On June 21st, Europe celebrates the European Solar Day, an initiative launched by SolarPower Europe in cooperation with more than 50 associations across the continent, including the Association RES Serbia. This symbolic date, the longest and brightest day of the year, was chosen to highlight the potential of solar energy as a key renewable resource.
Europe welcomes the brightest day of the year with 82 GW of installed solar capacities, and Serbia in anticipation of 100 MW of prosumers – so far, 4826 prosumers with a total installed capacity of 97.2 MW have been registered in Serbia, which is an increase of as much as 76% compared to the same period last year. It is estimated that the total capacity of solar power plants in Serbia is more than 200 MW.
In 2025, the world’s total solar capacity is projected to reach 2.9 TW
Solar energy has experienced tremendous growth in recent years. According to data from SolarPower Europe, total installed capacity in Europe has reached more than 82 GW, a significant increase from 71.3 GW in 2023. By the end of 2024, the European Union had reached 65.3 GW of installed solar photovoltaic systems, an increase of 3.9% year-on-year.
Globally, a record 597 GW of new solar capacity was installed last year, an increase of 33% compared to 2023. The world’s total solar power capacity has exceeded 2 TW and is projected to reach 2.9 TW in 2025.
In Serbia, 76% more installed power of prosumers compared to the previous year
Given that there is still no precise public register of solar power plants, the exact capacity is not known, but according to the assessment of the Association RES Serbia, the total capacity of solar power plants in Serbia is more than 200 MW. Prosumers are responsible for 97 MW, while the capacity of solar power plants connected to the electricity distribution system has long exceeded 100 MW.
Day by day, the number of prosumers, users who produce and consume their own energy, is increasing. According to the data of Elektrodistribucija Srbije, as of June 12th, 2025, 4826 prosumers with a total installed capacity of 97.2 MW were registered. This represents an increase of 76% compared to the same period last year.
The largest number of prosumers are households, 3466 users with a total installed capacity of 28.5 MW. The fewest are among residential communities, five – in Belgrade, Subotica, Niš, Pančevo and recently in Kragujevac, with an installed capacity of 89.5 kW.
The largest capacities come from the category “Other customers-producers”, which includes telecommunications and industrial facilities, as well as churches, schools and kindergartens. This group has 1335 facilities with a total capacity of 68.6 MW, which is an increase of 90% compared to the previous year.
In the coming years, larger-capacity solar power plants are expected to be built. The Electric Power Industry of Serbia will soon put into operation the Petka solar power plant with 9.75 MW of installed capacity, and the construction of a 1 GW solar power plant project is expected to begin, which is being implemented by a consortium of Hyundai Engineering and UGT Renewables.
The fact that the interest of investors in solar power plants is growing is confirmed by other auctions for the allocation of market premiums for RES, thanks to which Serbia will receive another 124.8 MW of new solar power plants.
About the European Solar Day
European Solar Day 2025 focuses on Solar Facts for All: providing clear, simple, and evidence-based answers to the most common questions about solar PV.
The aim of the European Solar Day is not only to raise awareness but also to fight misinformation and myths about solar energy. Through the “Solar Facts”, participants will get the tools to properly inform and break down prejudices, from the impact of solar energy on the environment to its role in the energy transition.
Some of the facts pointed out by Solar Power Europe are as follows:
– Solar power from large plants is the cheapest form of electricity in at least two thirds of countries around the world.
– The average lifespan of a solar panel is 30 years, and about 90% of the panels can be recycled or reused.
– The price of solar energy has fallen by more than 80% since 2010.
– The European Solar Strategy, a key policy presented by the European Commission in May 2022, aims to install 750 GW of solar capacity by 2030.
– The Renewable Energy Directive (RED) sets a target of at least 42.5% renewables by 2030.
– During the energy crisis, some households were able to reduce their energy bills by 22–64% thanks to solar energy, and as much as 62–84% when combining solar energy and a heat pump.
– It is predicted that the solar energy sector in the EU will employ one million people by 2027.