Photovoltaics: News from Germany

Published on: August 20, 2020 / Update from: August 20, 2020 - Author: Konrad Wolfenstein

Photovoltaics: News from Germany – @shutterstock | Robert Biederman

Demand for compulsory photovoltaics in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania

Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania is one of the sunniest regions in Germany. Nevertheless, there is a lack of photovoltaic systems in the state. In order to eliminate this shortcoming, the Left Party wants to submit a proposal to the Schwerin state parliament for the mandatory use of photovoltaics in non-residential buildings and parking spaces from May 2021.

In addition, the party wants to discuss whether the obligation can also be applied to residential buildings for reasons of climate protection and sustainable energy supply.

Bremen is already further along

With a photovoltaic obligation in new construction projects, the northeastern federal state would take the path that other countries have already taken. A comparable regulation was recently issued in the city state of Bremen.

There, the photovoltaic requirement also includes public buildings. In addition, a future expansion to include roof renovations in existing buildings is planned. The steps are intended to make the Hanseatic city and the associated Bremerhaven a “Solar City”.

Land Solar in Germany – @shutterstock | Konstantin Yolshin

Bayern are still there as always

Bavaria's Prime Minister Markus Söder's plan: He has decided that photovoltaics should be installed on every new building in Bavaria from 2021. The requirements initially only apply to commercial buildings, but from 2022 this will also apply to private construction projects.

Municipalities are taking a pioneering role in photovoltaics

In addition to the state governments, the municipalities are also pushing forward corresponding regulations. This is shown by the example of Ludwigsburg in Baden-Württemberg. In order to further advance the expansion of renewable energies, the city council has decided by a large majority to make photovoltaics mandatory in the future.

In addition to the possibility of increasing local energy production, the reason for the vote in favor of solar power was the fact that the region lags significantly behind in a national comparison: While the national average covers over eight percent of the energy requirement with photovoltaics, in Ludwigsburg the figure is currently only two percent.

However, thanks to the decision, there is a good chance that this share will grow significantly in the future. If the Left Party in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania prevails with its concerns, the trend there is likely to go in the same direction.