German Market Boom

Photovoltaic system installations in the first eight months of 2010 surpassed 4.8 GWp. With demand over 300 percent higher than the same period last year, Germany accounts for approximately half of all photovoltaic (PV) systems installed worldwide in 2010. Several of the world's largest photovoltaic companies have further invested in Germany this year to meet high demand. Recent estimates predict that installations in Germany will approach an unforeseen 9.5 GWp in 2011, according to iSuppli. Germany Trade & Invest will have representatives at this year's Solar Power International 10 from October 12-14 in Los Angeles, California, to share investment opportunities in the world's largest PV market.

With 4.8 GWp installed capacity through August, Germany has surpassed the 3.8 GWp installed in all of 2009. As global demand is projected to continue growing, Germany further consolidates its position as the largest PV market and a highly attractive location for businesses to meet local and European demand.

Increased demand in the rooftop segment corresponds with installations by private users who overwhelmingly prefer high-quality systems. At the same time, there is growing demand for energy storage systems and smart grid applications that fully utilize the own consumption bonus of Germany's Renewable Energies Act (EEG). By 2013 energy from PV sources is expected to be competitive with conventional energy sources in the private consumer electricity market.

Companies that manufacture PV systems and components in Germany not only have easy access to a large and growing market, they also benefit from a competitive advantage through a local brand presence and reputation for high quality products. Germany boasts a well established industrial infrastructure, large equipment supplier base, and qualified and experienced workforce. The country's PV industry also features the highest density of R&D institutes in the industry.

Amendments to the photovoltaic feed-in tariffs of the EEG were passed this summer with the final adjustments taking effect on October 1. The changes mark a further shift towards the rooftop segment by abandoning field installations on cropland and increasing the attractiveness of the own consumption bonus for small and medium-scale rooftop installations. This bonus is paid to rooftop installation owners of systems smaller than 500 kWp who intend to use the energy they generate.

Germany's EEG, established ten years ago, requires power companies to buy renewable energy from system owners at the corresponding feed-in tariff rate for 20 years, guaranteeing an inviting payback time and high returns. Current feed-in tariffs in Germany are attractive, with rates ranging from 24.26 - 33.03 EURc/kWh for installations connected during the remainder of 2010.