For Buildings
Buildings account for a major share of our energy needs, representing 33% of the total energy consumed globally. 80% of the energy used in buildings relates to space heating and water heating, two basic needs for people’s health and hygiene which can be met by solar heat. In fact, most of the installed capacity of solar thermal applies to buildings. However, to date 63% of the energy used for heating in buildings is still produced by fossil fuels, which is why over one third of the EU’s energy-related greenhouse gas emissions come from buildings.
If Europe wants to reach its climate targets, it is pivotal to decarbonise buildings.
Solar heat for buildings: A no-regret solution
Solar thermal technology is key to meeting renewable heating and cooling targets in buildings. After a one-off capital investment, users can enjoy free energy for over 25 years and won’t be affected by energy price inflation. In addition, solar heat technologies are a no-regret solution as they can hybridise with any other energy supply (both in the case of retro fit and new buildings).
However, the higher upfront investments may constitute a barrier for European citizens in the adoption of such solutions, which leads them to being trapped in “low investment/high operating costs” options, often consisting of fossil-fuel based sources such as gas or even high CO2 content sources, such as electricity.
Key EU Fit x 55 files supporting the uptake of solar heat in buildings
Renewable Energy Directive (RED) targets (2023)
- 3: RES target for 2030 was raised to 42.5%
- 15a (new): sub-sectoral target for the share of RES in buildings: 49% in 2030
- 15c: introduction of renewable acceleration areas, where permit-granting shall be further streamlined
- 16d: specific provisions regarding permitting for the installation of solar energy equipment and co-located energy storage assets
- 23: binding target for RES in H&C; MS are required to increase their share of RES in H&C by 0.8 percentage points on average for the period 2021-25 and by 1.1 percentage points on average for the period 2026-30, compared to 2020
Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (2024)
- Solar Mandate requiring the installation of any solar technology on specific types of buildings by different headlines
- Minimum energy performance standards (MEPS)
- Zero emissions buildings and nearly zero-energy buildings
- Phase out financial incentives for stand-alone fossil boilers by end 2024
Emission Trading Scheme for Buildings (ETS 2- 2023)
- Buildings will fall under the ETS and suppliers (namely for heat or fuels used for heating) will have to report about their emissions as from 2027
- Member States shall use their revenues for activities that contribute to addressing social aspects, e.g. measures to decarbonise heating and cooling or reduce energy consumption in buildings, particularly for low-income households and worst-performing buildings
Energy Efficiency Directive (2023)
- 7% reduction of energy consumption by 2030 (vs 2020)
- National comprehensive assessments for efficient Heating & Cooling (H&C)
Did you know?
The 2024 revision of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) introduces a Solar Mandate to accelerate the uptake of all solar technologies (solar thermal, solar PV, and PV-thermal) on buildings. It requires Member States to “ensure that all new buildings are designed to optimise their solar energy generation potential on the basis of the solar irradiance of the site, enabling the subsequent cost-effective installation of solar technologies”. This article 10 of the EPBD is of particular relevance for solar heat and its various technologies.
Regarding the transposition of this article, Solar Heat Europe draws attention of national policy makers to the fact that key criteria, notably the energy output, should be taken into account, and not only the surface on the roof. Solar thermal systems produce three times more energy output in the same space as solar PV, which tends to be cheaper for the respective area but with considerably less energy output. Furthermore, the Solar Mandate should provide financial incentives for implementation to increase social acceptance and in view of the urgency of the climate crisis.
Another relevant file to support the uptake of Solar Heat:
“Energy Labelling and Ecodesign criteria for space and water heaters
Energy Labelling an Ecodesign criteria for space and water heaters
Another relevant file to support the uptake of Solar Heat:
Energy labelling plays a crucial role in guiding consumers towards more efficient and sustainable heating solutions. For space and water heaters, these labels provide essential information about the energy consumption and efficiency of the products, helping consumers make informed decisions. The European Union’s energy labelling framework categorizes by energy class, promoting transparency in the market and encouraging manufacturers to innovate and improve their products’ energy performance.
Solar thermal systems, particularly when integrated into solar packages, are highly relevant in this context. These packages often combine solar collectors with conventional heating systems, such as gas or heat pumps, to maximize energy efficiency. By utilizing solar energy, these systems can significantly reduce the reliance on fossil fuels, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and decrease energy bills for consumers.
Likewise, energy labelling (and ecodesign) is particularly significant for the solar thermal sector and its manufacturers. It is crucial to defend the fair representation of solar thermal technologies in regulatory frameworks to ensure their continued growth and effectiveness. The solar package, which integrates solar thermal systems with conventional heating solutions, must be accurately represented and promoted within energy labelling regulations. This ensures that the superior efficiency and environmental benefits for solar thermal systems are recognized and valued. By advocating for fair and effective regulations, manufacturers can help maintain the integrity and appeal of solar thermal solutions, encouraging broader adoption and supporting the transition to sustainable energy.
Our policy demand:
To accelerate the deployment of solar heat in buildings and unleash its benefits for citizens, it is necessary to provide appropriate financial incentives, such as zero-interest loans, for renewable heating and cooling solutions like solar heat. Furthermore, families facing fuel poverty shall be fully supported to install solar thermal systems and other on-site renewables, rather than being subsidised to use fossil fuels.