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Europe Sees Surge in Rooftop Solar Orders Amid Rising Gas Prices
Rooftop solar installations in Europe have increased significantly following the Middle East war that began on February 28, 2026, which led to higher oil and gas prices. Demand for solar systems from households and businesses rose in March and continues to grow in April, according to equipment wholesalers and renewable utilities in Northwest Europe.
Apr 24, 2:00 AM·1m read2 sources
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Rooftop solar installations in Europe have increased since the Middle East war began on February 28, 2026, leading to an oil and gas supply crisis and higher power prices. Demand from households and businesses for rooftop solar systems rose in March and has continued to increase in April, as consumers seek to reduce exposure to elevated gas and electricity prices, according to equipment wholesalers and renewable utilities in Northwest Europe who spoke to Reuters.
Sales at German solar equipment wholesaler Solarhandel24 more than tripled in March 2026 and are projected to triple again in April 2026, company representatives told Reuters. German solar solutions provider Enpal reported a 30% increase in orders in March 2026 compared to March 2025, and anticipates a 33% rise in April 2026.
UK firm OVO Energy stated in an analysis last month that approximately 13.7 million homes in the UK are suitable for solar panels, representing nearly half of all residential buildings. If installed, these panels would generate 28.5 terawatt-hours of renewable energy annually, sufficient to charge the UK's 1.2 million electric vehicles for almost 10 years, according to OVO Energy.
association SolarPower Europe reported in research that solar power saved the European Union 111.7 million euros per day during the first 17 days of the Middle East conflict through avoided fossil fuel imports. Without solar electricity, the EU's fossil fuel import costs would have been 32% higher during that period, the research indicated.
