EU Rooftop Solar Standard Can Provide Power To 56 Mn Homes

EU Rooftop Solar Standard Can Provide Power To 56 Mn Homes

The European Energy Performance of Buildings Directive recently entered into force with the publication of the rule in the official journal of the European Union (EU).

Its implementation could provide solar power equivalent of 56 million European homes. A preliminary analysis conducted by SolarPower Europe suggests that the EPBD could drive the installation of 150 to 200 GW of rooftop solar in the next years, leveraging the potential of EU’s rooftops.

This is assuming that 60% of public buildings are suitable and fall under the scope of the EU Solar Rooftop Standard. The EPBD is expected to tap into the vast potential of rooftops, estimated at 560 GW by the EU Joint Research Centre earlier this year. It applies to new non-residential and public buildings from 2027, to existing non-residential buildings undergoing major renovations by 2028, to new residential buildings from 2030 and on all suitable existing public buildings by 2031.

The Solar Rooftop Standard will most importantly unlock the potential of large rooftops such as those installed on offices, commercial buildings, or car parks. Certain buildings such as agricultural and historic structures may be excluded.

Total rooftop solar capacity in Europe stood at more than 170 GW at the end of 2023 and is expected to grow to 355 GW by the end of 2027. In addition to the obligatory solar installations under the solar standard, the growth of rooftop solar on homes is also likely to increase, as citizens seek to shield themselves from fossil price volatility.

Public authorities like local governments, and the buildings they manage – like hospitals and schools – will be particularly empowered by the Solar Standard, unlocking the potential to slash electricity bills while reducing reliance on fossil fuels. The Solar Standard acts as a local employment engine, with 2 to 7 times more workers employed in the solar industry compared to other primary renewable sectors according to IRENA.

The Energy Performance of Buildings Directive officially enters into force with its publication in the Official Journal of the EU. EU Member States now have 2 years to transpose the law into national legislation, defining details and exemptions.

1. Buildings stand as the largest energy consumers in Europe, accounting for approximately 40% of energy consumption within the EU and over a third of energy-related greenhouse gas emissions in the EU (EU Commission). The widespread adoption of solar installations is expected to significantly reduce both energy consumption and emissions, leading to substantial cost savings for consumers and businesses alike.

2. With 85% of EU buildings constructed prior to 2000, and a staggering 75% of them exhibiting poor energy performance, the revised EPBD, along with the Energy Efficiency Directive, are crucial to achieving a fully decarbonised building stock by 2050. (EU Commission)

3. EU electricity demand in 2023 was 2,697 TWh (Ember data, 2024) and the Joint Research Center of the European Commission estimated that the EU could install 580 GW of solar PV rooftop which could generate 680 TWh per year (JRC study, 2024) Therefore, rooftops could have covered 1/4th of all European electricity demand in 2023.

4. Based on the JRC study, SolarPower Europe estimates that current rooftop installations only cover 30% of EU’s potential, leaving 70% of rooftops capacity untapped.

5. Solar PV is recognised by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s Sixth Assessment Report ( see IPCC 6th assessment here) as a key contributor to climate mitigation efforts and the cheapest option for combating climate change. Additionally, rooftop solar empowers citizens, reduces electricity bills, and requires no additional land use.