Every year on May 3rd, World Sun Day is celebrated, recalling its crucial role in sustaining life on Earth and its potential as an inexhaustible source of clean energy.
According to research by the Ember Research Center, in 2025, solar energy will continue to break records around the world. In Europe, solar power generation increased by 30% in the first quarter, reaching 68 TWh of electricity generated from solar. Solar energy is expected to account for more than 25% of total electricity generation in countries such as Greece, Germany, Portugal, Spain and the Netherlands in the summer months.
One of the most significant moments in the history of renewables occurred in 2024, when solar power exceeded coal-fired electricity generation in the European Union for the first time, accounting for 11% of total generation. In addition, wind farms provided an additional 18% of electricity. These achievements clearly demonstrate the accelerated transition to renewable energy sources and the growing dominance of solar in the energy market.
There is also significant growth in the solar energy sector. Prosumers – citizens and businesses that produce and use their own solar energy – are gaining momentum. In the first quarter of 2025, 10 MW of newly installed prosumers were installed, bringing the total capacity of prosumers to 94.6 MW. In addition, the capacity of solar power plants in Serbia has exceeded 100 MW, confirming the rapid growth of this sector and the increasing role of individual energy producers in the energy transition.
Globally, solar power remains a key driver of the energy transition, with 1865 GW of installed capacity, accounting for 42% of the world’s total renewable energy capacity, according to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). Its expansion not only contributes to a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions but also allows countries that invest in solar infrastructure to be more energy independent and stable.
As we celebrate World Sun Day, we remind ourselves that the future of energy sustainability is in our hands. Continuing to invest in solar energy means a cleaner planet, a more stable economy, and a better life for future generations.
Photo: Pixabay/Myriams-Fotos