Dusseldorf/Muenster
Generating electricity from sunlight is set to play an important role in the energy transition. Never before have so many new plants been built as in 2022
In North Rhine-Westphalia, more photovoltaic systems went online in 2022 than ever before in a year. Less dismantled systems, a good 70,000 new systems were reported to the Federal Network Agency by the end of November, as reported by the Solarbranche.de portal. The previous high of a good 41,000 per year was thus clearly exceeded before the end of the year.
Whether 2022 will also see a record increase in output remains to be seen. By the end of November, the new plants had a net capacity of 823 megawatts.
Association sees solar optimism
The managing director of the state association for renewable energies in North Rhine-Westphalia, Christian Mildenberger, spoke of a pleasing development. “NRW is also benefiting from the solar optimism that can be observed nationwide,” he told the German Press Agency. In order for the state government to achieve its expansion goals for climate protection and renewable energies, an annual increase of at least 2000 megawatts is necessary.
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According to the German Solar Industry Association, in the first ten months around 37 percent of the systems were set up in open spaces nationwide. 34 percent were built on residential buildings. 11 percent of the systems were built on commercial, retail and service buildings.
The energy crisis and the Ukraine war fuel the boom
The association spoke of a “nationwide solar boom” since the beginning of the 1920s, which can be traced back to a sharp increase in demand from private property owners. “Their willingness to invest had already increased significantly during the corona pandemic and received a significant boost as a result of the most recent energy crisis,” the association said on request.
Objective: Every roof should have a system
The black-green state government wants to push ahead with the expansion of photovoltaics. “Our goal is that every suitable roof is used for solar energy,” says the coalition agreement. Gradually there should be a comprehensive solar obligation.
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It should apply first to new public buildings. It is to be introduced for new private buildings on January 1, 2025. A year later, it is also planned for existing private and commercial buildings, where the roof will be extensively renovated. Nobody should be forced to make an investment – leasing should also be possible. The solar obligation should also be able to be fulfilled with solar thermal energy – i.e. water heating with sunlight. (dpa)
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