Slovenia’s solar industry experienced a surprising boom in 2024 with the establishment of 298.8 MW of solar capacity. This represents a slowdown from the past year, but it appears that the nation is genuine about renewable energy despite changing policy environments.
Overall, new capacity was comprised of 191.5 MW from residential installations, 100.8 MW from commercial and industrial (C&I) projects, and 6.5 MW from utility-scale solar. The proportion indicates a robust residential market that is the largest segment, although it faced difficulties with the phasing out of net metering and the reforms in the electricity tariff system.
Impact of Policy Changes
Slovenian Photovoltaic Association Director Nina Hojnik was cited as saying about the market reacting to policy reform, “The residential segment, with the biggest share of 742 MW, is ‘practically at a standstill’ as a result of the expiration of net metering, changing public opinion, uncertainty over the new tariff regime, and controversy over nuclear power.” This statement summarizes the challenges the solar industry is facing now, striking a balance between economic growth and policy reform.
Last year’s addition was a fall from 486 MW installed in 2023, and it raised Slovenia’s total solar capacity to 1.4 GW. This fall is due to the policy changes outlined above, but the cumulative growth over the years still reflects Slovenia’s development in the use of solar power.
Government Support
To counter these market forces, in January the Slovenian Ministry of Cohesion and Regional Development launched a €16 million ($16.6 million) initiative to fund solar energy communities. The initiative targets specifically projects of at least 100 kW, encouraging group solar installation activities.
Despite the disappointments, the Slovenian solar market remains optimistic. The residential segment, while slowed down, still holds sway over installed capacity, showing an embedded Solar acceptance at the household level. Meanwhile, the introduction of new financing support measures can be poised to trigger further growth in the C&I and utility-scale segments, and potentially reverse the trend of declining annual additions.
Conclusion
Slovenia’s solar path in 2024 is a portent of an emerging market adjusting to shifting regulation scenarios but continuing to be open to clean power. The nation is able to enroll a solar rush, becoming even more firmly entrenched as Europe’s clean power stronghold, through supportive measures and adjusting.
