The German government has unveiled a comprehensive package of legislative reforms, dubbed Solar Package I, aimed at streamlining bureaucracy and accelerating the expansion of photovoltaic (PV) systems and solar power storage facilities across the country.
The proposed reforms, set to be enacted by parliament in the near future, aim to simplify the registration process for balcony solar systems and improve access to affordable solar power for property owners and tenants alike.
Key provisions of the package include simplifications in the repowering of solar roofs, facilitating direct marketing of solar power, and easing the construction of solar power plants on open areas. Notably, facilities with an installed capacity of up to 50 megawatts (MW) will now be eligible for funding, compared to the previous limit of 20 MW.
Additionally, the reforms seek to streamline power grid connections, expanding a simplified process introduced in 2023 to cover systems with capacities of up to 30 kilowatts peak (kWp). Furthermore, a new auction segment will be introduced to cater specifically to special solar systems such as agri-PV, floating solar, and carport installations in ground-mounted solar projects.
While the reforms have been welcomed by the German solar industry association BSW Solar, concerns have been raised about the lack of measures to support domestic solar manufacturers facing competition from Asia and the USA. Carsten Koernig, association manager, commented, “Climate protection, private households, and commercial enterprises will benefit. However, domestic solar module factories will unfortunately largely miss out.”
The concerns echo recent developments in the sector, with solar panel manufacturer Solarwatt indicating potential closure of its Dresden factory due to unfair competition from China. Similarly, Swiss manufacturer Meyer Burger Technology AG has announced the shutdown of its solar module factory in Germany, citing market conditions in Europe.
Amidst these challenges, the German solar sector faces further setbacks, including the decision by photovoltaic inverter maker SMA Solar Technology AG to open a production plant in the USA, signaling a shift in global manufacturing trends.
