EPIA: Time for utilities to embrace solar

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email

Utility companies should embrace solar energy rather than trying to block it, the European Photovoltaic Industry Association (EPIA) has said.

The trade group has also called for governments to overturn damaging retroactive changes to support mechanisms for PV or risk their own credibility and their countries attractiveness to investors.

This article requires Premium SubscriptionBasic (FREE) Subscription

Try Premium for just $1

  • Full premium access for the first month at only $1
  • Converts to an annual rate after 30 days unless cancelled
  • Cancel anytime during the trial period

Premium Benefits

  • Expert industry analysis and interviews
  • Digital access to PV Tech Power journal
  • Exclusive event discounts

Or get the full Premium subscription right away

Or continue reading this article for free

A number EU of countries, including France, Spain, Greece, Belgium and Italy have adjusted support schemes or introduced new charges for solar energy installations.

In the US and now in Europe, some utility firms have campaigned for cuts to subsidies and the imposition of grid usage charges.

Speaking at a press event in Brussels, EPIA policy director Frauke Thies said she would not speculate on the extent of European utilities influence behind the scenes.

“The only thing we know officially is that the Magritte Group of CEOs have been asking to stop support for renewables,” she said, referring to the group of European utility chief executives that has been lobbying against renewable energy subsidies. “That is surely a detrimental measure for  renewables and it ignores the energy transition that has to happen in Europe and that is going to happen. If you try to stop it and hold it up, it will just happen in a different way.”

Thies warned governments were putting measures in place that were resulting in bankruptcies, closures and job losses.

“Stopping the industry’s development in Europe means it will move to other countries. We already see the PV market is moving to other countries outside Europe where the conditions are better. This transition could continue if the EU chooses to put more hurdles in front of its development,” she said.

“The technology will continue to advance and the costs will continue to come down and inevitably PV will push back and return into the European market.”

“It would be a smoother strategy [for utilities] to participate in that and take part in the game with the PV industry and prepare the market progressively for this new technology. Make the adjustments needed, it’s clear that we need them. Make them progressively instead of blocking out the future now and then having solar come back from outside Europe at a later stage in a much more uncontrolled way.

“Solar is having an impact on the market and the share of PV in the electricity system is becoming higher. A large part of these investments is coming from individual homeowners, community projects, by new investors. The utilities have entered into parts of it but not so much yet,” said Thies.

Governments have a key role to play in removing artificial blockages to solar’s progress.

“It’s high time governments repair investor confidence and credibility and it means above all to revoke these retroactive measures and moratoria and provide a stable investment environment for the future,” Thies said.

Among the worst offenders is Greece which has, since 2012, hit the industry with a moratorium on new projects, a feed-in tariff reduction and two new taxes.

The EPIA wants new support mechanisms to clearly plot their future trajectory.

“They need to create stable, tailor-made, technology-specific frameworks with frequently scheduled revision of support that are based on transparent and predictable criteria,” Thies said.

Read Next

September 10, 2025
At RE+ 2025, companies launched AI-driven platforms, terrain-following trackers, low-carbon modules, and advanced energy management solutions for solar and storage.
Premium
September 10, 2025
PV Talk: Italy’s new CfD policy offers clear support for solar developers in an otherwise uncertain legislative landscape, says Terrawatt's Patrizio Donati.
September 10, 2025
A project claimed to be Germany’s largest agriPV plant has been commissioned in the north-east of the country.
September 10, 2025
Renewables developer rPlus Energies has secured US$100 million in tax equity financing for its 125MW solar PV plant in the US state of Idaho.
September 10, 2025
Indian solar module manufacturer Vikram Solar reported a 79.7% year-on-year increase in revenue for the first quarter of FY26.
September 10, 2025
Cordelio Power has started commercial operations at its 150MW Winfield solar project in Lincoln County, Missouri.

Subscribe to Newsletter

Upcoming Events

Solar Media Events
September 16, 2025
Athens, Greece
Solar Media Events
September 30, 2025
Seattle, USA
Solar Media Events
October 1, 2025
London, UK
Solar Media Events
October 2, 2025
London,UK
Solar Media Events
October 7, 2025
Manila, Philippines