Greece is moving to make rooftop and balcony solar panels accessible to every citizen, according to the Minister of Environment and Energy. Stavros Papastavrou outlined the initiative on Monday while addressing the Parliament’s Standing Committee on Production and Trade, where lawmakers were examining a wide-ranging energy bill that also introduces new legislation designed to simplify the adoption of renewable energy and accelerate the country’s green transition.
What the bill does
The legislation transposes two European Union directives on renewable energy — EU Directives 2023/2413 and 2024/1405 — into Greek law, updating the existing regulatory framework with new targets, definitions and streamlined permitting procedures. A third EU directive, 2024/1788, is partially incorporated as well.
At its core, the bill is designed to lower the barriers for individual households to produce their own electricity. “The sun and the wind belong to everyone,” Papastavrou said, framing the push for balcony photovoltaic panels as a step toward what he described as “energy democracy” — the idea that access to affordable, clean energy should not be limited to large industrial players.
Greece already a European leader in renewables
Greece has made notable strides in renewable energy in recent years. Of the 18 gigawatts of renewable capacity currently feeding into the national energy mix, 9.2 gigawatts flow through the low- and medium-voltage grid managed by HEDNO (the Hellenic Electricity Distribution Network Operator), which handles electricity supply to homes and small businesses.
Within that figure, at least 80,000 small-scale installations are already operating — one of the highest penetration rates of small renewables in Europe, according to the minister. “Energy in Greece concerns everyone, not just the big players,” Papastavrou said.
Streamlining the path for citizens
The bill aims to build on that momentum by further reducing bureaucratic hurdles and increasing transparency, giving more Greeks the practical ability to install solar panels — including the compact units designed for apartment balconies, which are gaining popularity across Europe as urban households seek to cut electricity bills.
The minister said the goal is “accessible, abundant energy with a diversified energy mix” and a reduced dependence on imported fossil fuels, while ensuring energy security for both households and businesses.
Balancing development with environmental protection
The legislation also addresses how renewable energy projects and urban development can expand into areas covered by the Natura 2000 network — the EU’s system of protected natural habitats. Greece has an unusually large share of its territory under Natura 2000 protections, including entire cities such as Ioannina and Kastoria in northwestern Greece, islands like Halki and Skopelos in the Aegean, and major public infrastructure including airports and ports.
Papastavrou said the bill seeks to prevent haphazard urban sprawl in these sensitive zones while still allowing for carefully planned, limited expansion. Any proposed changes would require Special Environmental Studies, alignment with local or special urban planning schemes, and a Strategic Environmental Impact Assessment that includes a new round of public consultation.
As a final safeguard, all such plans must be approved by the Council of State — Greece’s highest administrative court — which conducts a preventive legality review.
“Instead of a misguided political correctness that ignores meaningful protection of nature, we choose to look at the real data and recognize the need for balanced development — with order and rules — that rationally meets the needs of the local population, maintains quality of life, and safeguards natural capital and biodiversity,” Papastavrou said.
