Solar PV cumulative capacity in the European Union (EU-27) 2023, by country

Germany leads the European Union in solar photovoltaic capacity, boasting an impressive 82.2 gigawatts in 2023. This figure was around 30 percent of the total solar PV energy capacity in the EU, which amounted to nearly 260 gigawatts that year.

Solar PV energy growth by EU country

The solar industry in the EU is experiencing remarkable expansion, with Germany expected to reach over 170 gigawatts of solar PV capacity by 2028. In 2023, Germany also led in capacity additions, installing 14.6 gigawatts in 2023, contributing substantially to the EU-27's total additions of 53.1 gigawatts that year. Spain and Italy follow closely behind in terms of overall solar PV capacity and capacity additions.

Solar PV and renewable energy in the EU

This growth is part of a broader trend across the EU, where PV energy installations are projected to reach some 300 gigawatts between 2025 and 2028. Such rapid development aligns with the bloc's ambitious renewable energy goals of reaching 42.5 percent of energy from renewable sources by 2030.