Hungary’s Solar Energy Landscape in 2024: A Year of Deployment and Future Projections

According to data from the Hungarian Photovoltaic Industry Association (MANAP), Hungary successfully deployed 1.41 GW of solar power in 2024. This figure, although representing significant progress, marked a slight decline compared to 2023. In 2023, Hungary witnessed a record-breaking solar deployment, with over 1.6 GW added. By the end of 2024, the country’s cumulative solar capacity surpassed 7 GW.

Ádám Szolnoki, the president of MANAP, detailed that the 2024 solar installations were composed of three main segments. Installations under 50 kW accounted for 362 MW. Commercial and industrial (C&I) installations contributed 322 MW, and utility-scale installations added 729 MW.

Szolnoki attributed the sharp drop in residential solar installations to the termination of the net-metering policy at the end of 2023. Conversely, behind - the - meter, non - feed - in C&I installations experienced growth. This was due to relatively simplified licensing procedures and persistently high energy prices.

In 2024, utility-scale installations continued to drive the Hungarian solar market, primarily because of the completion of pre-planned projects. However, Szolnoki issued a cautionary note. Given the lack of new connection permits obtained in the past two years, the growth of the utility-scale segment is expected to decelerate in the coming years. He projected that Hungary would add between 1.2 GW and 1.3 GW of solar capacity in 2025. In 2026, the expected addition would range from 900 MW to 1 GW.

When discussing regulatory measures to boost Hungary’s solar market, Szolnoki proposed revising the price cap for residential customers. He emphasized that the current price cap fails to mirror the actual market conditions.

In July 2024, the Hungarian government refinanced its rebate program for residential solar installations. By October 2024, reports indicated that the program was set to support over 300,000 installations. Earlier in 2025, the government adopted a set of proposals. These measures were aimed at streamlining the process of installing solar panels on apartment buildings.