The European Union is setting a decisive course towards a greener future, with legislative efforts significantly accelerating the adoption of solar energy. For professionals in the solar sector, these regulations are not merely policy shifts but fundamental changes reshaping daily operations and skill requirements.

This overview outlines the trajectory of these changes: starting from the EU-level mandates, moving to Germany’s national “Solarpaket 1,” and landing on the specific technical and regional requirements that installers must navigate today.

1. The European Driver: The EPBD and Solar Rooftop Initiative

At the highest level, the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) is the engine driving demand. The EU has introduced a legal obligation for solar panel installation on various building types, known as the Solar Rooftop Initiative.

• The Mandate: This initiative requires all new buildings to be “solar ready” and phases in mandatory solar installations for public, commercial, and eventually residential buildings.

• Resource: The European Commission provides a clear factsheet and timeline for these mandates. It details the deadlines for different building types, essential for long-term business planning.

Read the EU Guidelines: Solar Energy in Buildings

2. National Implementation: Germany’s “Solarpaket 1”

Germany is translating these EU goals into immediate action through the “Solarpaket 1” (Solar Package 1). This legislative package is designed to cut “red tape” and drastically speed up the deployment of solar energy.

• Key Changes: The package simplifies the grid connection process, eases rules for “balcony solar” (raising the inverter limit to 800W), and introduces simplified models for “Gemeinschaftliche Gebäudeversorgung” (selling solar power to tenants).

• Resource: The Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy offers a comprehensive FAQ. This is a primary resource for understanding the legal changes affecting permitting and multi-tenant projects.

View the BMWE FAQ on Solarpaket 1

3. Technical Impact: Guidance for the Trades (ZVEH)

For the technician on the roof or at the inverter, legislative changes translate into new technical standards. The Central Association of the German Electrical and Information Technology Trades (ZVEH) provides specific guidance on how “Solarpaket 1” affects daily installation work.

• Practical Application: The new laws simplify the registration and connection of PV systems. Notably, the grid connection process for systems up to 30 kWp has been streamlined, reducing waiting times for approvals.

• Resource: The ZVEH has published a summary detailing the new technical connection conditions (TAB) and what these simplifications mean for electrical businesses.

Read the ZVEH Summary for Installers

4. Regional Mandates: The Berlin Example

While federal law sets the framework, specific obligations often apply at the state level. Berlin serves as a prime example of how the EU’s “solar mandate” is already a local reality through the “Solargesetz Berlin”.

• Local Requirements: In Berlin, the installation of photovoltaic systems is mandatory for all new buildings and for existing buildings undergoing significant roof renovations.

• Resource: The Senate Department for Energy provides the full text of the law and guidance for building owners and installers operating in the capital.

Access the Berlin Solar Law Guidance

5. The Skills Gap: Preparing for the New Standards

These regulations create a clear demand for a workforce that is not only technically proficient but also legally literate.

• Eco-design & Labelling: Beyond installation, new EU Eco-design regulations will introduce A-G Energy Labels for PV modules. Installers will need to interpret these for clients, comparing products based on efficiency and durability.

• Training Needs: Technicians must now possess a hybrid skill set: mastery of VDE/IEC standards for safety, combined with knowledge of the EPBD and local mandates like the Solargesetz.

For solar technicians, these changes represent both a challenge and a significant opportunity. Programs focused on the latest IEC and VDE standards, combined with specific modules on EU regulatory compliance, will equip installers to contribute effectively to Europe’s energy transition.

greentech.training has been preparing for the new regulation with partners from across Europe and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy for the past year. News about the German-launch of the new EU-wide Solar Technician program to support the transition will be announced soon.