Solar industry demands target for battery storage

06.10.2025

Source: E & M powernews

The German Solar Industry Association (BSW Solar) is calling for a binding expansion target for battery storage systems by 2030 and presents the initial results of an industry survey.

On October 6, the German Solar Industry Association (BSW Solar) called for a legally binding expansion target of 100 million kWh of stationary battery storage by 2030. The occasion was the Handelsblatt conference "Energy Storage 2025". According to BSW-Solar, electricity storage systems are key to implementing the energy transition at lower costs and with greater security of supply.

"Battery storage systems contribute to the rapid, safe and cost-effective implementation of the energy transition, to the benefit of industry and consumers alike," said BSW Managing Director Carsten Körnig at the conference. In his opinion, storage systems could reduce the need for reserve power plants, avoid curtailment of solar and wind power plants, reduce grid expansion and at the same time stabilize electricity prices on the exchange.

Industry survey calls for grid connections

On this occasion, the association published the interim results of an industry survey conducted in conjunction with the EES trade fair in Munich. According to the results, companies from the storage sector expect the German government to speed up and simplify grid connections in particular. 64 percent of respondents see this as the most urgent need for action.

Other frequently mentioned demands include the extension of the grid fee exemption for electricity purchased from storage systems and the clear implementation of multi-use rules that enable flexible operation with electricity from different sources. BSW-Solar is calling on other companies and industry players to take part in the current survey.

The results will serve as a basis for political recommendations. The aim is to overcome obstacles to the expansion of storage systems more quickly and to adapt the regulatory framework to the requirements of a decarbonized electricity supply.

Background on battery storage

According to the association, around 2.2 million stationary battery storage systems with a total capacity of around 23 million kWh were installed in Germany at the end of July 2025. This figure is based on extrapolations from data from the Federal Network Agency. Although the BSW-Solar sees this as significant growth, it is still a long way from the capacities that would be required for a complete energy transition.

The survey results make it clear that the industry not only expects higher expansion targets, but also concrete measures in the grid connection process. The introduction of non-binding grid connection information is mentioned, which would enable project planners to find out about connection options at an early stage. The industry is also in favor of binding reservation options for grid capacities, which should be linked to the progress of the project. This would better secure investments and at the same time avoid blockages caused by unused grid connection commitments.

Digitalization of the connection process

Greater digitalization of the grid connection process is also one of the proposals. According to the companies, standardized deadlines and sanctions for non-compliance should ensure greater planning security. In addition, BSW-Solar reminds us of the step announced in the coalition agreement to privilege large-scale battery storage systems under building law. Swift implementation of this regulation is necessary in order to remove further hurdles to expansion.

According to experts, the role of battery storage systems has changed fundamentally in recent years. They are now seen as a key lever for bringing flexibility to the electricity system, stabilizing grids and enabling new solutions for self-supply and sector coupling. The new German government made up of the SPD and CDU/CSU has also emphasized this importance in its coalition agreement. It is now crucial to put the announced measures into practice quickly.

Author: Susanne Harmsen