With a projection of 17.5 gigawatts (GW) of new photovoltaic capacity in 2024, Germany is set to surpass the historic threshold of 100 GW in accumulated capacity. According to data from the Federal Association of the German Energy and Water Industries (BDEW), this growth marks a significant advance from the 15.3 GW installed in 2023, solidifying the country’s leadership in the global energy transition.

By the end of September 2023, the accumulated capacity had already reached 94.52 GW, thanks to the 11.7 GW installed in the first nine months of the year. “The continued increase in photovoltaic energy in Germany is a positive sign of progress towards the energy transition,” emphasizes Kerstin Andreae, Chairwoman of the BDEW Executive Board.

Photovoltaics: The Core of Germany’s Energy Mix

Photovoltaic energy has emerged as a central pillar in Germany’s electricity generation mix. It represents the largest portion of installed capacity, with systems ranging from small installations on balconies with just a few hundred watts to large-scale solar plants over 100 MW. This decentralized growth is led by regions like Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg, and North Rhine-Westphalia.

Additionally, the 2050 Climate Action Plan foresees Germany reaching an installed capacity of 215 GW of photovoltaic energy by 2030, alongside 145 GW of wind energy (115 GW onshore and 30 GW offshore). This target reflects the country’s commitment to climate neutrality and decarbonization of its energy matrix.

Challenges with Systems Under 100 kW

Despite this progress, the BDEW warns that approximately half of the new photovoltaic installations will have a capacity of less than 100 kilowatts (kW). These systems, which lack advanced controllers, could pose significant risks to the electrical grid on days of high generation and low demand, such as sunny Sundays in spring and summer.

Leon Hirth, Professor of Energy Policy at the Hertie School, points out that the unregulated injection of electricity from decentralized systems represents a growing technical challenge. Without proper control measures, these systems could overload the electrical infrastructure and compromise its stability.

Regulatory Proposals and Technical Solutions

To mitigate these risks, the BDEW has called on the Bundestag to approve an amendment to the Energy Industry Act (EnWG), which includes a 50% active power limit for new photovoltaic systems. This measure, explains Andreae, will allow time to implement advanced control technologies necessary for effectively managing decentralized generation. “The pressure to act will be even greater if we do not implement these measures in time,” warns Andreae.

Wind Energy as a Complement in the Energy Transition

In addition to solar energy, Germany has developed strong wind generation capacity, both onshore and offshore. Lower Saxony, Brandenburg, and North Rhine-Westphalia lead in onshore turbines, while the most powerful ones are installed in the North and Baltic Seas. By 2030, the country plans to reach 115 GW of onshore wind capacity and 30 GW offshore, further strengthening its renewable mix.

Flagship Projects Boost the Renewable Sector

The sector’s growth is reflected in projects such as the 54 MW solar park developed by GP Joule in Kleinschirma, which stands out for its ability to overcome technical challenges on complex terrain. These initiatives highlight the sector’s dynamism but also the urgent need for robust electrical infrastructure and advanced energy management systems.

A Balanced Renewable Future

With an energy mix led by photovoltaics and wind energy, Germany is advancing towards decarbonization. However, the success of the energy transition depends on modernizing the electrical grid, adopting regulatory measures, and integrating advanced technologies. “Without proper planning, we risk undermining the progress we have made,” concludes Andreae, reiterating the importance of a balanced approach between growth and stability.