A recent study has revealed that the use of solar power in EU countries has shot up in the midst of the current gas crisis. In Germany, almost a fifth of all power generated came from the sun this summer.

Solar power accounts for fifth of German energy supply

The extraordinarily sunny weather felt across Europe this summer - which was the sunniest ever recorded in Germany - helped European countries in the fight against the current gas crisis. A study by global think tank Ember Climate has revealed that EU countries generated record amounts of solar power over the summer months.

Between May and August, the EU produced 99,4 terawatt hours of solar power, an increase of 22 terawatt hours, or 28 percent, compared to the same period last year. This amounted to 12 percent of Europe’s electricity supply - last year solar power only made up 9 percent.

In Germany, solar power made up 19 percent of the total electricity supply. This amounts to an increase of 3 percent points compared to the same period last year.

Solar energy helps Europe save 29 billion euros

Due to the war in Ukraine, gas prices have skyrocketed, and Germany has found itself scrambling to reduce its reliance on Russian gas. This has proven costly, especially when you factor in the cost of new infrastructure like liquefied natural gas (LNG) import terminals.

This summer, EU countries would have been forced to buy an extra 20 billion cubic metres of gas to make up for the energy produced from solar power. This would have cost 29 billion euros, according to average daily gas prices.

The top countries for solar power in Europe

The study found that 18 EU countries generated record amounts of solar power this summer, with the Netherlands taking the top spot, having generated 23 percent of its total electricity supply from solar power. The Netherlands was followed by Germany (19 percent) and Spain (17 percent).

The top 10 countries for solar power in Europe are:

1. Netherlands (23 percent)
2. Germany (19 percent)
3. Spain (17 percent)
4. Italy (15 percent)
5. Greece (15 percent)
6. Hungary (15 percent)
7. Denmark (13 percent)
8. Belgium (13 percent)
9. Portugal (9 percent)
10. Czechia (8 percent)

For the full report and methodology, visit the Ember Climate website.