European PV Times – June 2025

European PV Times – June 2025

1. EU’s New Policy to Support Local Manufacturing

• Net-Zero Industry Act Approved: The EU has formally adopted the act, requiring that by 2030, at least 40% of annual PV deployment demand be met by domestic manufacturing. The legislation also streamlines permitting for renewable energy projects.

• Anti-Dumping Investigation Rumors: The EU is considering new anti-dumping probes against Chinese PV modules to protect local manufacturers, though no final decision has been made.

2. Germany Accelerates Rooftop PV Deployment

• Increased Subsidies: Germany has raised subsidies for rooftop PV installations, particularly for commercial & industrial systems with storage, targeting 215 GW of solar capacity by 2030.

• Large-Scale Project Progress: Bavaria has launched Europe’s largest floating solar project (60 MW), expected to be grid-connected by 2025.

3. Spain’s PV Tenders Hit Record-Low Prices

• 3.3 GW Renewable Energy Auction: PV projects accounted for over 70%, with winning bids averaging €0.029/kWh, reflecting continued cost declines.

• Green Hydrogen Integration: Andalusia announced a new 500 MW PV park dedicated to green hydrogen production.

4. Rapid Growth in Eastern Europe

• Poland Exceeds 10 GW Installed Capacity: Added 1.2 GW in H1 2025, with residential PV dominating.

• Romania Launches CfD Scheme: Its first Contracts for Difference (CfD) auction includes 300 MW of PV projects, attracting international developers.

5. Tech Collaboration & Innovation

• European Solar Manufacturing Coalition (ESMC) Formed: A 20-company alliance to advance CdTe thin-film technology, reducing reliance on Chinese silicon-based modules.

• Perovskite Pilot Line in Italy: The EU-funded “Perovskite-PV” project aims for 26% efficiency by 2026.

6. Grid Upgrade Challenges

• ENTSO-E Warning: Grid capacity in some countries is nearing saturation, requiring urgent upgrades—e.g., Germany plans €5.4 billion in grid investments for 2025.

7. Ongoing Impact of Russia-Ukraine War

• Ukraine’s PV Recovery: A 200 MW agrivoltaic project, funded by the World Bank, will repurpose war-damaged farmland for energy infrastructure.