The Federal Network Agency recently confirmed earlier reports that in 2011, a 7.5GW capacity of solar was installed in Germany, amounting to nearly 238,000 units installed in total. Bavaria led the way with 1.75GW installed followed by Brandenburg with 1GW. The agency acknowledged that the regional shift was due to the expansion of open space systems.
The report further went on to note that the market was slowed down compared to previous years, especially in the class size between 10KWp and 50KWp. In 2010, the same class size had over 2.6GW installed, while 2011 saw only 2GW; a drop of 22%.
Comparing regions, the agency advised that in Bavaria, Baden Wüttenberg and Schleswig-Holstein, the market volume dropped from 2010. However, the east saw an increase, which is attributed to large-scale systems. The report noted that although large-scale systems showed positive growth, so did the small and medium-sized system.
The Federal Network Agency reported that the established states seem to be in retreat, with signs of saturation emerging and possibly providing an explanation. However, the report goes on to note that strong growth rates at the end of the year would imply that demand is still healthy.
EuPD researchers weighed in, stating that Q4 2011 could have been even better if not for the limited availability and capacity among installers. Researchers advised that looming cuts have brought the opposite of what was intended and so with 3GW in the first three months having been a plausible scenario, discussions on the level of funding can be expected to start again. Overall, EuPD is forecasting an increase in capacity in the country for 2012 of around 5.9GW
