Global and European solar energy expansion

Global solar energy capacity is experiencing rapid expansion, driven by declining costs and technological advancements such as Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) and floating photovoltaic (FPV) technology. In 2025, solar power accounted for 511 GW of the 692 GW increase in global renewable energy capacity.

In Europe, manufacturing capacity is projected to grow from 24.2 GW to 88.2 GW by 2030 as the continent seeks a more independent supply chain for components like silicon wafers and solar cells. Turkey has become a regional leader with 13.2 GW of operational module manufacturing capacity, surpassing the combined capacity of Italy, Germany, Spain, France, and the Netherlands. Much of Turkey’s production is directed toward exports, specifically targeting the US market.

Italy has also seen significant maturity in the sector, reaching a capacity of 43.5 GW through over 2 million connected systems by the end of 2025. During that year, solar power met approximately 14% of Italy’s national electricity demand.