In yet another record year for solar, SolarPower Europe estimates that European PV capacity will grow by 47% in 2022, from 28.1 GW in 2021 to 41.4 GW this year. Germany installed the most with 7.9 GW, by Spain with 7.5 GW and Poland with 4.9 GW. For the first time, the top 10 solar markets in Europe all added at least 1 GW.

According to the SPE, total solar capacity in the EU has grown by 25%, from 167.5 GW in 2021 to 208.9 GW in 2022. The industry body forecasts annual PV growth in Europe to reach 53.6 GW in 2023 and 85 GW in 2026 under its "most likely" scenario. This means that the EU solar market will more than double within four years, reaching 484 GW by 2026.

Five key areas for Europe to get ready for solar: expanding the number of solar installers, maintaining regulatory stability, improving grid stability, simplifying administrative procedures, and strengthening European manufacturing.