The ‘Solar Package I’ has been approved by both the Bundestag and Bundesrat. These measures aim to speed up the growth of photovoltaics and other renewable energy sources, aligning with the ambitious targets set for PV expansion by 2030. This accelerated growth of renewables, mandated by the Renewable Energy Sources Act at the start of the legislative period, plays a critical role in achieving climate objectives and ensuring competitive pricing within a climate-neutral electricity framework.

Climate protection Act

The revision of the Climate Protection Act has also been approved. This signifies a shift towards a more future-oriented, adaptable, and consequently, more effective climate protection policy. What is paramount is that the climate protection objectives and the designated annual emission limits remain unaltered. The reform ensures that no additional tonne of CO2 will be emitted compared to the previous legislation.

BMWK’s solar strategy

The solar package incorporates a significant portion of the measures outlined in the BMWK's solar strategy. Both the strategy and the solar package were developed in close collaboration with stakeholders during two photovoltaic summits, ensuring seamless implementation. Encompassing measures for commercial and trade sectors, residential buildings to facilitate tenant involvement, balcony photovoltaics, and open-space systems, the solar package simplifies regulations in numerous areas for the benefit of system operators. Moreover, it also serves as a catalyst for the accelerated expansion of other renewable energy sources, networks, and storage systems.

Boosting photovoltaics in commerce and industry

The approval of the solar package considers the entire spectrum of photovoltaics in practice, from small installations on balconies to installations on roofs of single and multi-family houses as well as factory halls, all the way to large ground-mounted systems. It also includes important innovations for the energy transition regarding other renewable energies, electricity storage, and grids.

The use of photovoltaics on buildings has always been a central pillar of expansion. It is to be strengthened through a broad package of measures. While small rooftop installations in the private sector experienced a boom in 2023, the potential of larger roofs, especially in commercial settings, should be even more fully utilized in the future.

Increase the expansion of photovoltaic energy generation

The federal government launched the ‘Solar Package I’ (law amending the EEG and other energy industry regulations to increase the expansion of photovoltaic energy generation) in August 2023. The government factions in the German Bundestag supplemented the draft at that time. Additional regulations have been added for battery storage, for the community supply of solar power and for uniform technical connection conditions throughout Germany.