Germany has achieved a significant milestone in its solar energy sector as the country recently connected its 3 millionth photovoltaic (PV) system to the national grid, as reported by BSW-Solar, the German solar industry association. Encouragingly, this number is expected to grow rapidly, with projections indicating that Germany could reach the 4 million mark as early as next year. In the present year alone, approximately 350,000 new PV systems have been recorded, underlining the nation's strong commitment to renewable energy. With the current installations, Germany's total installed solar capacity now exceeds 70 GW.
One of the key driving factors behind this surge in PV system installations is the substantial investments made by homeowners in solar energy. Notably, the number of new PV systems installed during the first quarter of 2023 has more than doubled compared to the same period last year. Carsten Körnig, the general manager of BSW Solar, attributes this remarkable 129% increase to the growing demand for solar technology, which has been fueled by both the ongoing energy crisis and improved framework conditions.
Furthermore, the popularity of plug-in solar balcony modules has witnessed a notable rise, with over five million households already harnessing solar energy from their own rooftops for electricity and heat generation. Moreover, private households in Germany are predominantly utilizing approximately 2.6 million solar thermal systems to fulfill their hot water and space heating needs.
Last year, Germany surpassed its photovoltaic expansion target of 7 GW, and this year's goal of reaching 9 GW also appears within reach. However, the federal government has set an ambitious target of achieving an installed photovoltaic capacity of 215 GW by 2030.
According to the Federal Network Agency (Bundesnetzagentur), linear extrapolation suggests that a monthly increase of 1.56 GW is necessary to attain this goal. Körnig emphasizes the importance of installing around 30% more solar power each year over the next four years compared to the previous year in order to achieve the desired solarization rate.
An evaluation conducted by the association reveals that one-third of Germany's PV capacity is currently installed on private and commercial buildings, as well as open lands. In alignment with the federal government's objectives, roughly half of the targeted 215 GW is intended to be distributed across rooftops and open spaces.
Germany's remarkable progress in the solar energy sector showcases the nation's commitment to sustainable and renewable sources of power. As the number of PV systems connected to the grid continues to soar and the ambitious goals set by the government come into focus, Germany sets a commendable example for other countries seeking to transition to a greener and cleaner energy future.
