Rapid Growth and Market Trends
📈 Strong Capacity Expansion
- The Balkans’ solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity is growing quickly. Solar capacity in the region is projected to reach about 13 GW by 2026, up from roughly 5.5 GW in 2023 — nearly 2.4× growth in a few years.
- Major increases are expected in both EU and non-EU Balkan countries, including Bulgaria, Slovenia, Croatia, Serbia, North Macedonia, and Bosnia & Herzegovina.
🏆 Regional Leaders
- Greece is the standout leader in the wider Balkan area, with over 7.8 GW installed and solar often supplying 30–35 % of midday electricity demand on sunny days.
- Bulgaria has installed several gigawatts and generates a notable share of its electricity from solar.
- Emerging markets like Serbia, North Macedonia, and Kosovo are actively developing solar projects, though at smaller absolute scales.
Major Solar Projects & Initiatives
🇦🇱
Albania
- The Karavasta Solar Park (140 MW) is now one of the largest in the Western Balkans, marking a major milestone for the region’s solar deployment.
🇽🇰
Kosovo
- The Solar4Kosovo project (100 MW) is under development with EU support, aimed at reducing dependence on coal and expanding renewable energy.
🇭🇷
Croatia
- Solar capacity has been growing, with large utility-scale plants planned or under construction, contributing to the country’s renewable mix.
🇧🇬
Bulgaria
- Significant operational solar parks (e.g., Karadzhalovo Solar Park, 60 MW) and additional new deployments showcase the utility-scale solar drive in Bulgaria.
🏙️ Urban & Rooftop Solar Initiatives
- Projects like Balkan Solar Roofs aim to install several hundred new rooftop solar systems across cities in Croatia, Serbia, and Bosnia & Herzegovina.
Policy, Investment & Future Outlook
📊 Market Forecasts
- Forecasts indicate the Western Balkans could add 20 GW or more of total power capacity by 2040, with renewables (including solar) making up nearly 65 % of that growth.
📜 Renewable Energy Policy Tools
- National governments are introducing auctions and support mechanisms to attract private investment and accelerate solar deployment. For example, Serbia’s auctions in 2023 included solar and wind capacity allocations.
🌍 EU & International Support
- EU investment plans and international financing are playing a key role in solar project development, especially in non-EU Balkan states.
Why the Balkans Are Important for Solar
- The region has excellent solar irradiation, favorable project economics, and increasing public and private interest in clean energy investment.
- Combined planned solar and wind capacities could dramatically outcompete traditional fossil fuel generation by volume if projects are realized.