MEDIA RELEASE PR41695
Solar Power International: German Solar Demand Grows by 300 Percent in 2010
BERLIN, Oct. 12/ PRNewswire-AsiaNet/ --
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.
Feed-in Tariffs Support High Quality Systems
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.
Germany Trade & Invest representatives will be on hand at the German Pavilion, South Hall, booth 3019 at this
year's Solar Power International 10 in Los Angeles.
Germany Trade & Invest is the foreign trade and inward investment promotion agency of the Federal Republic of
Germany. The organization advises foreign companies looking to expand their business activities in the German
market. It provides information on foreign trade to German companies that seek to enter foreign markets.
SOURCE: Germany Trade & Invest
Robert Scheid
Email: robert.scheid@gtai.com
T: +49(0)30-200099-170
F: +49(0)30-200099-111
SOURCE: Germany Trade and Invest
NEWS 
