Poland Photovoltaics

Photovoltaics (PV) is one of the fastest growing segments of the renewable energy sector in Poland. As of March 1, 2020, the capacity of photovoltaic installations in Poland was 1596.5 MW, representing an increase of 183.2 percent year-on-year. Further, in the first quarter of 2020, PVs recorded and an 8.4 percent increase.   In 2019, Poland ranked fourth within the EU in terms of annual increases in new solar power.

Last year’s success was the result of three major events; 1) a significant decreases in world prices for PV system modules and elements as well as, 2) extensive Polish government programs supporting small investors (I.e., Thermo-modernization and My Electricity programs) and, 3) RES auctions for large investors.  Representatives of the energy industry agree that the rapid development of photovoltaics, especially in terms of prosumer, cannot be stopped.

A significant element of PV micro installations, (more than 60% of capacity), are systems implemented by individual prosumers. This trend has been driven by the growing energy prices arising since 2012, resulting in numerous small installation companies being established to respond to growing demand. Market experts predict that within next 10 years, Poles will install nearly 1 million individual PV roofs (each roof installation will be of 50-100kW capacity).

Large PV investors are supported by the government via RES auctions, which have been organized each year since 2016 by the Polish Energy System Regulator. This has resulted in more than 1000 projects with a total capacity of over 1.6GW that will be eligible for government premium payments over 15 years. By the end of 2019, over 400 projects became operational. 

For 2020, the planned capacity for PV installations will be 1000 MW.  Poland has a reputation of being one of Europe’s most polluting countries, still relying heavily on coal for power production,  while traditionally not  supporting the development of renewable energies. It is unlikely that in 2020, Poland will achieve the 15% target of energy from renewables outlined by the Polish government in the National Renewable Energy Action Plan (NREAP). The Polish government is attempting to reach this target to avoid fines that can be imposed by the EU Commission.  In the most favorable scenario, according to the Polish Institute for Renewable Energy, it is estimated that 13.8% of energy produced in Poland could originate from renewables.

For more information please contact Poland Commercial Specialist Anna Janczewska at anna.janczewska@trade.gov