5 things to know about solar energy

Solar energy is one of the world’s most abundant and easily accessible sources of renewable power. But how well do you know it?

Several distinct technologies harness the sun’s power in different ways. Photovoltaic (PV) panels convert sunlight into electricity. Solar thermal panels use the sun’s energy to produce heat. Concentrated solar power uses mirrors to concentrate sunlight and produce heat and steam to generate electricity.

In 2008, solar photovoltaic accounted for just 1% of Europe’s electricity. Today it represents 10% in the EU and even 23% in Greece, 19% in Spain or 16% in Germany, making it one the EU’s fastest-growing energy sources. Nearly 150GW of new capacity, which could power around 42 million households,[1] was added between 2022 and 2024 and a further 70 GW is expected in 2025. This rapid expansion reflects the strong momentum for rolling out renewable energy in the EU. With the EU’s commitment to reaching climate neutrality by 2050, solar energy is expected to deliver a major share of the Union’s renewable power. We have set ambitious targets. By 2030, the EU aims to reach at least 700 GW of new solar generation capacity, four times more than in 2020. This shift is already well underway: in 2023 renewables overtook fossil fuels in electricity generation (1,200 TWh vs 788 TWh) and by 2024,  it reached a record 47% of overall electricity generation. Driving this surge are wind and solar — with solar alone jumping by 15% in just one year.

Despite its rapid growth and clear climate benefits, solar energy, and especially photovoltaics, are still surrounded by a few persistent myths and misunderstandings.

Let’s shed some light on the facts. Here are 5 key things you should know about solar.

1. Photovoltaic systems are safe

Solar panels are a great addition to your home as they generate renewable electricity – even on cloudy days. And when it comes to safety, they’re among the most reliable technologies available. While any electrical device carries a potential fire risk, incidents involving solar installations are exceedingly rare. SolarPower Europe’s data from Germany (between 1993 and 2013) and the Netherlands (between 2015 and 2018) shows that fires caused by solar panels occur in just 0.006% to 0.014% of cases, a rate significantly lower than that of many common household appliances. When issues do arise, they are typically linked to poor installation or faulty components, not the solar technology itself.

2. Solar panels take up very little space

Solar energy comes in many shapes and sizes. Solar photovoltaic and solar thermal panels can be installed in compact spaces such as rooftops and balconies, and even integrated into buildings as solar roof tiles or facades. In some EU countries, homeowners and tenants can install plug-in solar panels on balcony railings, walls or terraces. These systems connect directly to the household grid, providing clean electricity for self-consumption, and helping to cut energy bills.

3. Solar plants and wildlife co-exist on friendly terms

Like all human activity, using solar technologies has an environmental impact. But it’s climate change that poses the single greatest threat to biodiversity, affecting countless species and ecosystems across Europe and the globe. With an average temperature increase of 1.5°C, 6% of insect species, 8% of plant species and 4% of vertebrates would lose more than half of their habitat. Currently we are heading/tracking towards an increase of 2°C and more. Without urgent action, far more species will be pushed to the brink.

Renewables like solar energy are crucial for cutting greenhouse gas emissions by replacing electricity generated from fossil fuels. In doing so, they play a key role in tackling global warming and its growing threat to wildlife.

4. Solar energy is affordable

In 2024, renewables produced nearly half of all electricity in Europe, up from 38% in 2021 and 30% in 2015. This steady rise is driven by the EU’s target of reaching at least 42.5% of renewables in the overall energy mix by 2030. Yet, despite this growth, households and businesses have faced higher energy bills due to the energy crisis. Price spikes have been particularly noticeable since the end of 2021 due to Russia’s weaponisation of its energy exports and the EU’s reliance on imported fossil fuels.  As of 2024, fossil fuels still account for around 28% of the EU’s electricity generation. 

5. Solar energy can strengthen our energy system’s resilience

A resilient energy system is essential for ensuring Europe’s energy security, economic competitiveness and public safety. Solar energy has a key role to play. 

One of the major advantages of solar generation is its often decentralized nature: much of it is produced close to where it is used, helping to reduce losses and improve the energy system’s resilience. While large utility-scale solar plants contribute significantly, rooftop photovoltaic on homes, businesses and industrial sites made up 58% of the EU’s solar photovoltaic installations in 2024, compared to 42% utility-scale solar. 

When combined with energy storage, the contribution of solar energy to the resilience of the energy system becomes even more powerful. Batteries allow solar systems to supply electricity even at night or during grid disruptions. During the April 2025 blackout in the Iberian Peninsula, for example, the University of Almería remained open thanks to on-site solar and battery storage. The impact of the blackout lasted 10 seconds, which is the time it took to activate the emergency power supply.

Conclusion 

Solar energy has come a long way since 1839, when French physicist Edmond Becquerel first discovered that sunlight could generate electricity.  Today it’s far more than just a clean and abundant energy source, it’s a driver of economic innovation, jobs and sustainable industry in Europe. 

The solar workforce is growing fast: the EU photovoltaic sector employed 826,000 people by the end of 2023, a 27% increase from 2022. If this trend continues, Europe could see more than 1 million solar workers by 2027, according to SolarPower Europe.

Beyond jobs and innovation, solar energy also strengthens Europe’s energy independence. By generating clean electricity at home, we reduce our reliance on imported fossil fuels, improve energy security and help households and businesses cut their energy bills.