Solar support cuts put German PV transition at risk, warns BSW

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email

The current rate of cut backs to support for solar energy could put the German energy transition at risk, the country’s solar trade body has warned.

The Federal Solar Industry Association (BSW-Solar) has claimed that while the cost of solar fell by 25% in the past two years, support schemes for the technology have been cut in half.

This article requires Premium SubscriptionBasic (FREE) Subscription

Try Premium for just $1

  • Full premium access for the first month at only $1
  • Converts to an annual rate after 30 days unless cancelled
  • Cancel anytime during the trial period

Premium Benefits

  • Expert industry analysis and interviews
  • Digital access to PV Tech Power journal
  • Exclusive event discounts

Or get the full Premium subscription right away

Or continue reading this article for free

The country installed 3.3GW in 2013 according to BSW, figures in line with the Federal Network Agency’s data in early December. That compares to 7.6GW in the previous year.

Carsten Körnig, managing director of BSW-Solar, warned the new government’s continued feed-in tariff degression plans must be slowed.

“The further expansion of solar energy as the main pillar of energy supply is an indispensable climate policy and is now affordable. Now is the time to take advantage of the considerable potential of solar energy for the energy revolution,” he said.

“It cannot be that we stall the development of solar energy just now where photovoltaics has become so inexpensive,” added Körnig.

Monthly decreases in support of 1.4% have begun to outpace reductions in cost and BSW argues a more intelligent design is required to ensure solar receives adequate support, without passing on unreasonable costs to electricity bills.

Since announcing the planned shutdown of all its nuclear power plant the country has increased its dependency on coal for baseload power and renewables.

The cost of supporting Germany’s installed renewables, and solar power in particular, has become the focal point for those seeking lower energy prices in the country.

The new coalition government has set out a renewable energy target range for 2025 of between 55% and 60% by 2035. Critics argue this should be revised to 60%.
 

Read Next

September 9, 2025
Iberdrola has signed a 77MW power purchase agreement (PPA) with Italian grocery retail group Selex Gruppo Commerciale.
September 9, 2025
Nautilus and Summit Ridge Energy secured major financing deals to expand community solar projects across multiple US states.
September 9, 2025
The US is forecast to reach between US$55-60 billion in clean energy tax credit monetisation in 2025, according to a report from clean energy financing technology platform Crux.
September 9, 2025
The average price of solar modules sold in Europe fell marginally between July and August, while buyers’ confidence remained steady.
September 9, 2025
The US Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) has released a policy blueprint which it claims would “strengthen the reliability of America’s electric grid with solar and storage technologies.”
September 9, 2025
US solar tracker manufacturer Nextracker has acquired Origami Solar, a steel frame technology-focused company, for approximately US$53 million. 

Subscribe to Newsletter

Upcoming Events

Solar Media Events
September 16, 2025
Athens, Greece
Solar Media Events
September 30, 2025
Seattle, USA
Solar Media Events
October 1, 2025
London, UK
Solar Media Events
October 2, 2025
London,UK
Solar Media Events
October 7, 2025
Manila, Philippines