European Solar Market
Grows 15% in 2015
In 2015, European countries connected around 8 GW of solar power systems to electrical networks, according to first estimates by SolarPower Europe, the association of the solar power sector in Europe.
Demand for solar power systems in European countries increased by around 15% year-on-year, compared to 6.95 GW of new grid-connected solar power capacity in 2014.
Image: SolarPower Europe
"It is good to see the European solar power sector again on the growth path in 2015," says James Watson, CEO of SolarPower Europe. Peaking in 2011, demand for solar power installations in Europe declined for 3 consecutive years. Europe's solar growth in 2015, however, is primarily based on the strong UK market, demand for solar systems in most other countries stayed flat or declined. Watson added, "Solar needs clear signals from policy makers in Europe to be able to contribute to achieving the climate goals agreed in Paris. With solar being competitive for residential and commercial applications in most European countries today, investors need a secure political framework for generation, self-consumption and storage of solar energy."
Annual global grid-connected solar rose by over 25% to more than 50 GW in 2015, from 40.1 GW in 2014.
Source: SolarPower Europe