Solar industry reports record: more than 41 GW of new capacity connected to the grid in the EU last year

2022 was another record year for the European solar industry. According to preliminary data from the Solar Power Europe association, 41.4 GW of new photovoltaic capacity was connected to the grid, 47% more than the previous record set in 2021. The association also expects rapid growth in solar power plants in the coming years. However, it highlights areas Europe will need to focus on to meet these expectations.

The Solar Power Europe association said in its outlook for solar energy development in the EU through 2026 that the pace of growth seen last year would have been unimaginable until recently. However, the situation in energy markets caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine provided a significant boost to solar power development.

Looking at individual EU member states, Germany added the most solar power capacity last year, at 7.9 GW. Spain came second with 7.5 GW, followed by Poland with just under 5 GW.