The solar energy industry in Europe is thriving, driven by a strong push towards sustainable energy and environmental responsibility. This sector includes a mix of solar panel manufacturers, installation companies, and innovative technology firms focused on efficiency and energy storage. As governments and organizations prioritize green energy, investments are skyrocketing. Countries like Germany, France, and Spain are pivotal players, gaining ground in global solar capacity. The industry's trajectory points towards increased adoption of advanced storage solutions and cleaner solar technologies, with ambitious targets set for 2030. The future looks bright as clean energy becomes essential for a greener Europe.


The list highlights twelve prominent investors in the European solar energy sector, showcasing a varied mix of venture capitalists, corporate entities, and not-for-profit organizations. Notable locations include Eindhoven, London, and Brussels. Founded as early as 1958 and as recently as 2015, these investors vary in size, with a few employing thousands. Collectively, they engaged in 442 investments in 2024, reflecting robust activity in sustainable energy funding.


Top 12 Solar Energy Investors in Europe


1. European Investment Bank (EIB)


The European Investment Bank (EIB) is a public entity based in Luxembourg, established in 1958, that provides financial services including loans, equity investments, guarantees, and advisory services to support sustainable projects across various sectors. In 2023, the EIB provided a €150 million loan to Iberdrola to develop 400MW of photovoltaic (PV) and wind projects in Italy, which includes the development of Europe’s largest solar PV plant in Portugal. This transaction highlights the EIB's active role in financing renewable energy projects, particularly in the solar sector. Additionally, the EIB has been involved in various debt financing transactions with major energy companies, indicating its broader commitment to supporting sustainable energy initiatives.


2. InnoEnergy

  • Website: innoenergy.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Eindhoven, North Brabant, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 2010
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • Number of deals in 2024: 52
  • LinkedIn: innoenergy

EIT InnoEnergy is a not-for-profit organization founded in 2010, based in Eindhoven, North Brabant, Netherlands, dedicated to accelerating sustainable energy innovations. It serves as a marketplace for energy solutions, offering training programs and support for innovators and corporates in the energy sector. InnoEnergy collaborates with various stakeholders to tackle the challenges of energy transition and sustainability. Notably, InnoEnergy has been involved in significant transactions in the solar energy context, such as Ecoligo, which raised over $11.9 million in 2024 to expand its solar energy solutions in developing countries. They also participated in funding rounds for Pionierkraft, a company that may have solar energy applications. These activities highlight InnoEnergy's commitment to fostering innovations in the solar energy industry.


3. Shell

  • Website: shell.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1907
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 20
  • LinkedIn: shell

Shell plc is a multinational oil and gas company based in London, England, founded in 1907. While traditionally focused on the extraction, refining, and distribution of oil and gas, Shell has increasingly diversified its portfolio to include renewable energy investments. Notably, Shell has invested in several solar energy companies, such as acquiring a 20% stake in Bengaluru-based Orb Energy, which aims to provide reliable electricity to underserved populations. Additionally, Shell signed an agreement to acquire a 49% stake in Cleantech Solar, enhancing its presence in the commercial solar market in Southeast Asia and India. Shell also participated in funding rounds for SolarNow and Geli, further solidifying its commitment to the solar energy sector. This strategic shift reflects Shell's recognition of the growing importance of renewable energy in the global energy landscape.


4. Bpifrance French Tech Accélération


Bpifrance French Tech Accélération is a venture capital investor based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, founded in 2015. As a public entity and financial institution, Bpifrance supports entrepreneurs and businesses both in France and internationally, offering services such as direct funding, export credit insurance, and private equity investments. The institution aims to foster entrepreneurship and innovation through coaching and partnerships, helping businesses navigate growth and international expansion. In the solar energy sector, Bpifrance has been involved in significant transactions, including a venture round for Sun'R, which raised $36,667,600 in May 2021, and a funding round for Apex Energies, which raised 13.5 million euros to finance the construction of solar power plants in France. Additionally, they participated in a debt financing round for Technique Solaire, which raised $343,456,974 in April 2025. These transactions highlight Bpifrance's active role in supporting solar energy initiatives.


5. European Innovation Council (EIC)


The European Innovation Council (EIC) is a public entity based in Brussels, Belgium, established to support innovation and entrepreneurship across Europe. Founded in 1958, the EIC offers various funding programs, including the EIC Accelerator and EIC Pathfinder, aimed at helping startups and SMEs develop and scale their technologies. The EIC provides business acceleration services, networking opportunities, and prizes to foster innovation across different sectors. Notably, the EIC has been involved in several transactions relevant to the solar energy industry, including a significant investment in Brite Solar, a Greek energy company that raised €8.6M in Series A funding to develop and install a solar glass production line. This involvement highlights the EIC's commitment to supporting advancements in solar technology, alongside its broader focus on innovation.


6. EEP Africa

  • Website: eepafrica.org
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland
  • Founded year: 2010
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • LinkedIn: eepafrica

EEP Africa is a not-for-profit organization based in Helsinki, Finland, founded in 2010. It is dedicated to clean energy financing and provides early-stage grants and support for innovative clean energy projects in Southern and Eastern Africa. The organization aims to enhance energy access and investment, collaborating with various funding partners to facilitate sustainable development in the region. Among its notable transactions, EEP Africa has been involved in funding initiatives such as Clamore Solar, which received a grant to support solar energy projects. Additionally, EEP Africa has participated in funding rounds for companies like Sun King and Powerlive Zimbabwe, which are engaged in renewable energy solutions. These activities highlight EEP Africa's commitment to supporting clean energy initiatives, including solar energy, in the African context.


7. Crowdcube

  • Website: crowdcube.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 2010
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: crowdcube-limited

Crowdcube is a crowdfunding platform based in London, England, founded in 2010. It enables businesses, particularly startups and SMEs, to raise capital through equity investments by connecting them with potential investors. Crowdcube promotes diversity and inclusion within its workforce while providing investment management services. Notably, Crowdcube has been involved in several transactions within the solar energy sector, including a significant equity crowdfunding round for Polysolar, which raised $1,784,377 in May 2018, and a convertible note of $1,454,140 in July 2020. Additionally, they supported Solivus, a UK-based solar energy startup, in raising funds through equity crowdfunding, including a notable £2.4 million round in December 2021 aimed at expanding solar power solutions in the UK. These transactions highlight Crowdcube's active role in supporting solar energy initiatives.


8. TotalEnergies


TotalEnergies is a corporate energy company based in France, founded in 1924, that focuses on producing and marketing a diverse range of energy solutions, including oil, gas, and renewable energy. The company is committed to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 and has made significant strides in the renewable energy sector. Notably, TotalEnergies acquired a 20% minority stake in Adani Green Energy Limited for $2.5 billion, which includes a substantial portfolio of solar assets. Additionally, their subsidiary Quadran has enhanced its renewable energy portfolio through the acquisition of Vents d'Oc Energies Renouvelables, contributing to Total's goal of achieving 7GW of renewable electricity production capacity. Furthermore, TotalEnergies is involved in the joint control of AES Dominicana Renewable Energy, which includes the development of solar assets. These transactions underscore TotalEnergies' active role in the solar energy industry.


9. Equinor

  • Website: equinor.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Stavanger, Rogaland, Norway
  • Founded year: 1972
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 6
  • LinkedIn: equinor

Equinor ASA is a public entity operating in the energy sector, focusing on oil, gas, and renewable energy. Founded in 1972 and based in Stavanger, Norway, Equinor has a workforce of over 10,000 employees. The company is committed to sustainability and aims to become a net-zero emissions entity by 2050. Equinor serves a diverse customer base, including governments and industries, providing energy solutions that address climate challenges while ensuring energy security. In recent years, Equinor has made strategic investments in the solar energy sector, including acquiring a minority stake of just over 10% in Scatec Solar ASA, a solar power producer, in November 2018. Additionally, Equinor has participated in funding rounds for Oxford PV, contributing to the development of perovskite-based solar cell technology, which is crucial for advancing solar energy solutions. These investments highlight Equinor's commitment to enhancing its presence in the renewable energy landscape, particularly in solar energy.


10. EDFI ElectriFI - The Electrification Financing Initiative


EDFI ElectriFI - The Electrification Financing Initiative is a not-for-profit impact investment facility based in Belgium, founded in 2016. It focuses on financing renewable energy projects in developing countries, providing both equity and debt financing along with technical assistance to enhance access to clean energy. ElectriFI targets renewable energy companies and projects, particularly in rural and underserved areas, to help achieve sustainable energy solutions. Notably, ElectriFI has been involved in several significant transactions in the solar energy sector, including a $9 million investment in Arnergy, a Nigerian startup aimed at powering SMEs with clean solar energy, and a $1 million funding round for Amped Innovation, which aims to bring solar home systems to 3,000 households in Burundi. These transactions highlight ElectriFI's active role in promoting solar energy solutions in developing regions.


11. Engie

  • Website: engie.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
  • Founded year: 1834
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: engie

ENGIE is a corporate investor based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, specializing in renewable energy and energy solutions. Founded in 1834, the company has grown to employ over 10,000 people and operates globally, focusing on reducing energy costs and emissions through innovative solutions. Engie's investment strategy includes significant involvement in the solar energy sector, as evidenced by their participation in funding rounds for companies like Heliatek, which raised substantial capital to expand its solar technology manufacturing capabilities. Engie also invested in Enlight México, further demonstrating their commitment to solar energy initiatives. Their acquisition of Fenix International in 2017 highlights their strategic approach to enhancing their renewable energy portfolio. Overall, Engie's activities reflect a strong alignment with the goals of sustainability and decarbonization in the energy sector.


12. Almi

  • Website: almi.se
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
  • Founded year: 1994
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • Number of deals in 2024: 7
  • LinkedIn: almi-ab

Almi AB is a financial services company based in Stockholm, Sweden, that provides loans, risk capital, and business development support to small and medium-sized enterprises. Founded in 1994, Almi aims to enhance the growth and competitiveness of these businesses through tailored financial solutions and guidance. Among their notable transactions, Almi has invested in Epishine, a company focused on organic solar cells, raising over $4.5 million in two rounds of funding in 2018 and 2020. They also participated in funding for Ferroamp Elektronik and Peafowl Plasmonics, both of which are involved in innovative energy solutions. Furthermore, Almi's investment in CorPower Ocean, a company developing wave energy technology, demonstrates their commitment to supporting renewable energy initiatives, which aligns with the goals of the solar energy sector.



Solar Energy Insights: Key Investors in Europe


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
European Investment Bank (EIB)Luxembourg1001-5000195899
InnoEnergyEindhoven, North Brabant, Netherlands201-500201052
ShellLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)10001+190720
Bpifrance French Tech AccélérationParis, Île-De-France, France1-102015198
European Innovation Council (EIC)Brussels, Brussels, Belgium201-500195857
EEP AfricaHelsinki, Uusimaa, Finland11-5020100
CrowdcubeLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-20020103
TotalEnergiesFrance10001+192411
EquinorStavanger, Rogaland, Norway10001+19726
EDFI ElectriFI - The Electrification Financing InitiativeBelgium11-5020162
EngieParis, Île-De-France, France10001+18343
AlmiStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden201-50019947


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