Eu agreement: Mandatory solar power for new buildings!

The European Parliament and the European Council have reached a provisional agreement on strengthening the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD), which aims to improve the energy performance of buildings and requires new buildings to be prepared for the installation of solar energy.

Under the revised EPBD, EU member states are required to reduce the average primary energy use of residential buildings by 16% by 2030 and by 20-22% by 2035. All countries can choose which buildings to target and which measures to take.

The measures implemented by EU Member States need to ensure a reduction in average primary energy use of at least 55% by retrofitting the worst-performing buildings. However, historic buildings or holiday homes are exempt.

For non-domestic buildings, the revised EPBD requires progressive improvements through minimum energy performance standards. By 2030 and 2033, 16% and 26% of the worst-performing buildings will need to be renovated, respectively.

The EPBD also stipulates that financing measures must incentivise and complement renovations, and specifically target vulnerable customers and the worst-performing buildings.

Eu Energy Commissioner Kadri Simson said: "Refurbishment is an investment in a better future. This will improve the quality of life and enable people to invest their savings elsewhere, boosting our economy."

To facilitate the implementation of these measures, EU member states will develop national refurbishment plans, identify national strategies for decarbonizing buildings and how to address remaining obstacles, such as financing, training and attracting more skilled workers.

Countries will also develop national building renovation passport programs to guide owners through phased renovations to achieve zero emissions in their buildings.

In addition, the EPBD requires EU member States to ensure that new buildings are suitable for the installation of rooftop solar photovoltaic or solar thermal systems. From 2027, existing public and non-domestic buildings must be installed with solar energy.

In March, the European Commission proposed changes to the EU's electricity market design. The European Parliament voted to approve EPBD, and rooftop solar is on the table.

Jan Rosenberg, Policy Advisor at SolarPower Europe, said these measures will strengthen the effective integration of solar PV projects with building construction processes.

"Rooftop buildings, for example, will soon be combined with solar installations, reducing costs and allowing us to use our limited available workforce as efficiently as possible."

Prior to the revision of the EPBD, the European Commission also published an action plan at the end of November to accelerate grid roll-out and improve grid efficiency.