Solar electricity generation across Europe jumped by over 30% in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, signaling a potential record year for the continent’s solar energy output. Data from Ember shows that solar installations produced nearly 68 terawatt-hours (TWh) of electricity between January and March—a 32% increase year-on-year.
In March alone, solar power accounted for 8.2% of electricity supplied by utilities, up from 6% in March 2024. This notable rise underscores solar’s growing significance, even during the less sunny winter months.
As Europe moves into the summer season—when solar generation typically reaches its peak—solar’s contribution is expected to rise further, bolstering the continent’s transition toward cleaner energy sources. This growth is part of a broader push to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and expand renewable energy production.
While renewable energy supplied a record 61.3% of Europe’s electricity in 2024, that figure dipped to 57% in the first quarter of 2025 due to a sharp decline in wind generation. Wind output fell 15% compared to Q1 2024, primarily due to weaker wind activity, prompting utilities to temporarily lean more on gas and coal to stabilize the grid.
Despite the wind shortfall, solar energy filled some of the gap and is expected to play an even larger role as heating demands decrease and sunshine increases in the coming months.
Historically, Germany and Spain dominated Europe’s solar generation, accounting for over 80% of the output until around 2010. However, declining solar costs and advances in technology have enabled a broad expansion across many European nations.
In early 2025, several countries posted impressive growth in solar output:
- Turkey saw a 54% increase,
- The Netherlands rose by 63%,
- Poland jumped 44%,
- Switzerland climbed 43%,
—each exceeding the regional average.
Germany, Greece, Spain, and the Netherlands all saw solar provide more than 10% of their electricity in the first quarter of 2025. These numbers are expected to rise significantly by summer, with solar forecast to supply over 25% of total electricity in countries like Greece, Germany, Portugal, Spain, and the Netherlands between June and August.
Other nations, including Italy, Bulgaria, Croatia, and Turkey, are also projected to hit double-digit solar shares this summer. This continued momentum sets the stage for a landmark year in solar power, as nearly all major European economies ramp up their renewable energy efforts.
