The European Commission today formally adopted amendments to the Building Energy Efficiency Directive, mandating the installation of solar photovoltaic (PV) panels or solar thermal systems in all new public and commercial buildings starting in 2027; from 2029, this requirement will be extended to all new residential buildings.
This measure is a key component of the EU’s “REPowerEU” program, aimed at further reducing reliance on fossil fuels and accelerating the achievement of the 2050 carbon neutrality target. It is estimated that the new regulations will generate over 50 GW of new solar power capacity annually in the EU, significantly boosting the global photovoltaic supply chain.
SolarPower Europe welcomes the move, believing it will provide clear market expectations for the European photovoltaic manufacturing industry. However, some in the construction industry are concerned about potential challenges in installation costs and technology integration in the short term, calling for government subsidies and technical support.
