The Belgian solar photovoltaic (PV) sector is a notable component of the country’s power generation landscape, with an installed capacity of approximately 6,898 megawatts (MW) as of 2022. Belgium’s installed solar power capacity reaches approximately 8.30 GW at the end of 2023. ⁵

The Belgium Solar Energy Market is projected to expand from 8.30 gigawatts (GW) in 2023 to 10.64 GW by 2028, achieving a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.10% over the forecast period (2023-2028). This growth reflects the country’s ongoing investment in renewable energy infrastructure, regulatory support, and technological advancements in the solar sector. ⁵

Limited data available related to generation of electricity by source with respect to tariff. The following are the average cost of electricity generation (estimated) from different sources: ^{6 7 8}

• Coal: $0.07 – $0.13/kWh
• Natural Gas (Combined Cycle): $0.05 – $0.10/kWh
• Solar Photovoltaic (Utility-Scale): $0.03 – $0.07/kWh
• Wind (Onshore): $0.04 – $0.07/kWh
• Hydropower: $0.04 – $0.08/kWh
• Nuclear: $0.07 – $0.13/kWh
• Geothermal: $0.05 – $0.11/kWh

Following are the electricity generation percentages from different sources: ⁹

• Nuclear: 46.1%
• Natural as: 23.4%
• Wind: 12.6%
• Solar: 7.4%
• Coal: 2.4%

The daily availability of electricity in Belgium is approximately 24 hours, with a reliability of 99.99%. ⁴

In 2017, the solar PV market in Belgium was predominantly characterized by small systems, with nearly 63% of the installed capacity being under 10 kW, primarily residential rooftop installations. Larger systems, exceeding 250 kW, constituted about 20% of the total installed capacity, while systems between 10 and 100 kW made up 17.71%. ¹⁰

In 2015, Belgium’s residential solar PV sector showed significant potential with Flanders having 1,301 MW and Wallonia 666 MW of capacity, a technical potential of 7,327 MW and 3,753 MW respectively, an average system size of 3.87 kW by 2030.

There are 11 high-capacity solar farms are also installed in Belgium. As of recent reports, Belgium has several under-construction solar projects, including significant developments such as a 40 MW photovoltaic (PV) facility at Ostend-Bruges Airport and a 60 MW solar farm in Jemeppe, which involves 66,200 solar modules. ¹¹

The daily availability of electricity in Belgium is approximately 24 hours, with a reliability of 99.99%. Belgium’s high electrification rate means traditional off-grid solar opportunities are limited; however, niche applications still exist, such as providing power in remote or isolated areas, serving as backup power during grid outages, supporting mobile or temporary installations, and offering solutions for those seeking energy independence and sustainability. ⁴

• Current: Belgium’s PV market had a successful year, with 1.7 GW of newly installed capacity, representing a 72% increase over the 2022 additions of 985 MW. This record annual installation capacity moved Belgium up three ranks to 8th place in the 2023 rankings. It marks the third time Belgium has surpassed the 1 GW milestone, following similar achievements in 2011 and 2020, although with a smaller margin. ⁵
• Projected: The Belgium Solar Energy Market is expected to grow from 8.30 gigawatts in 2023 to 10.64 gigawatts by 2028, registering a CAGR of 5.10% during the forecast period (2023-2028).

The average monthly salaries for solar energy professionals include: ^{12 13}

• Solar Engineer: Approximately $3000-$5,000
• Solar Design Engineer: Approximately $3000-$6,400
• Solar Sales Engineer: Approximately $2000-$6000
• Solar Installer: Approximately $1000-$4,200
• Solar Technician: Approximately $1200-$3500
• Solar Manager: Approximately $5000-$9,000

These salaries reflect the average earnings for these roles and can vary based on experience, company, and specific job responsibilities​

The population of Belgium is more than 11.72 million. ¹⁴

The average overhead costs for solar panel production in Colombia involve several components:

Raw Material Costs: Raw materials, such as silicon, aluminum, and copper, are major expenses. These costs fluctuate based on global supply and demand, geopolitical events, and economic conditions.

• Labor Costs: Labor costs in Belgium for the solar industry can be significant. The average labor cost for skilled technicians and factory workers is relatively lower than in developed countries but varies widely depending on the skill level and region.
• Minimum Wage: Belgium has a national minimum wage that varies depending on the sector ¹⁵.
• Public Sector: Around $2200 USD per month
• Private Sector (non-agricultural): $2000 per month
• Average Salary: The average salary in the solar market in Belgium can vary widely based on job role, experience, and region. Generally, salaries for professionals in the solar sector, such as engineers, project managers, and technicians, range around $2000 to $10,00 USD.
• Utilities and Energy Costs: Colombia’s energy costs for industrial use are relatively high. ^{3 16}
  • Electricity Prices : Electricity prices for commercial and industrial sectors range between $0.04 to $0.066 per kWh.
  • Water Charges: Water consumption is metered. The average monthly tariff is US$3.8 per tap. There is no social stratification, but special tariffs are applied to those users who consume more than 28m3.
• Facility Maintenance: Costs related to maintaining manufacturing facilities, including rent, equipment maintenance, and repairs, typically range from $2,000 to $8,000 per month. Since 2013, the prime headline rent for office real estate in Brussels, Belgium, has increased from 265 USD per square meter per year to an average of 350 USD per square meter per year by 2023. This significant rise reflects the growing demand and value of office space in the city’s prime locations. ¹⁷
• Administrative Expenses ^{12 13}: These include salaries for administrative staff, office supplies, and other general expenses, adding a significant portion to the overhead. The average monthly salaries for solar energy professionals include:
  • Solar Design Engineer: Approximately $3000-$6,400
  • Solar Sales Engineer: Approximately $2000-$6000
  • Solar Technician: Approximately $1200-$3500
  • Solar Manager: Approximately $5000-$9,000
• Quality Control: Ensuring the solar panels meet performance and safety standards involves expenses for testing and inspections.

Belgium’s energy infrastructure is characterized by a diverse mix of energy sources and a commitment to achieving European Union (EU) energy and climate targets. The country has a federal structure, with responsibilities divided between the federal and regional governments. The federal government oversees large-scale energy infrastructure, including nuclear power and offshore wind, while regional governments manage renewable energy, energy efficiency, and local energy distribution. ⁶

Belgium’s National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP) outlines ambitious targets for 2030, including a 35% reduction in non-EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) greenhouse gas emissions compared to 2005 levels, a 17.5% share of renewable energy in gross final energy consumption, and significant increases in renewable electricity generation. The country has been expanding its offshore wind capacity, with a planned increase from the current 2.26 gigawatts (GW) to up to 3.5 GW by developing new offshore wind zones. Additionally, Belgium is investing in infrastructure to support the integration of renewable energy, such as the Triton Link between Denmark and Belgium and the Princess Elisabeth energy island. These projects are part of a broader effort to ensure a reliable, sustainable, and affordable energy system as Belgium transitions towards carbon neutrality by 2050​ ¹⁸

Here’s a summary of each regulation in a single paragraph: ^{19 20}

• Renewable Energy Directive (RED II): Belgium adheres to the EU’s RED II, which mandates a 32% renewable energy share in total consumption by 2030, influencing national policies and renewable energy targets.
• Flemish Region Regulations: In the Flemish Region, solar energy is incentivized through green certificates, net metering, and investment grants, with specific planning and permit requirements for installations, and energy efficiency standards for new and renovated buildings.
• Walloon Region Regulations: Wallonia offers green certificates and investment grants for solar PV systems, along with net metering and energy efficiency requirements that mandate solar energy integration in building projects.
• Brussels-Capital Region Regulations: The Brussels-Capital Region provides green certificates and net metering benefits, along with investment grants for solar installations and mandates renewable energy solutions in building renovations.
• Federal Regulations: On the federal level, Belgium provides tax incentives for solar investments, regulates grid connection standards, and sets national strategies aligning with EU directives for renewable energy adoption.
• Other Considerations: Larger solar projects may require environmental impact assessments, and all installations must comply with maintenance, safety, and operational standards.

These regulations collectively support the growth and integration of solar energy in Belgium, ensuring that the sector is well-regulated, incentivized, and aligned with broader energy and environmental goals.

Belgium has been actively involved in promoting solar energy and supporting the production and installation of Belgium solar panels through various government initiatives.Here are some key aspects of Belgium’s efforts in this area: ^{21 22 23}

Government Initiatives and Policies

Incentive Programs:

• Green Certificates: Belgium offers green certificates for the production of renewable energy. These certificates can be sold to electricity suppliers who need to meet renewable energy quotas. The system encourages both the production and consumption of solar energy.
• Investment Grants: Financial support or subsidies may be available for individuals and businesses investing in solar panel installations. These grants help offset the initial costs of solar technology.

Tax Benefits:

• Tax Reductions: Tax incentives are available for individuals and companies investing in solar panels. These can include deductions on personal income tax or corporate tax benefits for renewable energy investments.
• VAT Reductions: Reduced VAT rates for solar panel installations can make the technology more affordable for consumers and businesses.

Regulatory Support:

• Net Metering: Belgium has implemented net metering policies that allow solar panel owners to feed excess electricity back into the grid and receive compensation. This helps to increase the economic viability of solar energy systems.
• Renewable Energy Obligations: Belgian utilities are required to source a certain percentage of their energy from renewable sources. This creates a demand for solar energy and supports its development.

Regional Initiatives:

• Flemish Region: The Flemish government has specific programs and incentives to promote solar energy, including support for residential and commercial solar panel installations.
• Walloon Region: Similar to Flanders, Wallonia has its own set of incentives and subsidies aimed at encouraging the adoption of solar energy.
• Brussels-Capital Region: The Brussels region also has policies and programs in place to support solar panel production and installation.

These initiatives are part of Belgium’s broader strategy to transition to renewable energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. They reflect a commitment to supporting the solar industry and making solar technology more accessible to both individuals and businesses.

The success of solar energy in Belgium can largely be attributed to the collective awareness of the global renewable energy initiative among authorities. The country’s rapid development of its solar industry has attracted international investors to its PV markets. Here’s a summary of notable solar projects in Belgium: ¹¹

• Kristal Solar Park: A 100 MW solar park located in Limburg.
• Moha Solar Park, Wallonia: Wallonia’s first large ground-mounted solar farm, inaugurated in May 2018. Spanning 5 hectares, it houses over 18,000 solar panels, producing over 6,500 MWh annually.
• Pairi Daiza Solar Carport: This project is expected to generate 20,000 MWh per year, significantly exceeding the zoo’s existing electricity consumption, with a total output of 20 MWp.
• Floating Solar Farm of Sibelco in Flanders: Comprising 17,250 solar panels, this facility can produce 7 GWh annually.
• Solar Tunnel in Antwerp: A 3.6 MW solar installation located in Antwerp.
• Belgium’s Largest Solar Roof: Located at an industrial site, ArcelorMittal in Ghent, featuring a 7.5 million euro solar roof installed by Eneco. The installation includes 27,104 solar panels with a total weight of 157.2 tons of steel.
• Höganäs’ Solar Panel Plant in Ath: A 2.8 MW installation with an east-west orientation, designed to optimize sunlight capture. It consists of 13,188 panels and is expected to produce 5,494 MWh, with 4,780 MWh being self-consumed, meeting 20% of the site’s energy needs. This project reduces carbon dioxide emissions by 1,000 tonnes per year.
• GILBERT DE CLERCQ Logistics Complex in Puurs: A 1.9 MW solar project located in Puurs.

Here are the notable solar companies in Belgium, formatted as requested: ²⁴

• ENGIE Electrabel: Its headquarters is in Brussels, Brussels Capital, and it provides sustainable energy solutions, including solar panels and home automation, helping customers reduce their carbon footprint.
• Eneco Belgium: Its headquarters is in Mechelen, Antwerpen, and it focuses on the production and supply of renewable energy, aiming to provide 100% sustainable energy through wind turbines and solar panels.
• EnergyVision: Its headquarters is in Ghent, Flemish Region, and it offers integrated energy-saving solutions, including solar panel installations, ensuring guaranteed savings for customers.
• Go-Solar: Its headquarters is in Waasmunster, Oost-Vlaanderen, and it specializes in solar panel solutions for residential and commercial clients, emphasizing high-quality products and services.
• Enersol: Its headquarters is in Battice, Liège, and it offers customized photovoltaic and green energy solutions, using the latest technologies to assist in energy transitions.
• Balti Solar: Its headquarters is in Marke, Flemish Region, and it installs high-quality solar panels and home battery systems, providing expert services with over 20 years of experience.
• Brusol: Its headquarters is in Jette, Brussel, and it provides solar energy solutions, including installation and maintenance, for residential and commercial customers.
• Linea Trovata: Its headquarters is in Lokeren, Oost-Vlaanderen, and it specializes in efficient and reliable solar panel installation and maintenance, focusing on customer satisfaction.