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The EPBD and EU Solar Rooftop Standard
The outlook is sunny: How significant solar panel uptake and the revised Energy Performance of Buildings Directive are transforming European buildings’ energy usage
The growing adoption of solar panels has finally been recognised in the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD). The EPBD, revised in December 2023, is the main legislative instrument created to transform the building stock of the EU into energy efficient buildings. Through this we now have the EU Solar Rooftop Standard, a part of the EPBD that propels the uptake of solar energy across Europe.
The EU Solar Rooftop Standard is an important breakthrough for solar power. Solar panels are becoming cheaper to make and easier to install, often using unused space such as rooftops. If the targets of the standard are reached it would be the equivalent of adding solar power to 56 million European homes.
Now that the revised EPBD is being implemented, all EU member countries are responsible for achieving the targets set within the next two years. The EPBD demands that each country develops a National Building Renovation Plan (NBRPs). These outline how countries plan to revitalise old buildings and ensure new buildings are solar-ready and energy efficient.
NBRPs will encompass all energy efficiency measures available to buildings including insulation, sustainable construction materials, heat pumps and other technologies, as well as solar. These plans not only vary country to country but also set out technical or financial support or minimum energy standards to help transform EU building stock. Building and homeowners should familiarise themselves with local legislation to make use of any financial schemes that can maximise the financial and sustainable returns from installations.
Meanwhile, the EU Solar Rooftop Standard applies to:
Over the next few years, almost all buildings (only excluding those with specific exemptions) will be required to have solar panels or be solar ready.
Between these two legislative forces, the pressure to begin installing solar across buildings is mounting, and with some buildings required to be compliant as early as 2026, building owners should consider solar adoption sooner rather than later.
Despite the urgency, this is good news for building owners. The cost of solar is at an all-time low, whilst also being an effective way to generate electricity. Output varies depending on the panel location, weather and climate, but typically one could expect up to 30% of a building’s energy to be covered by solar. However, with battery energy storage systems (BESS) solar coverage can be greatly increased.
BESS stores energy for use at the optimum time, whether this is excess solar energy or low-tariff energy from the grid, with the right combination solar and storage a building can become almost completely independent of the grid.
Alternatively, one could consider using the extra capacity of solar to add electric vehicle charging. Electric vehicle sales are growing rapidly, adding vehicle charging to residential buildings can significantly increase the value. Meanwhile commercial buildings can get value from the extra revenue stream of public vehicle charging and save tonnes every year in carbon emissions by switching to an EV fleet.
The solar industry has surpassed all expectations in recent years. In 2023 photovoltaics capacity grew by 76% compared to 2022. The manufacture of polysilicon, a key component of solar, is astoundingly cheap and driving up production. Solar panels are easy to install, scalable to fit the business or buildings energy requirements, and non-disruptive to normal operations.
Whilst it is acknowledged that creating a dependable, global energy supply from renewables requires the use of several energy production types (like wind, solar and hydro), solar alone has the capacity to triple our global energy capacity. Currently, solar is leading the green energy revolution, and on track for achieving the necessary adoption to keep global temperature rise below 2°C.
At Eaton we care about our future, we have over 100 years of experience in electrical management. Our products are designed to the highest quality with longevity in mind. Thus, allowing building owners to remain compliant with legislation and reap the benefit of the technologies for years to come. Take a look at some stories from those who have already transformed their energy usage with battery energy storage and solar. Not only do our customers note significant emissions reductions, but they also benefit from extra energy capacity, cost savings, and continuous, dependable power.
See how our approach to the energy transition can help you reduce energy costs, boost resilience and support a low-carbon future.
Read more about regulations and policies that affect Buildings.
