Despite fears of the solar thermal market in the EU slowing down, in 2005 the market returned to its show of solid growth. “We are very pleased with the development of the European market,” said Uwe Brechlin, Secretary General of ESTIF, the organisation for manufacturers of solar thermal devices. “The traditional lead markets – Germany, Austria and Greece – have all performed well in 2005 and we now see some very good developments in several of the high-potential markets like France and Spain.”

At the end of 2005, the total capacity in operation in the EU (plus Switzerland) reached 11.2 GWth (15.9 million m2 of collector area).

Based on recent market feedback, ESTIF estimates that the European solar thermal industry will achieve a growth rate of at least 20% or more in 2006.

More information: ESTIF