EU adds 16.5GW of new PV capacity in 2012

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

September 18, 2025
CERC is finalising guidelines for virtual power purchase agreements (vPPAs) to unlock financing for over 40GW of uncontracted renewable capacity.
September 18, 2025
The capacity of virtual power plants in operation in North America has reached 37.5GW, a 13.7% year-on-year growth, according to Wood Mackenzie.
September 18, 2025
The Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) has forecast that Canada will add between 17GW and 26GW of solar PV over the next decade.
September 18, 2025
Researchers have called for enhanced international standards to detect ultraviolet-induced degradation (UVID) in PV modules after identifying “severe” levels of the problem in operational n-type panels.             
September 18, 2025
Indian PV makers have welcomed the government’s plan to add solar wafers to its ALMM List-III from June 2028.
September 17, 2025
US renewables developer Longroad Energy has reached financial close for its 400MW 1000 Mile solar project in the US state of Texas.

Subscribe to Newsletter

Upcoming Events

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
Solar Media Events
October 7, 2025
San Francisco Bay Area, USA