With its manifesto “Solar Thermal is Smart”, Solar Heat Europe has highlighted the potential of solar thermal solutions to decarbonize heating systems across Europe. With a clear legal framework and concerted industry efforts, solar thermal can lead the way in achieving Europe’s ambitious climate and energy targets.

Solar Heat: A Smart Solution for Europe’s Sustainable Future

Solar Heat Europe makes a compelling case for why solar thermal is essential for Europe’s energy transition. Heating represents 50% of Europe’s total energy needs, and industries rely on it for 60% of their processes. Solar thermal technology offers a renewable, cost-effective, and scalable solution to meet these demands while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Solar Heat Europe outlines five critical policy recommendations to advance solar thermal technology and support Europe’s energy transition:

1. A Comprehensive Renewable Heating and Cooling Strategy
   Integrating solar thermal systems into decarbonization roadmaps for buildings and industries is essential.
2. Support for European Cleantech SMEs
   Facilitating investments and creating frameworks that enable local producers to thrive should be prioritized.
3. Promoting Affordable Renewable Heat Solutions
   Financial mechanisms, such as zero-interest loans, are necessary to overcome the upfront cost barriers associated with solar thermal adoption.
4. Highlighting Sustainability
   The durability and recyclability of solar thermal systems demonstrate their independence from geopolitical risks and sustainable lifecycles.

Achieving the 2030 Target

A clear target has been set to triple solar thermal deployment by 2030, backed by robust policy measures and support.

The Solar Thermal Market Outlook 2023/2024 underscores the urgency of these proposals. Despite the proven value of solar thermal, with a cumulative capacity of 41 GWth operating across Europe, market growth in 2023 was modest, with only a 0.6% increase in installed capacity. This slow progress stands in sharp contrast to Europe’s ambitious climate targets, which require significant momentum to reach the 120 GWth target by 2030.

These findings highlight the critical need for concerted policy support and stronger efforts to promote the adoption of solar thermal technologies, positioning them as a cornerstone of decarbonization and energy independence.

A Supportive Vision for the Solar Heat Sector

At Solimpeks and Varmeks, we share Solar Heat Europe’s vision and are committed to actively participating in this transformative journey. As manufacturers and distributors of solar thermal solutions, we believe in the potential of the sector to address Europe’s most pressing energy challenges. Our forward-looking outlook includes:

• Aligning with Policy Goals
  We fully support initiatives such as the Fit for 55 package and the Energy Efficiency Directive and advocate for mandatory solar adoption in buildings and industries.
• Investing in Innovation
  We aim to lower the barriers to adoption for residential, industrial, and district heating applications by developing cost-effective and highly efficient solar heating solutions.
• Expanding Production Capacity
  We are committed to scaling up production to meet increasing demand, while ensuring products are locally sourced and comply with European quality standards.
• Driving Awareness and Adoption
  Through targeted campaigns, we aim to educate policymakers, businesses, and consumers about solar energy’s environmental and economic benefits.

Solar heating is more than a technology; it is a strategy to decarbonize Europe’s heating needs, reduce reliance on imported fuels, and create resilient, sustainable energy systems.

A Collaborative Path to Success

The manifesto’s message is clear: solar heating is ready to be delivered. With its unparalleled sustainability, affordability, and scalability, solar heat must become the cornerstone of Europe’s energy transition. Collaboration between policymakers, industry leaders, and consumers is vital to achieve this.

As stakeholders in this transformative process, we call on European legislators and industry players to join forces to make solar thermal a priority. Together, we can unlock the potential of this SMART solution and ensure progress towards a cleaner, greener Europe.