Germany has achieved a major milestone in its energy transition, reaching half of its legally binding goal to double its solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity to 215 gigawatts (GW) by 2030. According to the latest figures from the Federal Network Agency (Bundesnetzagentur), the country now has 107.5 GW of installed solar capacity, covering approximately 15% of national electricity demand.

Source: BSW-Solar

However, the German Solar Industry Association (BSW-Solar) has raised concerns about a recent slowdown in solar expansion, warning that it could jeopardize the country’s 2030 goal.

Industry warns of slowing momentum

“The demand for electricity continues to grow, and we cannot afford to lose momentum in solarizing rooftops, facades, and open spaces,” said Carsten Körnig, CEO of BSW-Solar. “Half the journey is complete, but the second half won’t happen automatically. A stronger expansion of photovoltaics and storage is essential from both climate and energy policy perspectives.”

More than five million solar installations are now in operation across rooftops, balconies, and fields in Germany. Despite this progress, BSW-Solar emphasizes the need for faster growth and the removal of market and regulatory barriers.

The association is urging the government to act swiftly, particularly by securing long-overdue EU state aid approval for the “solar package” and implementing measures to digitize and accelerate grid connections.

Storage capacity a key bottleneck

Another major concern is the need for expanded energy storage infrastructure. Germany currently has about two million battery storage systems with a combined capacity of 20 gigawatt-hours (GWh). However, scientific estimates suggest the country will need between 100 and 150 GWh of storage capacity by 2030.

BSW-Solar is calling for the immediate implementation of policy measures outlined in the coalition agreement, including building code changes that would encourage battery deployment.

Körnig also pointed out that solar power has become the cheapest form of electricity generation globally, offering significant cost savings to both private and industrial consumers.

“Public support for a faster solar rollout remains overwhelmingly high,” Körnig added, “which makes it all the more critical not to slow down the pace of the energy transition.”