Published on: January 29, 2025 / update from: January 29, 2025 - Author: Konrad Wolfenstein
Current development of the expansion of photovoltaics in Germany - Image: Xpert.digital
Dynamic growth: how solar energy shapes the future
Further development of photovoltaics in Germany: fuel of the energy transition
The expansion of photovoltaics in Germany is in a dynamic growth phase and is a central component of the energy transition. The numbers impressively demonstrate the progress and the potential of this key technology for renewable energies.
Installation numbers and milestones
At the turn of the year 2024/2025, the overall performance of all solar power plants installed in Germany exceeded the historic brand of 100 gigawatt for the first time. In 2024 alone, around one million new photovoltaic systems with a total output of around 17 gigawatts were installed. This corresponds to an impressive increase of 10 % compared to the previous year. It is particularly noteworthy that both roof systems and open space projects have contributed equally to this growth.
Smaller plug -in solar devices, the so -called balcony power plants, are also enjoying growing popularity. Their installation figures approach the numbers of newly installed roof systems and thus contribute to decentralization of electricity generation.
Electricity generation and share in public care
In 2024, photovoltaic systems generated a total of 72.2 terawatt hours of electricity in Germany, which corresponds to about 14 % of public net electricity generation. This means that photovoltaics are clearly ahead of hydropower and almost on par with the wind power, which is still the main bearer of renewable energies in Germany.
Goals for the future
The German solar economy is confident that the target of 215 gigawatts installed photovoltaic performance can be reached by 2030. Provided that market growth in recent years continues, this goal could even be achieved prematurely. The Federal Government supports this ambitious plan through a combination of funding measures, legal planning security and investment incentives.
Driver of growth and new opportunities
Several factors contribute to the dynamics of the solar market:
- Funding programs and legal reforms: The amendment to the Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG) has meant that photovoltaic projects have become more attractive for private and commercial investors.
- Falling costs for solar modules: The prices for solar modules and installations have decreased continuously in recent years, which has made it easier to enter the market for new investors.
- Technological innovations: Progress in storage technology and the efficiency of solar modules increase the economy of systems and create new fields of application.
An additional growth thrust results from the increasing demand in connection with electromobility. More and more households are coupling their solar system with a wall box for electric cars in order to build up a self -sufficient and inexpensive charging infrastructure.
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Challenges and obstacles
Despite the positive trend, there are also challenges that could slow down the expansion of photovoltaics in Germany:
- Regulatory hurdles: The approval process for larger open space systems is often lengthy and complex. The harmonization of planning procedures could significantly accelerate the expansion.
- Network integration: The increasing proportion of photovoltaic current places new requirements for the stability and controllability of the power grids. Flexible storage options and modernization of the network structure are essential.
- A shortage of skilled workers: The booming market requires qualified specialist staff for installation and maintenance. Training programs and retraining initiatives could help.
Insert remuneration 2025: Changes and effects
The feed -in tariff for photovoltaic systems remains an important instrument for promoting renewable energies in 2025. However, it is gradually adapted to promote stronger market orientation and reduce the costs for the general public.
Remuneration rates 2025
Partial feed (with self -consumption):
- Up to 10 kWp: 7.94 cents/kWh (from February 2025)
- From 10 to 40 kWp: 6.88 cents/kWh
- From 40 to 100 kWp: 5.62 cents/kWh
Full feed (without self -consumption):
- Up to 10 kWp: 12.60 cents/kWh
- From 10 to 100 kWp: 10.56 cents/kWh
The remuneration is determined when the system is commissioned and guaranteed for 20 years.
Digression of the remuneration rates
The feed -in tariff continues to be reduced by 1 % every six months, which promotes competition on the electricity market in the long term and ensures cost efficiency.
New regulations
- Direct marketing obligation: From 2025, the direct marketing obligation for systems from a size of 25 kWP will be introduced (previously 100 kWP). This means that operators have to sell the electricity generated directly on the market.
- Negative electricity prices: In the case of negative electricity prices, the feed -in tariff for new systems does not apply. This serves as an incentive to make electricity production more flexible and avoid surpluses.
- Promotion of investment costs: A single promotion of the acquisition costs is newly introduced, which is intended to support smaller operators in particular.
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Perspectives for the future
Technological innovations and market trends
The development of photovoltaics goes far beyond the production of electricity. Future technologies such as integrated solar systems in building facades and transparent solar cells for windows could open up new markets.
In addition, the combination of photovoltaics and storage technologies is gaining in importance. With the increasing spread of battery storage, households and companies can optimize self -consumption and better protect themselves against fluctuations in electricity prices.
Integration with other technologies
The coupling of photovoltaics with heat generation (e.g. heat pumps) and electromobility becomes another growth driver. This sector coupling creates synergies that make the energy transition even more efficient in Germany.
Germany on the way to the energy transition
Photovoltaics in Germany shows an impressive development that is due to both technological progress and political support. Despite the existing challenges, the expansion of this key technology is a central part of German energy policy. The adaptation of the feed -in tariff and the introduction of new funding measures show that the course is set for the future.
Germany is on the right track to achieve the ambitious destinations of 215 gigawatts of installed performance by 2030. With a combination of innovative technologies, regulatory support and social engagement, photovoltaics will continue to play a leading role in the transformation of the energy system.
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