North Rhine-Westphalia Adds 940 MW of New Solar Energy Capacity in First Half of 2025

North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) recorded close to 90,000 newly installed photovoltaic (PV) systems in the first six months of 2025, totaling approximately 940 megawatts (MW) of solar energy capacity. According to an analysis of national market register data, this marks a 20% decline compared with the same period in 2024. Nationwide, NRW ranked third in new capacity additions, behind Bavaria (1,943 MW) and Baden-Württemberg (1,039 MW).

Industry analysts point out that this slowdown mirrors broader renewable energy trends in Germany, where installation levels have fallen from last year’s peak. NRW has historically relied heavily on private rooftop solar to reach its climate goals, but reduced investment interest in this segment is shifting attention toward other areas, including large-scale ground-mounted projects, commercial installations, and PV deployment on public buildings.

Ground-Mounted Solar Still Underdeveloped in NRW

Ground-mounted solar power—widely recognized as one of the most cost-effective forms of renewable electricity generation—accounts for just 12% of NRW’s new capacity so far this year. By comparison, around 57% of Bavaria’s additions came from this segment, explaining much of its lead in total photovoltaic capacity expansion.

Experts recommend that municipalities receive greater assistance in both approving and proactively planning solar sites. While NRW has offered funding programs for ground-mounted projects and agrivoltaics in recent years, demand for subsidies has consistently outpaced availability. Expanding these programs could play a key role in accelerating solar deployment.

Small-Scale Solar Sees Strong Demand

Micro-scale PV systems, such as plug-in balcony units, continue to gain traction. In the first half of 2025, more than 46,000 such systems were connected to the grid—over 4,000 more than in the same period last year. NRW accounted for about one in five of these installations nationwide, highlighting the technology’s strong local appeal.

At the district level, Steinfurt (44 MW), Borken (41 MW), and Soest (38 MW) led the state in newly installed capacity. Among major cities, Aachen (23.2 MW), Mönchengladbach (19.3 MW), and Cologne (18.9 MW) topped the list. On a per-capita basis, Fröndenberg ranked highest at 790 W per resident, followed by Extertal (557 W) and Weeze (540 W).

Battery Storage Deployment Expands but Large Units Remain Scarce

For the first time, NRW’s battery storage figures have been compiled. By mid-2025, 52,200 units with a combined capacity of 404 MW were operational. Nearly 98% of these were small residential systems of up to 15 kW, while larger-scale energy storage systems remain rare. Only 46 installations exceeded 50 kW, yet these accounted for nearly 30% of total storage capacity.

Energy experts stress that expanding large-scale battery energy storage will be essential for enhancing grid flexibility, integrating greater shares of renewable energy, and helping stabilize electricity prices. Achieving this will require faster processing of grid connection applications and streamlined municipal permitting.