SOLAR FINANCE AND INVESTMENT EUROPE INSIGHTS FROM LSP RENEWABLES!
Exploring the Future of Solar Investment
The Solar Finance and Investment Europe Conference is a leading event in the renewable energy sector, bringing together key players from the solar energy industry to explore investment opportunities, discuss financial strategies, and share insights on the future of solar power across Europe. As the demand for clean energy solutions continues to rise and Europe strengthens its commitment to achieving net-zero emissions, this conference serves as a vital platform for collaboration, innovation, and forward-thinking solutions in the solar energy space.
In 2025, the conference featured some great panels and workshops on various aspects of the solar market. With the European Union’s ambitious climate goals at the forefront, stakeholders are more eager than ever to explore new ways of financing solar projects and scaling up solar energy deployment across the continent.
Each year, the conference features a diverse lineup of speakers who explore the key themes outlined by the organizers, Solar Media. These themes can cover a broad spectrum, from "Finance and Investment Landscapes" to "Power Price and PPAs." A series of talks are then organized, broadening the discussion while zeroing in on the most relevant and pressing topics in the industry at the time.
Key takeaways from this year’s event –
Growth in Energy Transition Financing
• Financing for the energy transition is experiencing 40% year-on-year growth, highlighting strong capital flow into renewables despite broader economic uncertainties.
• Global investments reaching a record of $2.1 trillion in 2024
Credit Strength in Solar
• Solar remains a de-risked investment on the credit side, making it an attractive asset class for lenders.
• Predictability in solar energy generation further enhances its appeal, particularly when paired with energy storage solutions
RTB Values & Revenue Charity
• Discussions highlighted RTB (ready-to-build) values and the impact of revenue stability on investor confidence
Wind vs Solar Investment Dynamic
• Wind energy offers an attractive generation curve that appeals to offtakes, particularly in long-term PPA structures.
E-Mobility & Solar Integration
• E-Mobility is gaining traction as part of the energy transition, with growing discussions on how solar and storage can support the sector.
Challenges in Raising Funds & European Solar Outlook
• Fundraising for renewables is down, reflecting a more cautious investor climate.
• European solar is increasingly viewed as a weaker investment compared to other regions, leading some investors to shift focus elsewhere.
The conference reinforced that while solar energy continues to be a dominant and valuable asset in the global transition to renewables, several external factors significantly influence investment strategies.
As government policies and international agreements play a crucial role in shaping the direction of renewable energy investments. Political stability, regulatory frameworks, and government incentives, such as subsidies and tax breaks, are pivotal in driving investor confidence and ensuring that solar projects can move forward with certainty.
Additionally, the global renewable energy targets, set by various international bodies like the United Nations and the European Union, continue to have a significant impact on the strategies of investors and developers alike. These targets act as a guiding force, encouraging investments in projects that help meet ambitious climate goals. However, they also create pressure to accelerate the transition, leading to heightened competition and shifting priorities within the renewable energy sector.
LSP’s Head of Solar, Scott Thomson, attended the event alongside Head of Green Investments, Marcus Richards and Principle Consultant, Paige Brooks.
Scott says ‘The Solar Finance & Investment conference was great event, the speaker lineup did not disappoint. We heard from professionals from across the whole value chain, including funds, banks, IPPs, developers, EPCs and manufacturers on topics such as allocating capital, early financing, merchant financing, power prices in European markets (including cannibalisation and curtailment), maximising returns, and an interesting case study on “Developer to Independent Power Producer). There was also an interesting discussion on the role of an Asset Manager and how that has evolved. Outisde of the panel discussions and case studies, the networking area was buzzing; this is arguably the best event I attend where people genuinely want to network, discuss ideas, collaborate, and get deals done. Lastly, it was great catching up with some old contacts and meet new people in the industry. I think it’s safe to say this event will be one of the first on LSPs calendar every year.’
In conclusion, while the Solar industry continues to be a crucial piece of the puzzle in the global energy transition, political and market-driven pressures, coupled with the demand for comprehensive and integrated solutions, are reshaping how investments are being made. The need for flexibility, innovation, and adaptability is now more pronounced than ever, with stakeholders in the renewable energy sector being tasked with finding ways to not only meet current energy demands but also future-proof their investments in an ever-changing landscape.
If you have further questions about the Solar Finance & Investment Europe Conference or about new career opportunities arising across the solar industry, please contact our Solar team on solar@lsprenewables.com