Considering the significant increase in renewable energy capacity targets for 2030, especially for photovoltaic solar power, the European Commission (EC) aimed to identify the various barriers hindering the development of new innovative photovoltaic (PV) installations.
Currently, most PV installations are either ground-mounted or rooftop-based. However, there are other structures or "technologies" available to make the best use of the available surface area, such as BIPV (Building Integrated PV), agrivoltaism (combining crops with PV plants to create synergies), floating PV, PV integrated into transport infrastructures (free ways, along canals), and PV integrated into vehicles. These five other forms are the most deployed across the 27 member states of the European Union. But their deployment proportions vary significantly due to a range of factors, particularly the existence of barriers (regulatory, technical, economic or other) across different countries.
Therefore, the EC commissioned us, in collaboration with Trinomics, Schoenherr, Fraunhofer ISE and DNV, and to conduct the overall study and to realise a specific one on non-regulatory barriers, including technical, economic, social and environmental aspects. Through engaging with various stakeholders, such as institutions, associations, and companies, we compiled a comprehensive list of these barriers and identified best practices. Finally, our study will conclude by providing the EC with a summary of findings and our recommendations, which will be disseminated to member states to help mitigate these barriers. Additionally, we will develop a best practice guide, which will be shared across the EU to address regulatory disparities between states.
The results of this thorough study will also be presented in a public report in 2024. This report will provide valuable insights to the entire solar PV ecosystem, facilitating the development of these new forms of PV panel installations in Europe.