Welcome to DU!
The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards.
Join the community:
Create a free account
Support DU (and get rid of ads!):
Become a Star Member
Latest Breaking News
Editorials & Other Articles
General Discussion
The DU Lounge
All Forums
Issue Forums
Culture Forums
Alliance Forums
Region Forums
Support Forums
Help & Search
Solar power in new configurations can support Europe's green transition and energy independence
https://ingenioer.au.dk/en/current/news/view/artikel/solar-power-in-new-configurations-can-support-europes-green-transition-and-energy-independenceSolar power in new configurations can support Europe’s green transition and energy independence
A comprehensive energy model and a focus on fair transition and resilience reveal that Europe can reach climate neutrality by 2050 with only slightly higher costs - even if every country produces as much energy as it consumes. Smart solar solutions make the goal achievable and affordable.
15 July 2025 by Jesper Bruun Petersen
Europe has committed to becoming climate-neutral by 2050. But how can we get there in a way that’s technically feasible, economically responsible, and fair to all member states? Researchers from Aarhus University and the Technical University of Denmark offer an answer in a new study published in Nature Communications.
…
Solar power and cooperation are key
One of the most important technologies in the scenario is solar energy, particularly new configurations of solar panels. The models show that single-axis tracking systems, which follow the sun from east to west throughout the day, are cost-effective across Europe. Moreover, underdimensioning inverters turns out to be a financially sound strategy, as solar panels rarely operate at full capacity.
“Technologies once deemed too expensive have now become cost-effective solutions because the price of solar panels has dropped dramatically,” says Parisa Rahdan. “This includes inverter sizing and configurations where solar panels are tilted east and west.”
These solutions are especially valuable in densely populated or land-constrained countries, where they can maximize energy yield per area and support self-sufficiency.
…
Rahdan, P., Zeyen, E. & Victoria, M. Strategic deployment of solar photovoltaics for achieving self-sufficiency in Europe throughout the energy transition. Nat Commun 16, 6259 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-61492-9A comprehensive energy model and a focus on fair transition and resilience reveal that Europe can reach climate neutrality by 2050 with only slightly higher costs - even if every country produces as much energy as it consumes. Smart solar solutions make the goal achievable and affordable.
15 July 2025 by Jesper Bruun Petersen
Europe has committed to becoming climate-neutral by 2050. But how can we get there in a way that’s technically feasible, economically responsible, and fair to all member states? Researchers from Aarhus University and the Technical University of Denmark offer an answer in a new study published in Nature Communications.
…
Solar power and cooperation are key
One of the most important technologies in the scenario is solar energy, particularly new configurations of solar panels. The models show that single-axis tracking systems, which follow the sun from east to west throughout the day, are cost-effective across Europe. Moreover, underdimensioning inverters turns out to be a financially sound strategy, as solar panels rarely operate at full capacity.
“Technologies once deemed too expensive have now become cost-effective solutions because the price of solar panels has dropped dramatically,” says Parisa Rahdan. “This includes inverter sizing and configurations where solar panels are tilted east and west.”
These solutions are especially valuable in densely populated or land-constrained countries, where they can maximize energy yield per area and support self-sufficiency.
…