The annual report from the energy analysis center Ember reveals a shift that largely went unnoticed by the mainstream media: in 2025, clean energy sources covered the entirety of global growth in electricity demand for the first time. The main driver: solar photovoltaics, which saw record growth in generation. As a result, new fossil fuel capacity (coal, gas) is no longer needed to meet the additional demand. Coal hasn’t disappeared, but its relative share is no longer growing. This structural turning point is a strategic game-changer for many sectors: the continued decline in the cost per kWh of solar power (around 30 to 40 euros per MWh under optimal conditions) makes self-consumption profitable for an increasing number of smaller businesses. A bakery, a mechanical workshop, or a farm can now cover 40 to 60 % of its consumption with an investment that pays for itself in 6 to 8 years. In the French West Indies, where electricity is among the most expensive in the eurozone and where sunlight is exceptional, the numbers look even better. The market for solar installations for very small businesses is set to explode.
Why It's InspiringHave a certified installer assess your roof for free. With current solar prices and overseas subsidies, self-consumption is becoming cost-effective even for a bakery or a small workshop. Make your decision now. |
