As North America’s largest solar conference Solar Power International begins today in Los Angeles, market research firm, iSuppli reports that Germany accounts for approximately half of all photovoltaic (PV) systems installed worldwide in 2010. How did this happen? Germany’s Renewable Energies Act (EEG), established ten years ago, requires power companies to buy renewable energy from system owners at the corresponding feed-in tariff rate for 20 years, guaranteeing an inviting payback time and high returns. Increased demand in the rooftop segment corresponds with installations by private users who overwhelmingly prefer high-quality systems. By 2013 energy from PV sources is expected to be competitive with conventional energy sources in the private consumer electricity market.
Companies that manufacture PV systems and components in Germany not only have easy access to a large and growing market, they also benefit from a competitive advantage through a local brand presence and reputation for high quality products. Germany boasts a well established industrial infrastructure, large equipment supplier base, and qualified and experienced workforce. The country’s PV industry also features the highest density of R&D institutes in the industry. These factors have led to a 300% higher demand for photovoltaic systems over the same period last year.
Germany Trade & Invest representatives will be on hand at this year’s Solar Power International to tell their story. Germany Trade & Invest is the foreign trade and inward investment promotion agency of Germany. The organization advises foreign companies looking to expand their business activities in the German market.
Solar Power International will feature state of the Industry addresses by Julia Hamm, President & CEO, SEPA and Rhone Resch, President & CEO, SEIA. Biz Stone, co-founder of Twitter, will talk about his visionary business practices and creation of cultural shift at Tuesday’s General Session. On Wednesday Secretary Kenneth Salazar will outline the administration’s efforts to make a rapid and responsible move to large-scale production of renewable energy on public lands.