Photovoltaic system installations in the first eight months of 2010 surpassed 4.8 GW, according to data from Germany Trade and Invest. With demand over 300% higher than in the same period last year, Germany accounts for approximately half of all PV systems installed worldwide in 2010. Recent estimates predict that installations in Germany will approach 9.5 GW in 2011, according to iSuppli.
With 4.8 GW installed capacity through August, Germany has surpassed the 3.8 GW installed in all of 2009. Increased demand in the rooftop segment corresponds with increased installations by private users. At the same time, there is growing demand for energy-storage systems and smart grid applications that fully utilize the self-consumption bonus of Germany's Renewable Energies Act (EEG).
Amendments to the photovoltaic feed-in tariffs of the EEG were passed this summer, with the final adjustments taking effect on Oct. 1, leading to a further shift toward the rooftop segment by abandoning field installations on cropland and increasing the attractiveness of the self-consumption bonus for small- and medium-scale rooftop installations. This bonus is paid to rooftop installation owners of systems smaller than 500 kW who intend to use the energy they generate.
SOURCE: Germany Trade and Invest
