Last year (2018) was a record year for photovoltaic solar energy in Brussels. However the Minister for Energy, Céline Fremault (the French-speaking Christian Democrats), remains highly supportive of solar panels as the regulator had advised her to be, reports L'Echo on Tuesday. Power output from new solar panel installations increased by 50%, compared to the previous year.
The support for photovoltaic solar energy is playing a significant part in this high increase. The Brussels region is the only one granting so-called “green certificates” to individuals installing solar panels on their roof.
That having been said Brugel, the Brussels regulator in the energy sector, has been recommending a reduction in the number of green certificates granted since last Autumn. However, Céline Fremault does not share this view.
Her department told L'Echo, “The Brussels market is such that there is no risk of the bubble bursting.” It elaborated, “The number of solar installations, albeit definitely increasing, does not risk leading to a corresponding increase in citizens’ energy bills.” The minister also stresses that the new installations are necessary to achieve European renewable energy objectives.
The Brussels Times
