The dissemination of solar water heaters on the European market was examined in the study "UNTAPPED MARKET OPPORTUNITIES FOR SOLAR WATER HEATERS IN EUROPE.

First, the available information relevant for this market in four countries (France, Germany, Great Britain and Spain) was compiled and an interactive database was set up. Then a questionnaire system was developed and questionnaires were sent out to over 1600 decision-makers, professionals, real and potential users.

The evaluation shows that the differences in market volume, far from being the result of one main reason, are the consequences of a multitude of factors, in particular technical ones, including the durability of certain components, as well as incentives and approval by the government.

Project partners were the Fraunhofer Institut für Systemtechnik und Innovationsforschung, It Power Ltd, Trama TecnoAmbiental, Wagner & Co, project co-ordination Synopsis, in Cooperation with Robert Celaire. With the European Commission DG TREN (Thermie B).

With the same partners, the study "Market Implementation of Solar Water Heaters by Energy Audits of Public Building and Social Housing Projects" was carried out with the aim to develop an energy audit method for the potential installation of solar water heaters in public buildings and social housing. Project co-ordinator was Trama TecnoAmbiental. With the European Commission DG TREN (Altener).

For the French energy agency ADEME and the utility EDF, the market for solar thermal and photovoltaic applications in the building sector was examined. The study with the title „Veille technique et reglémentaire sur l'intégration de l'énergie solaire dans le secteur du bâtiment" concerned six European countries/regions (Austria, Catalonia, France, Germany, Greece and Switzerland).