There are frequent protests against the construction of new wind turbines, especially in southern Germany. Solar energy is far less controversial.
The expansion of solar energy in Germany is gaining momentum. From the beginning of January to July 18, the newly installed photovoltaic capacity was a quarter higher than in the first half of 2023, according to the German Solar Industry Association. This is based on an interim evaluation of the data from the Federal Network Agency.
Overall, the gross output of all German solar systems amounted to 90.4 gigawatt peak as of July 18. In total, the installed solar systems produced around 62 terawatt hours of electricity in 2023, covering around twelve percent of total gross electricity consumption, according to the Solar Association.
Private homeowners install fewer
Unlike in the past, the main drivers are currently less private homeowners – but increasingly companies and farmers who are installing solar systems on company roofs and open spaces.
According to BSW, the increase in output in the first half of 2024 was around 40 percent in the home segment, 21 percent on commercial roofs, around 37 percent on open spaces and around three percent from balcony solar systems.
And so solar systems on residential roofs still account for the largest share. However, in the first half of the year, around five percent fewer PV roof systems were put into operation in the so-called home segment than in the previous year.
Three quarters support solar energy
According to a representative survey commissioned by the Federal Association, acceptance of solar energy among the population is high: 77 percent of the 2,132 citizens surveyed at the end of May said that they consider the further expansion of solar energy to be important or even extremely important. The survey institute commissioned to conduct the survey was Yougov.
Source: Stern
