Solar Installation Growth Rises Due to One-Time Factors

Source: E&M powernews

July 15, 2026

In Germany, more PV capacity was installed in the first half of 2026 than in the same period a year earlier. According to the German Solar Industry Association, one-time factors are driving the expansion.

The expansion of photovoltaics in Germany gained momentum in the firsthalf of 2026. According to preliminary data from the Federal Network Agency, new solar systems with a capacity of just under 7,400 MW were connected to the grid between January and June. This represents an increase of about nine percent compared to the same period last year. The German Solar Industry Association (BSW-Solar) points this out.

However, the association estimates that the increase is primarily due to one-time factors. On the one hand, the war between Israel and Iran has heightened many households’ interest in greater energy independence. On the other hand, the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs’ plans to largely phase out subsidies for new photovoltaic systems under the Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG) starting in 2027 have prompted many to bring forward their investments.

BSW-Solar also expects the preliminary figures to rise further. Late submissions to the Federal Network Agency’s market master data register have regularly led to higher figures in recent years. The association therefore considers an expansion of up to 8,300 MW in the first half of the year to be possible.

Momentum Is Not Enough to Meet Climate Goals

According to BSW-Solar, more than six million photovoltaic systems with a total installed capacity of over 125,000 MW are now in operation in Germany. Together with approximately 2.7 million stationary battery storage systems, they now cover about one-fifth of Germany’s electricity consumption. By 2030, installed photovoltaic capacity is set to rise to 215,000 MW in accordance with statutory expansion targets.

Nevertheless, the association views the current pace of expansion with skepticism. While Germany is currently still on the expansion path mandated by law, BSW-Solar states that the momentum is insufficient to achieve the targets in the long term. CEO Carsten Körnig points out that electricity demand will continue to rise due to the increasing prevalence of electric vehicles, heat pumps, data centers, and air conditioning systems. “That is why the expansion of photovoltaic systems and battery storage must not be slowed down,” he warned.

Grid Package as a Hindrance

The association takes a critical view of the federal government’s planned changes as part of the EEG reform and the so-called “grid package.” According to BSW-Solar, the elimination of EEG subsidies for new systems, a direct marketing requirement for smaller photovoltaic systems, and the planned elimination of compensation for grid-related feed-in restrictions could, in particular, hinder investment and slow down expansion.

According to the association, this could also affect jobs along the value chain. Körnig is therefore calling for a reliable political framework. He argues that greater expansion of photovoltaics and battery storage is necessary from the perspectives of climate, energy, and economic policy. Planning certainty is more important than short-term changes to subsidy conditions.

PV accounts for over 30 percent of electricity generation

Meanwhile, the growing importance of solar energy for the electricity supply is also becoming apparent. According to an analysis by the energy think tank Ember, solar energy accounted for 33 percent of German electricity generation in May and 36 percent in June. Across the EU, solar power reached a share of 25 percent in June, making it the largest single source of electricity for the first time this year, ahead of nuclear power and natural gas.

According to Ember, the rapid expansion in recent years, as well as high electricity demand due to heat waves, contributed to this development. Solar energy helped ensure a stable power supply even under difficult weather conditions with little wind.

Author: Susanne Harmsen