Future prediction isn’t an easy job; but the sector of energy needs is an exception. Any analysis for the same would only point towards the fact the energy demands and are rising exponentially, and the resources entrusted with the job to satisfy these demands are plummeting at the same rate. Europe hosts many fully grown and industrial nations for whom the task for energy provision becomes even more daunting, because of the rapidly rising population numbers. The walk towards the future becomes a race in such a situation, and this brings to light matters like the status of renewable energy systems prevalent in the continent.

Solar energy is, by far, the most viable of all unconventional and non-polluting energy forms. The fact that other energy forms such as biofuels etc. are derivatives of solar energy catapults its status to the zenith. And in a continent that faces demanding energy needs for the complete year (air conditioning in the summers, and household heating in winters), solar energy presents itself as a saving grace. Quite commendably, the European Union has risen to the occasion and made rapid leaps in the arena of solar energy system implementation. What speaks volumes of the European effort is the fact that nations like Germany and Spain persistently feature amongst the list of world leaders as far as clean solar energy based electricity production is concerned.

PV-NET is a conglomerate of representatives from all spheres of energy based research and development centers in Europe. This group provides an interface of valuable interaction amongst solar energy specialists from various nations. The results of the conferences and seminars organized by PV-NET are already there to be seen. This network helps policy makers in developing strategies to achieve the green energy standards put in place by the European Commission. Europe began the twenty first century with the honor of producing more than half of the clean energy in the world, and the passing years have seen the continent maintain and improve its solar energy production and distribution systems. As of 2010, Germany emerged as the largest photovoltaic power producing nation in the world as regards the installed capacity. Spain houses the largest photovoltaic power center in the world, called the Olmedilla Photovoltaic Park, churning out as much as 60 MWp.

EPIA, the European Photovoltaic Industry Association is devoted to the solar electricity production arena, and is the largest industry association at that. The aim of this organization is to improve and promote the photovoltaic product markets at a national, European as well as global level. Another worth mentioning aspect of the solar energy situation in the European countries is the contribution to electricity needs in heating service. Though China continues to be the leader in the solar heating installations, the European Union continues its quest towards brighter energy future through ever increasing markets of solar heating devices. European Solar Thermal Energy Federation (ESTIF) has set a target of implementing solar heating worth 5,600,000 tons of oil by 2020. It shall be interesting to see as to whether Europe is able to achieve these lofty standards.

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