EU plan to make rooftop solar installations mandatory

The European Commission is considering a plan to ramp up the renewable generation of EU nations by making rooftop solar a requirement for all new buildings, to cut gas use in homes, offices, shops and factories. 

The European Solar Rooftops Initiative is part of a broader strategy to increase the EU’s renewable energy target for 2030 and reduce member states’ reliance on Russian fossil fuels. 

In a draft document seen by Reuters, the European Commission said: “Solar electricity and heat are key for phasing out EU’s dependence on Russian natural gas.”

Solar PV costs have plunged by more than 80 per cent over the last 10 years, but the technology produced only 5 per cent of electricity in the EU in 2020. Heat produced from solar was even lower at just 1.5 per cent. 

The initiative could require member states to take action this year, shortening permitting times to three months for rooftop installations, and encourage them to tap into EU funding to drive up roll-out. It may also require all suitable public buildings to install solar systems by 2025. 

Other proposed schemes would focus on upskilling installers to deliver the works and offering funding to support manufacturers. 

The proposals are expected to be published next week.