Germany is ramping up its efforts to expand its solar energy capacity as part of a comprehensive photovoltaic strategy, according to Federal Economics and Climate Protection Minister Robert Habeck. Speaking at the second PV summit, Habeck emphasized the importance of photovoltaics in the country's transition towards renewable energy sources.
“Photovoltaics is one of the cheapest energy sources of all and is one of the most important sources of electricity generation in the future,” he said. “By 2030, the share of renewable energies in gross electricity consumption should be 80%. With an installed capacity of 215GW by 2030, photovoltaics should make an important contribution here. This shows that we have a lot of work ahead of us.”
To achieve this goal, the photovoltaic strategy aims to accelerate the expansion of both ground-mounted and roof-mounted solar systems. The plan calls for an increase of 11GW per year for both types of systems from 2026 onwards. In addition, the strategy aims to simplify and speed up the grid connections of these systems and promote the installation of solar panels on communal building balconies.
The strategy also recognizes the need to increase the number of skilled workers in the manufacture, planning, installation, and maintenance of PV systems. This will be achieved through increasing the number of training opportunities and advanced training courses.
Habeck stated that the implementation of the strategy will begin immediately after its publication, with some measures to be submitted to the cabinet before the summer break as part of the so-called “Solar Package I.”
“We want to significantly accelerate the expansion and release all the brakes that have so far prevented a faster expansion,” he said.
Germany's efforts to expand its solar energy capacity are a step in the right direction towards achieving its goal of transitioning to renewable energy sources. As Habeck noted, photovoltaics is an important source of electricity generation in the future, and increasing its capacity will contribute significantly to reducing the country's carbon footprint.
With the implementation of the photovoltaic strategy, Germany is taking a proactive approach to meeting its renewable energy targets and setting an example for other countries to follow. As Habeck said, “We have a lot of work ahead of us, but we can see that construction is picking up.”
