German minister's plans for new small solar power systems slammed

Plans by German Economy Minister Katherina Reiche to end state support for new small solar installations have met with criticism.

The Federal Association of the Solar Industry stated on Monday that the implementation of such a proposal would endanger climate targets and severely damage the industry, which employs around 150,000 people.

Reliable investment conditions are needed, they said, including support for solar power that cannot be consumed on-site.

Reiche is from the coalition’s senior party, the Christian Democrats (CDU). Within the junior coalition partner, the Social Democrats (SPD), there were warnings about causing uncertainty.

The opposition Greens called for protests. “The friends of the decentralized energy transition in the hands of citizens must now stand up. Whether municipalities, companies, farmers, or climate protectors — Reiche’s policy has many losers,” deputy Green Party leader Sven Giegold told the local newspaper Augsburger Allgemeine.

Photovoltaic (PV) systems on roofs are the most environmentally friendly way to generate energy, he said.

New, small PV systems are already profitable in the market today and do not require support, Reiche told the Augsburger Allgemeine, adding that the prices for systems and storage have fallen significantly.

The CDU politician does not want to change the feed-in tariff for existing solar systems, citing the protection of existing investments.

Reiche further told the newspaper that the multitude of non-controllable small solar systems feeds in uncontrollably and puts stress on the grid.

“Therefore, PV systems should be connected to power storage, be controllable, participate in the market, and market their electricity,” she said.