EU Solar Grows 36% in 2018: Germany Leads, the Netherlands Emerges

The association's executive adviser described the result as Europe embracing solar again: solar is the most popular energy source among EU citizens, versatile and one of the cheapest ways to generate power, and with costs continuing to fall the long-term upward trend has only just begun. Its policy director pointed to the EU's 2020 targets as a major driver, with many member states choosing low-cost solar to meet their obligations. Removing trade measures on solar panels and adopting the Clean Energy Package have established a positive regulatory framework; the task now lies with member states in executing sound national climate and energy plans.

Germany remained Europe's largest solar market, adding 2.96 GW — 68% more than the 1.76 GW installed in 2017. Turkey followed with 1.64 GW, a 37% decline caused by the country's financial crisis. The Netherlands emerged as the rising star of European solar, ranking third with approximately 1.4 GW added, up from 0.77 GW in 2017 and entering the gigawatt club for the first time.

Analysts noted that despite the impressive 36% growth, a surge of demand from China late in the year created a shortage of high-quality modules in Europe and forced some developers to postpone projects into 2019 — but that 2019 was set to be a strong year for European solar.