Germany Surpasses 100 GW Solar Capacity

Germany’s photovoltaic (PV) capacity has crossed the 100 GW mark, covering14 percent of the country’s electricity in 2024, up from 12 percent in 2023. This is based on recent projections by the German Solar Industry Association using data from the Federal Network Agency (BNetzA).

Around one million new PV systems were installed in 2024, adding 17 GW of capacity, a 10 percent increase from 2023. While ground-mounted solar parks led the growth, adding 6.3 GW, company rooftops added 3.6 GW. However, residential rooftop installations dropped by 15 percent, contributing 6.7 GW, as falling solar module prices caused difficulties for solar companies.

Germany plans to more than double its PV capacity to 215 GW by 2030. According to Carsten Kornig, Managing Director of BSW-Solar, the country needs stable policies, reduced bureaucracy, and better incentives.

Furthermore, public support remains strong, with a survey showing that over 70 percent of voters across major political parties back faster solar expansion.

Small plug-in solar systems, called 'balcony power plants,' doubled their capacity in 2024, adding 0.4 GW. Despite this, the industry faces challenges from price drops and slowing residential installations. Kornig urged the government to remove barriers and encourage investment. BSW-Solar has proposed a 10-point plan to boost solar energy and support the transition to affordable, sustainable power.