The European solar energy sector faces a pivotal year in 2025. While global installed capacity reached 495 GWdc in 2024, marking a 14% increase from 2023, the market is expected to stabilise at 493 GWdc in 2025, according to Wood Mackenzie. Factors such as regulatory uncertainty, the rise of data centres, manufacturing industry restructuring, and solar technology innovation will drive transformation in the region.

A New Regulatory Landscape Slowing Solar Growth

Recent elections across Europe have sparked uncertainty in energy transition policies. In countries like Germany and Italy, reductions in solar incentives, such as cuts to feed-in tariffs and the phasing out of small-scale subsidies, will make financing new projects more challenging.

Moreover, energy sector reforms in several European countries are creating hurdles for solar developers. In Spain, delays in permitting and a lack of transmission infrastructure are affecting the feasibility of large-scale solar projects. In Italy and the Netherlands, restrictions on compensation for surplus energy will impact the profitability of self-consumption installations.

“Regulatory uncertainties create ambiguity in the market and discourage investment in solar energy,” explains Daniel Garasa Sagardoy, Wood Mackenzie’s analyst for solar energy in Europe.

Data Centres: A New Competitor for Solar Energy

The rise of data centres in Europe is driving a surge in electricity demand, fuelled by the expansion of artificial intelligence and cloud services. According to Wood Mackenzie, over 100 GW of new data centres are planned globally by 2025, with energy demand in some European regions expected to increase by 10-20%.

This trend is intensifying competition for solar Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs). Tech firms and data centre operators are signing long-term contracts to secure renewable energy supply, pushing up PPA prices and adding pressure on the solar market.

“Data centres are redefining solar energy development in Europe as they now compete with other sectors to secure capacity,” states Victoria Ortega, Wood Mackenzie’s analyst for utility-scale solar in Europe.

Restructuring the Manufacturing Industry

After two years of oversupply and record-low prices in the solar module sector, 2025 will be a year of industry correction. Solar panel prices are expected to rise to around $0.15/W, following a period of price drops due to excessive capacity.

China will maintain its dominant position in global solar manufacturing, controlling 75% of the world’s total capacity. However, Europe’s heavy reliance on Asian components has prompted governments in Germany and France to introduce incentives for local solar module and photovoltaic cell production.

Meanwhile, India and the United States are fostering new manufacturing plants through local content policies, and the Middle East—including Saudi Arabia, Oman, and the UAE—is investing heavily in solar manufacturing facilities.

“Europe’s strategy in 2025 will focus on reducing dependence on Chinese imports and strengthening local industry to secure the solar panel supply chain,” says Juan Monge, Wood Mackenzie’s principal analyst for distributed solar PV in Europe.

Technological Advancements: Increased Efficiency and Automation

2025 will usher in a new era of higher efficiency in European solar technology. N-type cells will replace traditional PERC technology, with modules reaching 650-800 Wp power ratings, reducing land use by 15% and lowering total project costs by 5-10%.

Additionally, the European solar industry is progressing towards greater automation in construction and maintenance. Companies such as Nextracker and GameChange Solar have developed AI-driven solar trackers that optimise panel orientation, increasing energy generation by 2-6%.

A shortage of skilled labour in Europe is accelerating the adoption of robotic panel installation and automated maintenance. Companies like Terabase Energy and AES have developed robots that reduce installation time by 50%, while Swap Robotics has introduced automated maintenance solutions, cutting operational costs by up to 20%.

“Innovations in solar modules and automation will enable Europe to optimise its generation capacity and reduce costs in an increasingly competitive market,” highlights Sagar Chopra, senior analyst at Wood Mackenzie for solar PV technology.

A Year of Transformation for European Solar Energy

The European solar market faces a year of challenges and changes in 2025. New regulations will slow down sector growth, while data centre expansion will intensify competition for renewable energy. On the manufacturing front, Europe will strive to reduce dependence on China, while automation and new technologies will enhance solar project efficiency.

In an evolving landscape, the European solar industry must adapt swiftly to these changes to sustain growth and solidify its role as a key pillar of the continent’s energy transition.