Germany taking right steps to speed up solar PV expansion – associations

The German government has proposed the right steps to accelerate the rollout of photovoltaic (PV) systems, local utilities association VKU said ahead of a parliamentary discussion about solar energy reforms. The "solar package I", which has been agreed by government but still needs the green light from parliament, is aimed at doubling the pace of expansion of photovoltaics and solar energy storage. The solar industry association BSW also welcomed the initiative, but called for further improvements to ensure that the rollout acceleration is permanent. It also argued that additional costs for the purchase of solar system components "made in Europe" should be subsidised for a transitional period so European production remains competitive. Renewable energy association BEE also argued that domestic value creation should be strengthened. "Many measures in the solar package will further advance the energy transition," BEE head Simone Peter said. She echoed the BSW's concerns about competitive disadvantages during the construction and scaling of solar gigafactories in Europe compared to competitors abroad, and joined the association in their call for a temporary subsidy.

With the reform proposal, the government aims to harmonise support for ground-mounted PV parks, simplify the expansion of rooftop systems, and more easily allow the use of so-called “balcony PV” plug-in solar installations. Solar power will be one of the key energy sources of the future in Germany and greatly contribute to the goal of a share of 80 percent renewables in the country’s electricity consumption by 2030.