Germany Reaches Halfway Mark Toward 2030 Solar Energy Target

Germany has achieved 50% of its legally mandated solar energy capacity target for 2030, according to recent figures released by the Federal Network Agency (Bundesnetzagentur). However, the pace of solar deployment has recently slowed, raising concerns about the country’s ability to meet its long-term energy transition goals.

The German Solar Industry Association (BSW-Solar) has expressed concern over the recent deceleration in solar expansion and warns that a slowdown could jeopardize the nation’s climate and energy objectives. The association emphasizes the urgent need for stable policy frameworks and investment conditions to support continued growth in both solar power and energy storage. It also calls for the removal of remaining market barriers that hinder progress.

“The demand for electricity continues to rise, and the integration of solar systems on rooftops, facades, and open spaces must not lose momentum,” stated BSW-Solar’s Managing Director, Carsten Körnig. “We’ve reached the halfway point, but the rest of the journey won’t be completed. A stronger expansion of photovoltaics and storage is a non-negotiable element of responsible climate and energy policy.”

Körnig also highlighted the economic advantages of accelerating the solar rollout, describing it as one of the most cost-effective and sustainable strategies for reducing energy expenses. Over the past 25 years, photovoltaics has evolved from a niche, high-cost technology used in satellites to the world’s most affordable form of electricity generation. Currently, no other power generation technology is being deployed globally at a faster rate than solar. The widespread adoption of solar energy has already helped residential and industrial users in Germany save billions of euros. Surveys consistently show that a large majority of the public supports a faster expansion of solar infrastructure.

Aiming for 215 GW of Installed Capacity by 2030

As of mid-2025, Germany has approximately 107.5 gigawatts (GW) of operational solar power capacity installed across rooftops, balconies, and open land, according to an analysis by BSW based on the Market Master Data Register. This marks a significant contribution to the national electricity supply, with solar power covering around 14% of total demand in 2024 and approximately 20% during the first half of 2025. More than five million solar systems are now in operation across the country.

To reach the national goal of 215 GW by 2030, BSW-Solar has submitted a set of policy recommendations to the federal government. Among the top priorities is the overdue approval of the EU’s state aid clearance for the Solar Package, along with the urgent implementation of measures to streamline and digitalize the grid connection process.

To fully unlock the system-wide potential of solar energy, the association also stresses the importance of scaling up energy storage capacity. BSW-Solar is urging policymakers to fast-track the legal framework that would grant building code privileges for battery storage systems, as stipulated in the federal coalition agreement. Currently, around two million battery systems with a combined capacity of roughly 20 gigawatt-hours (GWh) are in operation in Germany. However, expert analysis suggests that between 100 and 150 GWh of storage will be required by 2030 to support grid stability and optimize renewable integration.

Germany's photovoltaic roadmap envisions a balanced expansion between ground-mounted solar installations and building-integrated systems. Maintaining this parity remains a core principle of the deployment strategy, which BSW-Solar advocates should remain unchanged.