Panel Discussion: How Realistic Are Germany's Ambitious Solar Installation Targets?

premium account

Recording of Tuesday, June 18, 2024 | The smarter E Europe | Conference Program | Language: English | Duration: 34:59 .

Solar Industry Faces Volatility But Optimism Remains High for Future Growth and Market Achievability

The discussion among panelists revolves around the current state and future prospects of the solar energy market. The conversation highlights that despite facing numerous challenges—such as fluctuating prices for solar modules, issues with grid infrastructure, and a general sense of economic instability in Germany—the industry remains optimistic about achieving significant growth targets by 2030. Dr. Dirk Haft discusses how the cost reductions in solar systems are making investments more attractive globally, especially in Europe. Stefan Müller emphasizes enduring cyclical nature of the industry dubbed "the solar coaster," but also indicates a positive trend driven by dynamic market conditions and growing public interest. Dr. Christoph Kost points out that while legislative hurdles exist (specifically regarding tenant use of photovoltaic electricity), there is potential to meet substantial installation goals if these obstacles are addressed. Erik Schöller observes that consumer reluctance due to successive crises has been notable; however, skilled labor force shortages have eased somewhat through proactive recruitment efforts. Overall, amidst various ups and downs ("solar coaster"), stakeholders believe sustained effort can meet ambitious renewable energy targets essential for climate goals.

Automated summarization by AI Conver

The German solar market has always played an outstanding role in the development of PV in Europe. The country has almost continually been the EU's largest market and operated nearly one third of the EU's solar power installations. But can the market grow fast enough and install more than 20 GW per year? This will be necessary to meet its ambitious target of 215 GW of solar capacity by 2030. This session will take a close look at:

  • Status of solar power in Germany today
  • Strategy for meeting the country's ambitious installation targets
  • Analysis of different market segments - residential,
  • C&I and utility-scale The German PV and Battery Storage Market

Further Talks of this session:

Speaker

David Wedepohl
Managing Director International Affairs
BSW - German Solar Association
Germany

To Talk

Speaker

Dr. Christoph Kost
Head of Department Energy System Analysis
Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE
Germany

To Talk

Speaker

Stefan Müller
COO
Enerparc AG
Germany

To Talk

Speaker

Dr. Dirk Haft
CEO
IBC Solar AG
Germany

To Talk

Speaker

Erik Schöller
Chief Operating Officer
Schoenergie
Germany

To Talk

Further Content
Publication
The German PV and Battery Storage Market

The first of its kind, this study offers an overview of the photovoltaics and battery storage market in Germany.

The smarter E Europe Conferences 2026
Panel Discussion of the Session: Solar Made in the EU

Tuesday, June 23, 2026, 02:30 pm

The smarter E Europe Conferences 2026 | Conference Program

premium account

Despite strong research capabilities and the presence of leading production equipment suppliers, Europe has been struggling to rebuild competitive wafer-to-module manufacturing, while the USA and India have enabled a local renaissance in solar manufacturing. In Europe, even long-established inverter manufacturers have been losing considerable ground. With the EU's Net Zero Industry Act yet to deliver momentum, attention is turning to the upcoming Industry Accelerator Act. This session examines how policy, investment and value-chain strategies can strengthen domestic manufacturing and increase internal value creation.Key topics:Overview of EU and national policy frameworks to support local manufacturingStatus of Europe's solar manufacturing value chainInvestment gaps and competitiveness challenges Strategies for triggering a sustainable solar manufacturing revival 

Rutger Schlatmann and Angelika Harter
Perovskites: The Race for the Future of PV?

The smarter E Podcast Episode 258 | Language: English

June 25, 2026

HZB researchers explore perovskite tandem solar cells, efficiency gains, and the challenges of bringing the technology to market.

Publications
Global Market Outlook for Solar Power 2025–2029

SolarPower Europe’s annual Global Market Outlook for Solar Power is the most authoritative market analysis for the solar sector.

The smarter E Europe Conferences 2026
Panel Discussion of the Session: Off-Grid: PV-Based Hydrogen Microgrid Projects Around the World

Tuesday, June 23, 2026, 02:30 pm

The smarter E Europe Conferences 2026 | Conference Program

premium account

Discover how green hydrogen and fuel cell technologies are transforming decentralized energy systems worldwide. This session will be presenting hands-on experience from pioneering projects in Thailand, Ghana, Namibia and South Africa. Find out how solar-powered hydrogen microgrids can replace diesel generators, strengthen energy resilience and enable short- to long-term storage, while supporting environmental and climate goals. Project partners including German SMEs and research institutes, share insights on lessons learned, local benefits and the replication potential of these systems. Selected projects were implemented with the support from the Export Initiative Environmental Protection, a funding programme of the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Climate Action, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety. 

You are using an outdated browser

The website cannot be viewed in this browser. Please open the website in an up-to-date browser such as Edge, Chrome, Firefox, or Safari.