EU solar capacity reaches 33.8 GW in H1 2026

Solar installations in the European Union reached 33.8 GW in the first half of 2026, a 1.9% increase compared to the same period in 2025. SolarPower Europe has raised its full-year 2026 forecast to 68.1 GW, up from a previous projection of 61.5 GW.

Growth was primarily driven by energy security concerns and high fossil-fuel prices. The five largest markets—Germany, Spain, France, Italy, and Poland—accounted for approximately 75% of total installations. Poland saw the highest growth at 39% year-on-year, while Italy grew by 10%. Conversely, Germany and Spain experienced declines of 4% and 6%, respectively.

In Italy specifically, solar energy accounted for approximately 90% of the 2.9 GW of new renewable capacity added in H1 2026. While residential installations in Italy fell by 20% year-on-year, utility-scale projects larger than 10 MW saw a significant surge, increasing 197% quarter-on-quarter.