The energy transition is a rapidly evolving field where some technologies rise to prominence while others struggle to find their place. Technologies like wind power and photovoltaic (solar panel) systems have dominated the renewable energy landscape, often overshadowing other technologies with unique potential, such as solar thermal. Solar thermal systems use sunlight to generate heat, typically for water heating, and are known for their higher efficiency compared to photovoltaic panels. They can produce hot water using less energy, making them potentially more cost-effective for certain applications. Solar thermal technology saw a brief surge in interest starting in 2020, with the market for individual solar thermal installations growing significantly. In just a few years, the area of solar thermal panels installed annually increased from under 25,000 square meters to over 50,000 square meters by 2023. However, this growth was short-lived. According to the latest report from the renewable energy observatory Observ'ER, the market has since declined sharply. In 2025, only 28,656 square meters of solar thermal systems were installed, marking a 22.3% drop in individual solar water heating and combined solar systems between 2024 and 2025. Several factors contribute to this decline. The market is largely driven by generalist companies that offer a variety of solutions, including solar thermal, photovoltaic, and heat pump technologies. This creates internal competition among different product lines within the same company. Additionally, national policies favor the deployment of heat pumps and photovoltaic panels, making solar thermal systems less visible and less prioritized. The environmental regulation RE2020, which sets standards for new construction, also does not favor solar thermal, further limiting its adoption. Despite these challenges, industry stakeholders remain hopeful for a revival. They are calling for a national recovery plan and increased public awareness to highlight the benefits of solar thermal technology. Advocates believe that greater visibility and support could help solar thermal regain its place in both new construction and renovation projects, offering a more efficient and sustainable option for heating needs.