EU adds 16.5GW of new PV capacity in 2012

May 3, 2013
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email

The European Union added 16.5GW of new PV capacity in 2012, representing a 25% decline compared with the 22GW figure recorded in 2011, according to figures published by EurObserv’ER.

The French energy research and analysis company predicts that the slide is set to continue as the industry shifts towards the Asian and the American markets. Indeed, the firm believes that the Asian and American markets helped boost the global PV market, which added just over 30GW in newly installed capacity in the same year.

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

According to EurObserv’ER, the strongest markets in the EU in 2012 were Germany with 7,604MW of new capacity followed by Italy with 3,577MW. Together, the two countries accounted for over two-thirds of the total new PV capacity in the region in 2012.

Looking more broadly, EurObserv’ER noted that conditions in the European solar market have not been particularly favourable for market growth in the past year or so with governments introducing taxes on electricity production or retroactive amendments to their laws. Such examples include the Czech Republic where retroactive tax has been applied to PV investments, while the Spanish government has imposed tax on all electricity producers’ earnings. 

At the end of 2012, cumulative PV capacity in the EU reached 68,647MW while total output during the year reached 68.1TWh. EurObserv’ER highlighted that output in 2012 was 50% higher than in 2011 and said output is now three times higher than it was in 2010 and covers more than 2% of EU electricity consumption.

Read Next

October 22, 2025
The Queensland government has launched the Social Licence in Renewable Energy Toolkit, providing local councils in Australia with resources to navigate renewable energy project engagement and community consultation processes.
October 21, 2025
Leading Chinese solar manufacturer Trinasolar has signed a module supply agreement with Malaysian renewable energy developer Mestron Energy.
Premium
October 21, 2025
PV Tech Premium spoke with academic and industry experts about the rising tide of cybersecurity concerns in Europe's solar energy sector.
October 21, 2025
Cypress Creek Renewables has achieved financial close on its 75MW Sundance solar-plus-storage project in Elbert County, Colorado.
October 21, 2025
Australia's solar-plus-storage sector gained momentum with 725MW of solar PV approvals advancing across New South Wales and Queensland.
October 21, 2025
Luminous Robotics has successfully completed its first international deployment of AI-powered solar installation robots at Engie’s 250MW Goorambat East Solar Farm in Victoria, Australia.

Subscribe to Newsletter

Upcoming Events

Solar Media Events
November 25, 2025
Warsaw, Poland
Solar Media Events
December 2, 2025
Málaga, Spain
Solar Media Events
February 3, 2026
London, UK
Solar Media Events
March 10, 2026
Frankfurt, Germany