For the first time, Europe's photovoltaic sector installed more new capacity than any other renewable electricity source over the year. EurObserv'ER estimates that 13023.2 MWp of photovoltaic modules were connected to the grid in the European Union, which is a 120.1% year-on-year rise (from 5918.2 MWp in 2009). These new plants raise the European Union's photovoltaic capacity to 29327.7 MWp.

Europe continued to lead photovoltaic plant installation with over 80% of global installed capacity, ahead of the other major markets which built up capacity in 2010. Japan installed just under one GW in 2010 (483 MWp in 2009).

The United States are expected to have added about 800 MWp in 2010 (against 473 MWp in 2009). For China at least 400 MWp new capacity is expected in 2010 (compared to about 160 MWp in 2009).

Besides the 2010 realisations (MWp) per EU Member State other subjects that are discussed in the new barometer are:

+ Selected country reviews

+ Renewable energy policies

+ Industry overview

+ Comparison with National Renewable Energy Action Plans

Key data for the year 2010:

+ Photovoltaic capacity installed in EU-27 at the end of 2010: 29.3 GW

+ 13.0 GW of photovoltaic capacity installed in EU at the end of 2010

+ Market growth +120% (EU-27 capacity installed in 2010 compared to 2009)

+ 22.5 TWh photovoltaic electricity produced in EU-27 in 2010

EurObserv'ER Barometer
 The EurObserv'ER Barometer regularly publishes indicators reflecting the current dynamics

in renewable energies (solar, wind, hydropower, geothermal and biomass, biogas, biofuels) worldwide and within the European Union. In 'The State of Renewable Energies in Europe' two additional technologies have been assessed: solar thermal electricity, small hydropower and ocean energy.

The EurObserv'ER barometer is a project supported by the European Commission within the DG Energy "Intelligent Energy Europe" programme. It is also supported by the Ademe, the French Environment and Energy management Agency.

The bilingual (French/English) EurObserv'ER Barometers are available for download in PDF format at this website.

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