Solar photovoltaics in Germany - statistics & facts
Solar photovoltaics are on the list of renewable energy sources Germany would like to transition to using more. In fact, in the European Union, Germany already produced the most electricity from solar PV plants in 2022, at around 60.8 terawatt hours. This was more than double the amount produced by Spain in second place and Italy in third place. Then again, Germany is Europe's largest economy, and an industrial powerhouse, therefore especially reliant on sustainable energy production. Solar photovoltaic systems could be a significant contributor, though their success also relies on long-term weather conditions.
Solar photovoltaics have contributed significantly to reducing carbon dioxide emissions in Germany, with figures increasing almost annually in the last twenty years. This is a crucial part of reaching emission reduction targets to combat global warming. As of 2022, around 41.7 thousand tons of CO₂ emissions were avoided due to using solar PV for electricity generation. Germany recorded an increasing number of solar photovoltaic plants in the last decade, with around 2.65 million operating in 2022.
Investments in solar PV plants have fluctuated in Germany, though an increase has once again been recorded in recent years. In 2022, around 7.72 billion euros were invested in solar energy systems. The rapid growth occurring in the German solar photovoltaic industry and future demand for solar energy, both on an industrial and household level, also increases the necessity of manufacturing. Currently, Germany relies heavily on solar PV imports, with the absolute majority of these coming from China. The Netherlands was Germany's leading European import partner, second after China.
Solar photovoltaics have contributed significantly to reducing carbon dioxide emissions in Germany, with figures increasing almost annually in the last twenty years. This is a crucial part of reaching emission reduction targets to combat global warming. As of 2022, around 41.7 thousand tons of CO₂ emissions were avoided due to using solar PV for electricity generation. Germany recorded an increasing number of solar photovoltaic plants in the last decade, with around 2.65 million operating in 2022.
Investments in solar PV plants have fluctuated in Germany, though an increase has once again been recorded in recent years. In 2022, around 7.72 billion euros were invested in solar energy systems. The rapid growth occurring in the German solar photovoltaic industry and future demand for solar energy, both on an industrial and household level, also increases the necessity of manufacturing. Currently, Germany relies heavily on solar PV imports, with the absolute majority of these coming from China. The Netherlands was Germany's leading European import partner, second after China.
