EU-based companies manufacturing solar thermal collectors have deplored the limited market growth since 2023, stressing that the Fit for 55 implementation as well as the EU’s upcoming Heating & Cooling Strategy must offer clear opportunities for further uptake of this long-standing and promising renewable heat source.
In 2024, 1.2 million m² of solar thermal panels were installed in Europe. The continent currently benefits from 43.6 GWh of clean energy captured from the sun, an increase of 0.4 percent compared to 2023. However, these figures remain far below the ambitions set out in the REPowerEU initiative, launched in 2022 by the European Commission to diversify energy supplies and secure affordable, clean energy across the continent.
“With the implementation of RED, EED and EPBD, we urgently call on EU and local authorities to accelerate the promotion of solar heat in all market segments, from buildings to district heating networks and industry” said Guglielmo Cioni, President of Solar Heat Europe. “Contributing to energy security, renewable, decentralised, off grid, ready-to-deploy, EU-made, affordable solar heat ticks all the boxes and must be further used.”
Releasing its 2024 market data, the sector deplores – like other renewable heat technologies – instability of policy signals in various key markets such as Germany or France, stop/go market effects and urgently calls for much greater support by public authorities to adopt measures and incentives to promote solar heat, as a reliable and EU-made technology.
Despite this backdrop, there was a growing installed capacity for all Solar Thermal market segments and significant new large-scale projects commissioned (e.g. district heating in Germany, The Netherlands, Austria), including a growing share of innovative solar thermal technologies (e.g. solar PVT).
“Our sector counts on the upcoming EU Heating and Cooling Strategy, expected in Q1 2026, to mark a turning point for the solar thermal sector” added Valérie Séjourné, Managing Director of Solar Heat Europe. “This Strategy is the chance for EU leaders to give a clear political signal on the key role that solar heat can play for the energy transition. In line with NZIA’s goals, let’s not miss the opportunity to embrace and promote actively this “solar-made-in-Europe resource” which will offer predictable and affordable energy for citizens and industry.”
Key report highlights:
43.6GWth of cumulative installed capacity in operation in Europe
+ 1.2 million m² newly installed in 2024
+ 0.4 percent in the total installed capacity in Europe
An overview of solar heat market segments and related EU policy landscape for residential and tertiary buildings, district heating, industrial applications and agriculture and farming.
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