‘Every sunny surface’ is being put to work. Europeans transforming their homes with solar driveways

Europeans are turning their driveways and patios into mini solar farms, moving closer to a more secure and cheaper energy system. The conflict with Iran and the resulting rise in oil and gas prices have pushed solar energy as a solution, saving the EU €40 billion in gas imports since the war began, according to Solar Power Europe. However, households continue to face high electricity and gas bills, prompting them to take control of their own energy.

Germany's renewable energy firm Enpal BV noted a 30% increase in inquiries for solar panels after the first weeks of the US-Israel war against Iran. In the UK, energy firm EON saw a 23% spike in solar interest between February 23 and March 1, followed by a 63% surge between March 2 and 8.

Solar driveways and patios are not limited to rooftops; companies are exploring innovative ways to integrate solar panels into homes. Europe's driveways are being transformed into solar-powered surfaces through companies like PLATIO, which specializes in solar panels for decking and patios. In 2018, PLATIO installed a 1.7 kWp system on a driveway in Hungary, capable of powering basic household appliances. In 2021, a 6.64 kWp system covered the annual electricity needs of a three-bedroom home in Germany.

SolarPave, based in the UK, offers similar solutions, with projects including a residential solar driveway and balcony floor in Yorkshire. While solar panels fixed horizontally on the ground generate less electricity than those angled on rooftops, they can still help reduce energy bills. However, the payback period is difficult to estimate due to varying factors like location and panel efficiency.

Sonia Dunlop, CEO of the Global Solar Council, believes that with falling prices and more versatile designs, solar driveways, patios, fences, and car parks are becoming increasingly popular, bringing Europe closer to a cheaper, more secure, and locally owned energy system.