But solar power today is so much more — it’s strengthening Europe’s energy system, reshaping EU climate policy, and busting long-standing myths about cost, space, and environmental impact. So, what do you really need to know?
More than just rooftops: five facts about solar power
Solar is on the rise — fast
Back in 2008, solar energy made up just 1% of Europe’s electricity production. Today, that number has jumped to 10% — and in Greece, it’s as high as 23%.
As demand keeps rising, so does installed capacity: nearly 150 gigawatts (GW) were added between 2022 and 2024, with another 70 GW expected by 2025. To put it into perspective, that’s enough to power around 42 million homes.
By 2030, the EU aims to reach 700 GW of solar capacity — four times more than in 2020. Renewables are already outpacing fossil fuels: in 2023, green sources produced 1,200 terawatt-hours (TWh) of electricity, compared to 788 TWh from fossil fuels. In 2024, renewables hit a record 47% share of total power generation — thanks largely to wind and solar, with solar growing 15% in just one year.
Safety first: solar panels are not a fire risk
Worried about fire hazards? Don’t be. Real-world data from countries like Germany and the Netherlands show that fires caused by solar panels are extremely rare — just 0.006% to 0.014% of all incidents. In fact, solar panels are far safer than many everyday home appliances.
All solar panels sold in the EU — no matter where they’re made — must meet strict technical standards. On top of that, installer certification and proper grid connection procedures are mandatory. Each EU country implements these rules through the Renewable Energy Directive, ensuring high safety and quality standards across the Union.
You don’t need a field — a balcony will do
Solar panels don’t require massive spaces. A roof, balcony, or even a building façade is often enough. Plug-in solar panels — which connect directly to your home’s electric system — are becoming popular among apartment dwellers.
Can’t install your own panels? No problem. Energy communities are popping up across Europe — local groups of residents, businesses, and municipalities pooling resources to invest in shared solar installations. Even if the panels aren’t on your building, you can still use the clean energy they produce. This is a key way to make solar energy more accessible and democratic.
Larger solar farms are also getting more efficient. For example, the Cestas solar park in France produces 300 MW on 265 hectares — enough to power over 70,000 homes. Innovative models like agrisolar (combining farming with solar) and floating panels on reservoirs are expanding fast, using land more efficiently and reducing conflicts with agriculture.
Nature and solar: partners, not enemies
Contrary to popular belief, solar panels aren’t a threat to nature — climate change is. A 1.5°C rise in temperature could wipe out over half the habitat of 6% of insect species, 8% of plants, and 4% of vertebrates.
That’s why the EU’s Joint Research Centre emphasizes that the growth of renewables — including solar — must be planned sustainably. When designed well, solar farms can even help restore degraded land and create new habitats. Abandoned industrial sites and water reservoirs are increasingly being used for installations.
But here’s the key point: the vast majority of panels are installed on rooftops — areas that don’t affect nature at all. And rooftop solar alone could supply up to 25% of the EU’s electricity demand.
Solar = cheaper energy and a stronger EU
Although the energy crisis drove up prices, especially after 2021, solar power is now one of the cheapest and safest energy options. Renewables make up nearly half of Europe’s electricity today — up from just 30% in 2015.
According to the International Energy Agency, solar is currently one of the most cost-effective ways to produce electricity. It’s now more than 50% cheaper than coal — a big reason why it’s becoming the backbone of Europe’s modern energy system: low-emission, reliable, and affordable.
Expanding solar energy also reduces Europe’s dependence on imported fossil fuels. Less gas from Russia means lower energy bills — and greater energy security and sovereignty for the EU.
Built to withstand crises
One of solar’s biggest advantages? It’s decentralized. In 2024, 58% of new solar installations were rooftop systems — in homes, businesses, and industries. That means energy is produced right where it’s used, cutting losses and making the grid more resilient.
With battery storage, solar becomes even more powerful. A great example: when the power grid failed in April 2025, the University of Almeria in Spain kept the lights on using energy stored from its solar panels. The blackout lasted just 10 seconds.
Grid operators now have advanced tools to balance supply and demand. Thanks to its flexibility, decentralization, and integration with other sources — like biomass, nuclear, or geothermal — solar helps keep the system stable, even when weather conditions change.
Solar installations can also provide “grid services” — essential functions that keep the electricity system running smoothly. That makes them a key pillar of Europe’s energy future.
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