What is the future of solar energy in Europe?

Solar PV and wind energy become the cornerstone of the transformed energy system, with solar PV being crucial for achieving self-sufficiency. By 2050, 5.1 TW of solar and 1.3 TW of onshore and offshore wind capacity will be installed across Europe (see Supplementary Fig. 13), taking up 57% and 36% of the electricity generation, respectively.

Is solar power the most competitive source of electricity in Europe?

The cost of solar power decreased by 82% between 2010-2020, making it the most competitive source of electricity in many parts of the EU. In 2024, 46.9% of the electricity generated in the EU came from renewables and 22% of renewable electricity came from solar energy (Eurostat, March 2025). Source: SolarPower Europe

Can distributed solar PV increase self-sufficiency in highly populated regions?

Distributed PV, installed on rooftops or parking lots, can also increase self-sufficiency in highly populated regions 19. Considering the importance of solar PV both for the transition and in order to achieve self-sufficiency, we aim to improve the representation of solar PV in macro-energy systems models.

Should PV modules be oriented to the south?

Why PV modules should preferably no longer be oriented to the south in the near future. Energies 12, 4528 (2019). Jurasz, J. K., Dabek, P. B. & Campana, P. E. Can a city reach energy self-sufficiency by means of rooftop photovoltaics? Case study from Poland. J. Clean. Prod. 245, 118813 (2020).

Should photovoltaic batteries be oriented to the south?

Appl. Sci. 11, 9954 (2021). Lahnaoui, A., Stenzel, P. & Linssen, J. Tilt angle and orientation impact on the techno-economic performance of photovoltaic battery systems. Energy Procedia 105, 4312–4320 (2017). Mubarak, R., Weide Luiz, E. & Seckmeyer, G. Why PV modules should preferably no longer be oriented to the south in the near future.

How much land does solar take up in Europe?

By 2050, 5.1 TW of solar and 1.3 TW of onshore and offshore wind capacity will be installed across Europe (see Supplementary Fig. 13), taking up 57% and 36% of the electricity generation, respectively. This requires approximately 2.3% of available land for solar PV and 3.7% for wind, equivalent to about 4.5% of Europe’s total land area.