Germany expands solar energy use on challenging terrains

Germany is seeing a significant shift in solar energy deployment, with photovoltaics becoming the country's third most important source of electricity. Small-scale rooftop systems on residential and small multi-family buildings account for nearly one-third of the total installed capacity.

Technological advancements and legislative changes, such as the EEG 2023 and Solar Package I, are enabling the use of more challenging terrains. Solar projects are increasingly being implemented on landfills, steep slopes, and sealed surfaces like parking lots. This shift is supported by a decrease in land requirements, which dropped from 3.5 hectares per megawatt in 2008 to 0.88 hectares per megawatt in 2024.

While energy reforms have caused some uncertainty among private homeowners, industry experts suggest that photovoltaic installations remain economically viable even without subsidies. For residential users, electricity costs are estimated at ten to 15 cents per kilowatt-hour over a 20-year period, while commercial sectors can achieve five to 10 cents. Integrating battery storage is becoming a standard practice to maximize the utility of generated solar power.