New wind power capacity installed in the EU last year reached 9.3GW, according to the European Wind Energy Association (EWEA). Even though the solar sector seems sluggish in declaring its installed figures, just the official forecast numbers coming from Germany, Italy, France and Spain alone would result in over 10GW of PV installations in 2010.
Total investments in wind were unchanged from 2009, although new power installed was down 13.9% compared to 2009 (9.7 GW). This was attributed to the shift in offshore installations, which grew 51%, while onshore declined 13.9%. The extra costs associated with offshore installations would seem to be the reason for the decline.
I can only assume this is the first time solar trumped wind, and with growth in PV expected this year in Europe – though forecasts differ – the trend could continue in 2011.
Perhaps this is an inflection point for the PV industry, in respect to European renewable energy trends?
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