW of solar capacity in 2024, equivalent to over 450,000 panels installed daily.
The region’s total installed solar capacity reached 338 GW by the end of the year. At this pace, the EU is on track to meet its interim REPowerEU solar target of 400 GW by 2025. If sustained, the current growth rate could achieve the 2030 target of 750 GW.
Solar Energy Across EU Countries
Solar energy growth was seen in all EU nations in 2024. Sixteen countries generated more than 10% of their electricity from solar power, three more than in 2023. Innovative approaches, such as balcony-mounted solar panels in Germany and agri-photovoltaics (agri-PV), are also expanding solar's applications.
Countries like the Netherlands and Hungary demonstrated the potential of solar energy during peak production hours. In 2024, solar generation met 80% or more of total electricity demand during at least one hour in 12 EU countries. Hungary experienced a notable rise, with solar meeting 80% of demand on more than 70 days, up from just 10 days in 2023.
Plentiful solar energy had a significant impact on electricity prices in 2024. During the central hours of the day, abundant solar power lowered power prices across the EU. In some cases, hourly power prices dropped to zero or even turned negative. Zero or negative price hours occurred during 4% of the year, up from 2% in 2023.
However, this dynamic also widened intraday price spreads due to the high cost of ramping up fossil power in the evening. During the third quarter of 2024, 18 EU countries saw intraday price differences increase by at least 10% compared to the same period in 2023. In five countries — including Hungary and Greece — these spreads doubled, exceeding €200/MWh.
Challenges and Solutions for Sustaining Growth
While solar energy's growth has outpaced national targets, sustaining this momentum requires policy support and infrastructure upgrades. Batteries and smart electrification are critical to making solar energy more flexible and cost-effective. Batteries can store excess solar power generated during the day and release it during evening demand peaks, thus reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
Expanded grids and advanced clean flexibility solutions will also play a key role. These measures can ensure that solar energy continues to grow and lower electricity costs for consumers.
Solar energy’s rise to the top of the EU’s power mix marks a pivotal moment in the region’s energy transition. With record-breaking growth in 2024, solar energy is proving to be a reliable and scalable solution for reducing carbon emissions.
By continuing to invest in clean energy technologies and policy support, the EU is well-positioned to meet its ambitious 2030 renewable energy targets. Solar energy is not just a source of power; it is a driving force behind Europe’s sustainable future.