Germany has reached a significant energy milestone with the commissioning of its two-millionth solar storage unit. This achievement was confirmed by the German Solar Industry Association (BSW-Solar), which also reported that around 600,000 new batteries were added during 2024 alone. The data was released ahead of The smarter E Europe, the leading energy trade fair set to take place in Munich from 7 to 9 May, expecting over 110,000 professional visitors from around the globe.

The total installed storage capacity now exceeds 20 GWh, enough to cover the daily electricity needs of two to four million two-person households. This positions Germany among the global leaders in grid stability and energy security.

However, BSW-Solar warns that outdated regulatory frameworks are holding back continued growth in the sector. “Now is the time to further accelerate the pace of storage expansion, including preferential building regulations for battery storage systems and clear incentives for the energy industry,” states Carsten Körnig, Managing Director of BSW-Solar.

Large-scale storage gains ground

While home storage systems remain standard for residential solar installations, demand for large-scale battery systems in the megawatt class has grown significantly. These units are increasingly installed alongside solar and wind farms, enabling the use of renewable electricity even when the sun isn’t shining or the wind isn’t blowing.

Coupled with smart control systems, they also reduce the need for costly grid expansion. “Battery storage systems are already playing a key role in stabilising the electricity system and contributing significantly to security of supply,” Körnig points out.

The modular design, fast deployment, and decreasing costs of battery technology are fuelling this expansion, reinforcing storage as a cornerstone of the energy transition.

Hard data: sector growth and installed capacity

According to BSW-Solar estimates, more than 1.7 GWh of new storage capacity was added in Q1 2025, representing a 16% increase compared to the same period last year.

Stationary storage systems are now essential to the country’s energy transition, providing flexibility to accommodate the rising share of variable renewables.

“This is mathematically sufficient to temporarily store the average daily electricity consumption of approximately two to four million two-person households in Germany,” the Association notes, referring to the 20 GWh installed capacity.

Urgent call for modernisation of the legal framework

Despite technological progress, legal and regulatory barriers are preventing the full exploitation of economic and technical potential. “Implementation currently fails too often due to outdated legal frameworks,” warns the Association.

Current German energy legislation and grid connection conditions do not fully recognise the multifaceted role of storage systems in a dynamic energy system. Network tariffs and regulatory oversight fail to adapt to their flexible and systemic benefits.

“Battery storage is the best technology for efficiently using renewable electricity and integrating it securely and cost-effectively into the grid and energy system,” says Körnig.

BSW-Solar urges immediate action from the Federal Government, prioritising:

• Implementation of flexible market operations for battery storage systems, as laid out in the Electricity Peak Act, was adopted earlier this year.

• Swift introduction of legal building privileges for battery storage installations.

• Simplification and reduction of grid connection conditions and charges for systems that contribute to grid and system stability.

2030 targets and warning signs

According to the Fraunhofer Institute, Germany’s battery storage capacity — including both stationary and mobile systems — will need to rise to between 100 and 150 GWh by 2030 to align with net-zero transformation pathways.

BSW-Solar stresses that reaching this target is far from guaranteed under current legislation. While the governing coalition has acknowledged the need for reform, the Association calls for urgent implementation without further delays.

“Its modularity, rapid deployment and falling costs enable swift expansion of storage capacity,” concludes Körnig.