The revised Energy Performance of Buildings Directive will speed up the uptake of solar photovoltaics and solar thermal – both on residential and non-residential buildings - and increase the possibilities of self-consumption and energy sharing.
The Commission adopted its EU solar energy strategy in May 2022 and aims to reach at least 700 GW of solar photovoltaic (solar PV) by 2030. The EU had around 338 GW solar PV installed in 2024, but a big effort is still needed to reach the set target (source: SolarPower Europe).
The directive requires that all new buildings are designed to optimise their solar energy generation. The rule will apply to buildings for which the application for the building permit is made after 29 May 2026 and ensure that suitable solar installations can be added in the future without costly structural changes to the buildings.
When designing a building optimised for solar energy generation, the key factors include
- a design that supports the additional weight of solar installations
- proper building orientation
- roof and façade design
Multiple uses and benefits of solar energy in buildings
The electricity generated by solar PV can be used in the building for lighting, appliances, driving a heat pump and recharging electric vehicles, among others.
If more electricity is produced than what is needed at a given moment, it can be
- stored in local batteries or in local thermal storage
- shared with neighbours
- exported to the electricity grid and sold
The heat generated by solar thermal panels can be used for heating tap water, showers and heating the building, also in combination with a heat pump.
Solar energy installations – where to put them?
Solar energy installations such as solar panels can be installed on the roof, the façade, balconies or terraces or nearby structures such as roofed car parks.
Solar panels can also be integrated in building elements, for instance tiles or façade or in solar shading.
A south orientation maximises energy production, making the most of peak sunshine hours. An east or west orientation provides a different generation pattern, with more production outside of peak hours, in the morning or in the afternoon.
National criteria for roll-out of solar
The directive requires solar energy installations on different categories of buildings. However, not all individual buildings in these categories will be required to be equipped with solar energy installations: EU countries will set national criteria for the practical implementation of the requirement, notably related to the suitability of specific buildings for solar energy installations. Aspects such as the technical and economic potential of solar energy installations on specific buildings or the structural capacity of a building to bear additional weight should be taken into account.
While existing residential buildings can greatly benefit from adding a solar installation, the directive does not require solar installations on such buildings. EU countries may however set national or local requirements for solar installations, for instance to be eligible for grants for building renovations.
Solar installations will be required for new residential buildings for which the building permit application is submitted from 1 January 2030 and where such installations are suitable and feasible.
If you are constructing a new building for your business, the requirement to install solar panels (where suitable and feasible) applies if the building permit is submitted from 1 January 2027.
If you own a building that is larger than 500 m2 for your business, the requirement to install solar panels (where suitable and feasible) applies when you undertake a major renovation or another type of work that requires an administrative permit, such as works on the roof, after 1 January 2028.
For existing schools, administration buildings, hospitals, etc., the requirement to install solar panels (where suitable and feasible) will apply gradually, starting with the largest public buildings (above 2000 m2) from 1 January 2028 and buildings above 750 m2 from 1 January 2029. It will apply to smaller public buildings (above 250 m2) from 1 January 2031.
Social housing buildings follow the same rules as other residential buildings.
Timeline - solar energy installations on buildings
This is the directive’s timeline for installing solar energy on new and existing buildings.
- 31/12/2026
New public and non-residential buildings > 250m2
- 31/12/2027
Existing public buildings >2 000m2
Existing non-residential buildings where the building undergoes a major renovation, or an action that requires an administrative permit for building renovations, works on the roof or the installation of a technical building system >500m2
- 31/12/2028
Existing public buildings >750m2
- 31/12/2029
All new roofed car parks physically adjacent to buildings
All new residential buildings
- 31/12/2030
Existing public buildings >250m2