Greece figured as a key international solar energy participant in a report published yesterday by REN21, a Paris-based non-profit association serving as a global platform for renewable energy policy.

Greece was ranked fourth, worldwide, in terms of photovoltaic capacity installed per capita. This list was headed by Germany, followed by Italy and Belgium. The Czech Republic trailed Greece in fifth place, and Japan was ranked sixth.

Based on data for 2014, Greece produces 7.6 percent of its electricity needs through photovoltaic means, a figure that puts the country at the forefront, internationally, along with Germany (7%) and Italy (7.9%).

In the category for solar energy water heating, Greece was placed fifth, behind Cyprus, Austria, Israel, and Barbados. In absolute numbers, Greece ranked ninth in this category, with a 0.8 percent share of total systems installed. The REN21 report noted that Greek law places emphasis on solar energy water heating.