How does solar energy work in Europe?

Solar power consists of photovoltaics (PV) and solar thermal energy in the European Union (EU). In 2010, the €2.6 billion European solar heating sectors consisted of small and medium-sized businesses, generated 17.3 terawatt-hours (TWh) of energy, employed 33,500 workers, and created one new job for every 80 kW of added capacity.

Is solar energy the fastest growing energy source in the EU?

Solar energy, the fastest-growing energy source in the EU, saw an 82% cost reduction between 2010 and 2020. Solar capacity expanded from 164.19 GW in 2021 to an estimated 259.99 GW by 2023.

Why is solar energy important in the EU?

Reducing the EU’s dependence on fossil fuels, solar energy plays a key role in both the clean energy transition and the REPowerEU plan. Solar energy technologies convert sunlight into energy, either as electricity (photovoltaics and concentrated solar power) or in the form of solar heat. Solar is the fastest growing energy source in the EU.

How many solar panels are there in the EU in 2021?

According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), in 2021 the estimated installed solar PV capacity in the EU was over 158 GW, compared with over 306 GW in China and almost 94 GW in the US. China is currently the world's leader in solar energy production.

What is the biggest photovoltaic plant in Germany?

The current rate at which the Solar Park is being developed is estimated to be the biggest photovoltaic plant in Germany. The owners, EnBW, obtained ownership of this solar plant through EnBW Solarpark Weesow-Willmersdorf after buying the project from Procon Solar in 2018.

How much solar energy will Europe have in 2020?

According to the National Renewable Energy Action Plans the total solar thermal capacity in the EU will be 102 GW in 2020 (while 14 GW in 2006). In June 2009, the European Parliament and Council adopted the Directive on the promotion of the use of energy from Renewable Energy Sources (RES).