[en] This article takes a look at developments in the European market for solar collectors. At 3 GW of thermal energy produced using 4.75 million square metres of collectors, sales were up by 60%. The figures are published by the European Solar Thermal Industry Federation ESTIF. The article quotes figures for Germany, Spain, Italy, France and Austria. The association states that imported energy is being replaced by workplaces and carbon emissions are thus being reduced. The Desertec project for producing solar electricity in the Sahara is briefly noted and figures for photovoltaics are quoted. These show a growth of 50%. Swiss figures for 2008 are quoted as being exceptionally good