Strong demand for solar systems in Berlin: Inquiries for photovoltaic connections in the first half of 2023 increased by 1000 compared to the previous year

Strong demand for solar systems in Berlin: Inquiries for photovoltaic connections in the first half of 2023 increased by 1000 compared to the previous year

in the first half of 2023, Berlin recorded a significant increase in demand for solar systems. According to Stromnetz Berlin GmbH, a total of 5,800 inquiries were made from January to June for the connection of photovoltaic systems. These are around 1000 more inquiries than in the entire year 2022. In view of these figures, it is obvious that interest in solar energy will increase in the capital.

By the end of 2022, 15,013 solar systems were already installed in Berlin. These are different types of PV systems, from small balcony power plants to large roof systems. It is gratifying that a significant number of solar systems are already in operation.

The state of Berlin has the ambitious goal of gaining a quarter of the generation of electricity from solar systems by 2035. However, Berlin is still a long way from this goal. In the past year, only 1.8 percent of the electricity generated in Berlin was obtained from photovoltaic systems. In comparison, the proportion of solar energy in German electricity generation in 2022 was 10.6 percent. Nevertheless, Berlin produces about 40 percent of its electricity itself, which is already a positive balance.

Investment bank Berlin (IBB) found in a study that there is twice as much roof area in Berlin as it would be necessary to achieve the 25 percent goal. However, according to the current expansion speed and without further measures, it would take until 2050 to achieve the expansion goal. At the same time, the study emphasizes that the goal is quite realistic.

The Senate Energy Administration under the direction of Franziska Giffey (SPD), however, emphasizes that the solar expansion in Berlin is continuously advanced. Each single solar system, be it a planned large system or a small balcony power plant, helps to achieve the goal. The introduction of a solar obligation on roofs has been in force since January 1, 2023. In the case of new buildings or basic roof renovations, at least 30 percent of the roof area must be covered with solar systems. However, there are exceptions for certain buildings or for restrictions by monument protection.

The authors of the IBB study suggest that solar obligation to expand on existing buildings. As a result, owners with a transition period of 15 years could generally be obliged to install a PV system on their roof. However, a tightening of the rules in this legislative period is not to be expected.

The promotion of solar systems is being expanded in Berlin. The funds for funding are to be tripled to 18.5 million euros in the upcoming double budget. The funding for balcony power plants is already taking a positive balance. Half of all inquiries about PV systems in 2023 these plug-in solar devices. Since mid-February, tenants of apartments have been able to receive a funding of 500 euros for buying a balcony solar system. The funding was also extended to tenants of houses in June, and in autumn owners of apartments should also benefit from funding.

Despite the positive developments, there are still challenges. Stefan Taschner, energy policy spokesman for the Greens, criticizes the high bureaucratic requirements in the funding program that many people deter. The costs for installing a special socket are also passed on to the tenants. The Greens therefore plan to submit an application to the House of Representatives in autumn in order to make the promotion of solar plug -in devices more attractive.

Overall, it can be seen that the demand for solar systems in Berlin is continuously increasing. The country makes efforts to achieve the ambitious goal of 25 percent solar power by 2035. The introduction of solar obligation on roofs and the expansion of the funding are important steps in this direction. It is hoped that further measures will be taken to make Berlin a pioneer in the area of ​​solar energy.