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German policy

  • Germany takes the lead

    Solar energy rising

    Germany takes the lead

    Five percent of electricity in Germany is generated with solar power. That makes Germany the top producer worldwide. The country has more than a million solar power systems, generating some 28 gigawatts of electricity. The trend of decentralized power generation is continuing to grow.

  • Bigger, better, cheaper

    Solar energy rising

    Bigger, better, cheaper

    Worldwide solar panel manufacturers are increasing production and dropping prices. In Germany, a kilowatt hour (kWh) of generated electricity costs between 12 and 20 euro cents. Closer to the equator, more intense sun exposure would see higher yields and even cheaper prices.

  • Growing competition

    Solar energy rising

    Growing competition

    150,000 people work in the German solar industry. 20,000 are employed in solar panel factories. But as China's solar power sector expands, Germany is facing new competition.

  • Solar power boom creates jobs

    Solar energy rising

    Solar power boom creates jobs

    Mechanical engineers and solar panel installers have done well as the alternative energy sector grows. Machinery and robotic parts for solar panel factories are largely produced in Germany. The local market is also growing as more Germans invest in their own rooftop solar panels.

  • Big utilities reject solar power

    Solar energy rising

    Big utilities reject solar power

    Critics say increased use of unreliable energy sources such as solar put a lot of strain on the national power grid because of fluctuations in output. To ensure power supply, some energy providers want to to keep old coal-fired power plants on the grid.

  • No clear course of action

    Solar energy rising

    No clear course of action

    German politicians are divided on the issue of solar power. The country's economy minister wants to limit solar expansion. But local governments argue that the renewable energy sector creates jobs. Many voters also support the growth of solar energy.

  • World's largest solar technology trade fair

    Solar energy rising

    World's largest solar technology trade fair

    Some 80,000 visitors from around the world are expected at the Intersolar trade fair in Munich this week. The topics addresses will include how to bring down costs, improve energy storage and find new sources of renewable energy.

  • Searching for cheap solutions

    Solar energy rising

    Searching for cheap solutions

    Participants at Intersolar will be discussing technology, pricing and strategy. Solar energy could make up 25 percent of Germany's total electricity by 2030. Experts say that would bring capacity up to 200 gigawatts.

  • Warm water at DW

    Solar energy rising

    Warm water at DW

    Solar power can be used to heat water, warm interior spaces and support industrial activity. These solar panels on the roof of the DW buildings in Bonn help to heat water in our canteen.

  • Investing in developing nations

    Solar energy rising

    Investing in developing nations

    Some of the world's sunniest countries are unable to afford the technology needed to start solar power production. They need increased investment in clean energy sectors.

  • Energy for the 21st century

    Solar energy rising

    Energy for the 21st century

    Solar energy is expected to become one of the most important sources of power over the course of this century.


    Author: Gero Rueter /shc | Editor : Sarah Steffen

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Nuclear Energy

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Calculating the cost of Germany's nucelar phase-out proves difficult.

Energy Business

Citizen Initiatives

Renewable energy: Wind power

Sailing hard into the wind

The expansion of wind energy in the North Sea

Renewable energy: Solar power

Renewable energy: Biofuels

Renewable energy: Hydro, geothermal and co

Energy storage and efficiency