For anyone interested in the future of the solar industry around the globe, Europe is a key region to be watched closely, as it is the leader in solar energy, containing nine of the largest fifteen solar markets in the world. Despite the prolonged economic downturn affecting solar industry, the debt crisis and a slow decline of government support for solar programs in a number of countries such as Germany, France, Spain, Greece and UK, overall Europe is demonstrating an unwavering commitment to solar energy and many countries have already surpassed their targets for renewable electricity for 2020.
In 2011, new European PV installations accounted for 26.7 % of capacity additions, which is roughly equal to 20.9 GW (over 75% of the global total (27.7 GW)). Moreover, according to Bloomberg New Energy Finance report, 2011 was also a strong year for investment into solar energy, with an sizable increase to $136.6 billion, which is a 5 percent increase over 2010 levels and an impressive five fold increase over 2004 totals.
The current trends in the solar industry of a number of leading European countries is profiled in detail.
Levchik (Leo) is a renewable energy activist from Boston, MA, and has been involved with alternative energy and green construction since 2004.
In 2009, Leo and his green roofing company (CoolFlatRoof.com) sponsored Boston’s Solar Decathlon Team, providing materials and installation labor to install a cool white roof on the top of Curio home (Joint effort by Tufts University and Boston Architecture College) – more info about the project here.
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