Global solar power demand grew nearly 50 percent in 2016, while demand in Europe dropped by 20 percent, according to a recent SolarPower Europe report.
Global solar energy demand in Asia and America have been quicker to embrace low-cost and clean solar power, while the European Union needs to adapt its policy frameworks to get ready for the next solar growth wave, according to a report by SolarPower Europe, the association of the European's solar power sector.
The report stated that European countries installed around 6.9 gigawatts (GW) of solar power systems in 2016 - a 20 percent decrease compared to the 8.6 GW that was grid-connected in 2015.
In the same period, the global on-grid solar power market grew by about 49 percent to around 76.1 GW in 2016, from about 51.2 GW in 2015.
Michael Schmela, executive advisor and head of Market Intelligence at SolarPower Europe, stated that the European Union, once a solar leader, is in danger of being eclipsed by Asian powerhouses, such as China, in both solar power production and installations.
"Even the U.S. with a much smaller population than the EU's 28 member countries combined, added about twice as much solar power capacities in 2016," he underlined.
The world's largest solar market in 2016 was China, which officially added 34.2 GW, over 125 percent more than in 2015. The U.S. followed with estimated solar power additions of 14 GW, up from 7.3 GW the year before. Japan ranked third, reaching around 8.6 GW, ahead of India with 4.5 GW.
CEO at SolarPower Europe James Watson stated that "2016 will be remembered as the year that the first solar power purchase agreements were signed at levels that have made solar the lowest-cost power in many regions of the world.
"With clean solar being cheaper than inflexible generation technologies in much of Europe today, there is the need to drive the next solar investment cycle so we can pursue the decarbonization of the European power sector."
SolarPower Europe, the new EPIA (European Photovoltaic Industry Association), is a member-led association representing organizations that aim to shape the regulatory environment and enhance business opportunities for solar power in Europe.
(Anadolu Agency)
