Germany, Spain and Italy are among the European countries that have reached a new level in energy efficiency. According to a recent report, the installation and use of photovoltaic (PV) panels in these countries now costs as much as traditional power sources. This equipment is now affordable for homeowners on all levels of the economic spectrum, something that has not happened previously in the relatively short lifespan of solar energy.

Eclareon is the international solar power research organization that conducted the study. The original purpose was to see to what extent solar energy was being used by homeowners and how well it was becoming a part of the broader energy market. The information points to a very bright future for solar power, as prices will only continue to drop as demand for the equipment rises.

However, according to the research, government regulations could stand in the way of further energy progress. In Spain, for example, Madrid recently introduced legislation that would make it illegal for people to consume electricity they produce their own personal solar panels. Such unnecessary interventions need to be stopped if Europe – and the rest of the world – is going to embrace this technology.

Germany, in particular, has been singled out by Eclareon for its vast improvements in renewable energy sources. While the country was recently criticized for shutting down its nuclear power operations, the study found that a quarter of its overall power is provided by renewable energy, an astounding 7 percent increase in just over a decade. Germany hopes to move that number up to 45 percent by 2025.

If you are a Maryland resident interested in the energy efficiency of your own home, schedule an energy audit today with Alban Inspections.