Mandatory solar panels in Bavaria? What's going on in the Free State?

Published on: March 25, 2021 / Updated on: July 13, 2021 – Author: Konrad Wolfenstein

Criticism is growing that nothing is happening in Bavaria. Political opponents even fear a quiet demise, because the announcement by Bavarian Minister-President Markus Söder (CSU) was supposedly followed by nothing concrete. In an interview with the "Münchner Merkur" in July 2020, Minister-President Söder boldly announced that a solar panel mandate for new commercial buildings would be introduced in 2021, and the same for private households starting in 2022. Boom. But in reality, not much happened. In fact, nothing at all happened around the turn of the year.

Solar panel mandate in Bavaria? Will it come or not? – Image: Sean Pavone|Shutterstock.com

When will the solar panel mandate for new buildings in Bavaria, announced in July 2020 for 2021, be implemented?

Martin Stümpfig, energy policy spokesperson for the Green Party in the Bavarian State Parliament, rightly posed this question. The Bavarian government's answer: "Once the state government has formed an opinion." Stümpfig writes on his website: "This answer is ridiculous and typical at the same time. First, a quick and loud Söder headline, then the whole thing disappears into ministerial bureaucracy under the guise of a potential analysis, and ultimately, a good idea that would have moved us forward in climate protection dies a quiet death." Stümpfig concludes: "If the state government can't even manage these simple measures, I really see a bleak future for Bavaria.".

Even solar and environmental associations called for the implementation of the solar obligation in Bavaria

The Munich Environmental Institute (Umweltinstitut München e. V.) writes in its press release of October 5, 2020: Representatives from solar initiatives and environmental protection associations are calling on Markus Söder today in an open letter to implement the solar obligation in a legislative project to be completed by the end of the year.

Markus Söder MSC 2019, Mueller /MSC, CC BY 3.0 DE

“We welcome Markus Söder’s initiative for mandatory solar panels on new buildings. We now expect rapid implementation,” says Hauke ​​Doerk, energy policy advisor at the Munich Environmental Institute. “The accelerated expansion of solar energy is essential for climate protection. In particular, the potential of rooftops must be fully utilized.”.

In an open letter, the solar and environmental associations emphasize their demand: “Especially in times of an economy battered by the Corona pandemic, a greater expansion of solar energy offers a great opportunity to strengthen regional value creation in Bavaria and simultaneously advance the energy transition. This applies to the entire value chain, from inverter and storage production to the local installation tradespeople. Every new building and every building renovation on the roof and facade without the installation of solar systems represents a missed opportunity for climate protection that will last for decades.”

The letter was signed by the Munich Environmental Institute, the BUND Nature Conservation in Bavaria, the German Solar Energy Society, Bavarian State Representation, the Bavarian Solar Association, the Bavarian Solar Energy Promotion Association, and the Working Group of Bavarian Solar Initiatives.

Bavaria is the nationwide leader in the expansion of photovoltaic systems in Germany

Installed photovoltaic capacity in Germany by federal state – Image: Xpert.Digital

Bavaria is not only leading the way, but is by far the frontrunner, even more than double the lead of second-placed Baden-Württemberg. Despite all the justified criticism, Germany's fourth-place ranking worldwide in solar power is still largely thanks to Bavaria. Meanwhile, the USA and Japan have overtaken us, with China now leading the field in solar energy.

Related to this:

• Germany is a world leader in wind and solar energy

That things are done a little differently in Bavaria may not please everyone and is simply part of the everyday political tangle. In any case, it's unjustified to accuse the government of inaction and ignorance. So far, Bavaria has managed to build up this considerable lead in solar energy capacity compared to other German states without coercion or obligation, and through other measures. That's not what inaction looks like. This must be acknowledged despite any criticism.

What has been done so far is not enough to achieve climate neutrality

More needs to happen, and the fact that things are first analyzed, evaluated many times, dissected and scrutinized in Germany is simply a typical characteristic here, perhaps especially in more conservatively oriented areas, which convey an image of timidity, but this is probably not the case.

As early as mid-2020, Bavaria almost tripled the number of contracts awarded for open-space solar installations on arable and grassland in disadvantaged areas to 200 annually in its tenders.

Plans were also underway to simplify permitting processes in order to enable ecological compensation measures within open-space facilities.

Back in August 2019, Bavaria introduced a subsidy program for photovoltaic storage, which was very well received. "This shows that we are setting the right incentives. Instead of burdening citizens with bans and costs, we are actively supporting them in making a concrete contribution to climate protection," said Bavarian Minister of Economic Affairs Hubert Aiwanger.

And Bavaria is planning further: "Above all, we must make greater use of the opportunities for expanding photovoltaics on state-owned buildings and renaturing peatlands on state property. In sunny Bavaria, we need more photovoltaics for a successful energy transition," said Bavarian Environment Minister Glauber.

“We have identified a total of 13 areas of action that offer particular opportunities for the success of the energy transition in Bavaria,” writes the Bavarian State Ministry for Economic Affairs, Regional Development and Energy. “Above all, we want to make even greater use of solar energy and have therefore launched the photovoltaic storage program for citizens in the Free State.”.

Indeed, much more has happened in Bavaria than is perceived by the media. Stagnation is regression, but the Bavarian government's activities to date demonstrate that it has not been inactive and has even taken on a pioneering role. Unforgettable: in 2005, the Bavaria solar park, with its 10 megawatts (MW), was the largest solar park in the world. In 2006, the Erlasee solar field in Bavaria surpassed it with 14 MW, a capacity itNow, it is important not to rest on our laurels but to continue in the same vein. However, it should also be remembered that blind activism is not a typical Bavarian trait. At least a bit more drive and determination would be desirable.

🢂 We will keep you updated on further developments in Bavaria here!

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Konrad Wolfenstein

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