Europe’s solar energy expansion is expected to decline for the first time in over a decade, with 2025 projections showing a 1.4% drop in new installations. Industry association SolarPower Europe reports that the EU is on track to add 64.2 gigawatts of solar capacity this year, down from 65.1 gigawatts in 2024.
This marks the first annual slowdown since 2015 and reflects a shifting landscape in energy policy across the bloc.
The decline is attributed to several member states scaling back subsidies for rooftop solar panels, as national budgets face mounting pressure from defense and industrial spending. While solar growth soared by 51% in 2022, it had already slowed to just 3% last year, signaling a need for renewed commitment if Europe is to stay on course with its clean energy targets.