Abstract. The solar sector is characterized by rapid, decentralized growth, significantly fueled by a "prosumer" movement and government initiatives such as the "Casa Verde" program. With a revised national target of 3,140 MW by 2030, solar offers high scalability and lower entry barriers. Conversely, wind energy remains the industrial "heavy lifter," providing high-volume generation essential for grid stability. While wind investment has recently stalled, the emergence of the Black Sea as an offshore frontier and the maturation of Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) present significant opportunities for utility-scale development.

Both sectors face shared challenges, including lengthy permitting processes and grid congestion, necessitating the adoption of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) and "renewable acceleration areas." Ultimately, the choice between solar and wind investment depends on the investor's profile: solar provides agility and faster deployment, while wind offers the industrial scale and high output required for long-term regional dominance. This dual-track evolution is defining Romania’s path toward a green, net-zero economy.

Keywords: solar, wind, power, energy, targets.