China s solar energy storage in Germany

Why do people store solar power in Germany?

To date, most battery storage systems in the German electricity system have been used exclusively to optimize self-consumption. Consequently, an exponentially growing number of homeowners and companies store solar power for times when solar generation is low.

Is Germany reviving the solar industry?

Germany was a pioneer in the solar power industry, but succumbed to competition from China. Now, Germany — and the European Union — are trying to revitalize the industry once again.

Will Germany resurrect a solar power industry?

For Germany, it would mean resurrecting a solar power industry that last experienced a boom more than a decade ago and has since succumbed to competition in China, which has come to dominate the market.

How much solar power does Germany have?

At the end of 2023, the country boasted a capacity of about 61 gigawatts (GW), according to figures by solar PV industry group BSW Solar. In contrast to conventional energy systems focused on big and centralised producers, tens of thousands of small solar panel operators have become an important part of the German energy system.

Why did the solar industry move from Germany to Asia?

KRAUTWURST: And so the industry moved from Germany to Asia. SCHMITZ: Without government support, German solar panels were quickly replaced by ones made in China, which, since 2011, invested 10 times more in the industry than Europe did.

Are German solar companies taking over the world's solar power supply chain?

He says that starting around a decade ago, German companies watched as their Chinese rivals took over every step of the global solar power supply chain. Last year, China made 97% of the silicon wafers that go into solar panels and more than three-quarters of the world's solar panels themselves.