The new 2024 directive on energy performance: a boost for solar energy at European level

In April 2024, the European Parliament passed a transformative directive requiring solar panels to be installed on buildings across Europe.

This directive is a clear demonstration of the EU's commitment to achieving its ambitious climate targets. By mandating the installation of solar panels on buildings, the directive will significantly stimulate demand for solar technology, fostering innovation and economies of scale in the European solar industry. This will not only create jobs and economic growth, but also enhance the EU's energy security by reducing its dependence on imported fossil fuels.

In addition, the directive will help maximize the potential for renewable energy production. Buildings represent a largely untapped resource for solar energy production in Europe. By exploiting this potential, the EU can make a significant leap towards its goal of climate neutrality, with solar energy playing a central role in its energy mix. Article 10 stipulates that:

1. Member States shall ensure that all new buildings are designed to optimize their solar energy production potential on the basis of the site's solar irradiance, enabling the subsequent cost-effective installation of solar technologies.
2. The permitting procedure for the installation of solar energy equipment set out in Article 16d of Directive (EU) 2018/2001, and the simple notification procedure for grid connections set out in Article 17 of that Directive, apply to the installation of solar energy equipment on buildings.
3. Member States shall ensure the deployment of appropriate solar energy installations, if technically suitable and economically and functionally feasible, as follows:

(a) by December 31, 2026, on all new public and non-residential buildings with a floor area greater than 250 m2;

(b) on all existing public buildings with a floor area of more than:(i)2,000 m2, by December 31, 2027;(ii)750 m2, by December 31, 2028;(iii)250 m2, by December 31, 2030;

(c) by December 31, 2027, on existing non-residential buildings with a usable floor area greater than 500 m2, when the building undergoes a major renovation or an action requiring an administrative permit for renovation work, roofing work or the installation of a technical building system;

(d) by December 31, 2029, on all new residential buildings; and

(e) by December 31, 2029, on all new covered parking lots physically adjacent to the buildings."

The new solar installation directive is a real turning point for the EU's energy landscape. It will stimulate the development of solar power, maximize renewable energy production and create a need for innovative energy-sharing solutions. It's an example of how policy can drive progress towards a more sustainable and secure energy future.

However, the intermittent nature of solar energy also poses challenges. This is where the concepts of collective self-consumption and energy sharing come in. By enabling users to share the solar energy they produce, the directive will help to balance energy supply and demand, stabilize the grid and reduce the need for costly energy storage solutions. This will make the energy system more efficient and resilient, and reduce energy costs for consumers.

WeSmart can make a significant contribution to the creation and management of energy communities and energy sharing. Here's how:

• Facilitating the Creation and Management of Energy Communities ⚡️: WeSmart can help establish and manage an energy community by providing solutions to optimize collective self-consumption. The platform enables better management of energy production and consumption at community level, offering tools for monitoring and controlling energy use, which can lead to greater efficiency and lower costs.
• Overcoming Complexity for Participants 🤷 : The WeSmart platform can simplify the management of energy flows and optimize collective self-consumption. It can help participants navigate the regulatory and financial aspects of creating an energy community, making the process less daunting and more accessible.
• Integrating Renewable Energy Without Overloading the Grid 💡: By enabling energy sharing between community members, WeSmart can help balance energy supply and demand, and stabilize the grid. This can facilitate the integration of renewable energy sources into the grid without causing overloads, particularly during periods of high demand or low renewable energy production.