Brussels, 7th October 2025: Solar Heat Europe released today its 2024 Market Outlook, reporting a limited growth of newly installed capacity in 2024, with 1.2 million new m2 sold. Whilst the sector now accounts for 43.6 GWth of installed capacity in Europe, EU-based companies manufacturing solar thermal collectors deplored too limited market growth since 2023. The Fit for 55 implementation as well as EU’s upcoming Heating & Cooling Strategy must offer clear opportunities for further uptake of this long-standing and promising renewable heat source.
In 2024, 1.2 million m² of solar thermal panels were installed in Europe. The continent currently benefits from 43.6 GWth of clean energy captured from the sun, an increase of 0.4% compared to 2023. However, these figures remain far below the ambitions set out in the REPowerEU initiative, launched in 2022 by the European Commission to diversify energy supplies and secure affordable, clean energy across the continent.
Guglielmo Cioni, President of Solar Heat Europe said: “With the implementation of RED, EED and EPBD, we urgently call on EU and local authorities to accelerate the promotion of solar heat in all market segments, from buildings to district heating networks and industry. Contributing to energy security, renewable, decentralised, off grid, ready-to-deploy, EU-made, affordable… solar heat ticks all the boxes and must be further used.” Releasing its 2024 market data, the sector deplores – like other renewable heat technologies – instability of policy signals in various key markets such as Germany or France, stop/go market effects and urgently calls for much greater support by public authorities to adopt measures and incentives to promote solar heat, as a reliable and EU-made technology.
Despite this backdrop, there was a growing installed capacity for all Solar Thermal market segments and significant new large scale projects commissioned (eg district heating in Germany, The Netherlands, Austria), including a growing share of innovative solar thermal technologies (e.g. solar PVT).
Looking ahead, Valérie Séjourné, Managing Director of Solar Heat Europe concluded: “Our sector counts on the upcoming EU Heating and Cooling Strategy, expected in Q1 2026, to mark a turning point for the solar thermal sector. This Strategy is the chance for EU leaders to give a clear political signal on the key role that solar heat can play for the energy transition. In line with NZIA’s goals, let’s not miss the opportunity to embrace and promote actively this “solar-made-in-Europe resource” which will offer predictable and affordable energy for citizens and industry.”
Key report highlights:
- 43.6GWth of cumulative installed capacity in operation in Europe
- + 1.2 million m² newly installed in 2024
- + 0,4% in the total installed capacity in Europe
- An overview of solar heat market segments and related EU policy landscape for residential and tertiary buildings, district heating, industrial applications and agriculture and farming.
In case of media inquiries or requests for corporate materials, please contact:
Valérie Séjourné, Managing Director
+32 471 34 19 24
valerie.sejourne@solarheateurope.eu