Germany’s Solar Power Installations Surge by 35% in Early 2024

Germany’s solar power installations saw a 35% increase year-on-year in the first four months of 2024, driven by growing demand for industrial, commercial, and ground-mounted photovoltaics, according to the solar power association BSW.

Legislative Push for Solar Expansion

In response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the subsequent decline in Russian fossil fuel exports, Berlin has enacted several laws to speed up solar power expansion. This effort is part of Germany’s strategy to cover 80% of its energy needs with renewables by 2030 and achieve climate neutrality by 2045.

Significant Growth in Solar Capacity

The new solar power capacity in Germany exceeded five gigawatts (GW) in the first third of this year. A May survey by YouGov, cited by BSW, revealed that 56% of businesses and over 60% of real estate owners in Germany are interested in investing in solar power systems.

BSW expects double-digit percentage growth in both installations and solar storage capacity in 2024, aligning with government targets of adding 19 GW of new capacity annually. This expansion aims to achieve a total of 215 GW, covering 25% of Germany’s domestic electricity consumption by 2030.

Sector-Specific Increases

In the first four months of 2024, newly installed photovoltaic capacity on commercial rooftops surged by 81%, while solar installations on open spaces increased by 74% compared to the same period last year. In contrast, the residential sector saw a modest rise of 1% in new installations.

BSW head Carsten Körnig stated, “Following a significant solar boom in Germany’s residential areas, commercial rooftops and underperforming open spaces are now being electrified with solar technology.”