Austria's Solar Sector Soars: 2.6 GWp Installed in 2023

• Austria's solar sector shines bright in 2023, tripling installations to 2.6 GWp. With ambitious goals for 100% renewable energy, government support is key for continued success.

Austria's solar sector experienced significant growth in 2023, with annual solar installations jumping to 2.6 GWp, tripling the previous year's expansion. This increase was driven by the installation of over 130,000 new photovoltaic systems, bringing the country's total PV installations to nearly 390,000 with a combined capacity of 6.4 GWp.

PV Austria, the industry association, emphasized the need for continued government support to sustain this growth, including streamlined approval processes and rapid grid expansion. The organization highlighted the goal of reaching 21 GWp of PV capacity by 2030 for 100% renewable electricity supply and over 41 GWp by 2040 for climate neutrality. Currently, PV electricity accounts for 12% of Austria's electricity demand.

Overall, Austria's solar sector has shown promising growth in 2023, but continued government efforts will be crucial to ensure the success of the PV industry in the coming years. PV Austria's call for increased support and investment reflects the country's ambitious goals for renewable energy and climate neutrality in the future.

What drove Austria's solar sector to triple its annual installations in 2023?

• Government support: Continued government support, including streamlined approval processes and rapid grid expansion, drove the significant growth in Austria's solar sector in 2023.
  
• Industry goals: PV Austria emphasized the goal of reaching 21 GWp of PV capacity by 2030 for 100% renewable electricity supply and over 41 GWp by 2040 for climate neutrality, motivating increased installations.
  
• Increasing demand: With PV electricity currently accounting for 12% of Austria's electricity demand, there is a growing need for more solar installations to meet the country's renewable energy targets.
• Environmental concerns: The push for climate neutrality and the increasing awareness of the environmental benefits of solar energy have also contributed to the tripling of annual installations in Austria's solar sector.