A new European analysis reveals that the solar potential on rooftops could transform the energy system: up to 40% of future electricity could be generated from rooftops.
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A new analysis by the Joint Research Centre (JRC) shows that rooftop solar energy could become an essential pillar for Europe’s long‑term electricity supply. The study estimates that the rooftops of the EU’s 271 million buildings could host up to 2.3 TWp of photovoltaic capacity and produce around 2,750 TWh annually with current technology, which would be equivalent to covering around 40% of electricity demand in a fully renewable energy scenario by 2050.
The analysis, published in Nature Energy, represents the first Europe‑wide assessment that breaks down residential and non‑residential rooftop photovoltaic potential at the building level. It is based on the latest version of the European Digital Building Stock Model, a high‑resolution geospatial database that enables more accurate and useful estimates for energy planning. It also incorporates recent advances in photovoltaic module efficiency, which have increased from 18% in 2018 to 22% in 2025, along with greater power density achievable on flat roofs of large buildings.
The results underline that large‑scale deployment of rooftop photovoltaics could significantly reduce pressure on available land, accelerate decarbonisation, and provide a solid foundation for energy planning in European cities and regions.
