Portugal’s photovoltaic market presents a unique scenario: steady yet slowing growth, a result of its early maturity and a range of structural challenges that shape its development.

Bernardo Luis, CEO of DPV Energy, explains that this dynamic stems from a combination of factors: good solar resources, favourable renewable energy policies, but also barriers such as limited grid capacity and scarce land availability.

According to data from the Direção-Geral de Energia e Geologia (DGEG), Portugal reached 3,366 MW of installed solar photovoltaic capacity by the end of February 2025. Of this, nearly 1,250 MW were added in 2024, marking a 37% increase compared to 2023 and contributing 10% of total electricity consumption.

Unlike Spain, Portugal’s photovoltaic sector has already tapped much of its initial potential, placing it in a mature phase.

“The Spanish market generates more robust and predictable demand, which supports a more consolidated supply chain for large-scale projects,” Luis explains in conversation with Strategic Energy Europe.

Portugal, by contrast, is smaller in scale, making it vulnerable to demand fluctuations that directly impact logistical planning. The executive emphasises that achieving greater long-term predictability in commercial and industrial sector demand remains an unresolved challenge.

For the international distributor of solar solutions, this demands a comprehensive strategic reconfiguration that prioritises efficient logistics, technological adaptation, and a product offering tailored to local demands.

“We are expanding our product portfolio to include solutions tailored to the particularities of the Portuguese market,” assures the CEO.

The key, he explains, lies in understanding an environment where price sensitivity, regulatory instability, and logistical challenges impose unique operating conditions.

Opportunities for Improvement

The CEO stresses that achieving a more robust solar ecosystem in Portugal requires significant improvements to the regulatory framework and grid infrastructure.

“Current regulatory uncertainty continues to hinder long-term planning for our installer clients,” Luis notes.

He also highlights slow licensing processes as a factor that delays the value chain: “Delays directly impact demand and cause frustration within the sector.”

Furthermore, limited grid capacity in certain areas prevents new installations from connecting, thereby constraining new project development.

According to the Associação Portuguesa de Energias Renováveis (APREN), over 35% of grid connection requests submitted in 2022 faced delays exceeding six months, pointing to a structural bottleneck.

Needs of the Portuguese Installer: Availability and Training

One of DPV Energy’s strategic pillars is supporting installers.

In this regard, demand for specialised technical training is growing, particularly in emerging technologies and local regulations. The company has begun reinforcing this aspect as part of its market positioning.

It has also identified four key needs in the Portuguese market: reliable product availability, logistical efficiency, technical training, and financing tools for end customers.

“Ensuring this availability can be challenging due to potential global supply chain disruptions or unexpected demand spikes,” Luis points out.

This is compounded by geographical dispersion and the complexity of certain projects, which require precise and flexible logistics.

Challenges also persist in customer financing, a service increasingly requested by installers but still difficult to implement effectively.

Horizon 2030

While moderate, the market’s future remains promising. “We anticipate growth over the next two to five years, particularly in the commercial, industrial and utility segments,” projects Luis.

This progress, however, will depend on factors such as regulatory stability, infrastructure investment, and economic developments, which will — he concludes — “require constant adaptation to new technologies, competition, and the evolving needs of installers.”