For the first time ever, solar power became the leading source of electricity in the EU, outpacing all others in June 2025. According to new figures from the energy think tank Ember, solar energy made up 22.1% of the EU’s electricity generation last month—slightly surpassing nuclear power and leaving fossil fuels well behind.
At least 13 EU countries saw record-breaking levels of solar generation, including the Netherlands, where solar supplied 40.5% of electricity, and Greece, which reached 35.1%. The milestone was driven by a combination of expanded solar capacity and consistent sunny weather. The solar surge also helped meet a jump in electricity demand caused by intense early-summer heatwaves across the region.
Solar power is one of the most popular and sustainable energy sources in the world today. It harnesses the energy from the sun and converts it into electricity using solar panels. With growing concerns about climate change and the environment, more and more people are turning to solar power as a cleaner alternative to traditional energy sources.
Click on to explore how solar power works, the technology behind it, and its benefits for the individual and the planet.