Pvsec: German Solar Demand On Record Pace In 2010; Feed-in Tariffs Updated

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6th September 2010, 11:47am - Views: 829






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MEDIA RELEASE PR41084


PVSEC: German Solar Demand on Record Pace in 2010; Feed-in Tariffs Updated


BERLIN and VALENCIA, Spain, Sept. 6 /PRNewswire-AsiaNet / -


    Photovoltaic system installations in the first half of 2010,

estimated at 3 GWp, continue to consolidate Germany's position as the world's

largest photovoltaic (PV) market and an attractive investment location for PV

companies. In 2009, Germany accounted for approximately one of every two

newly installed modules worldwide, with total installations at 3.8 GWp for

the year. Germany Trade & Invest will have representatives at this year's

European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference & Exhibition in Valencia,

Spain, from September 6-9 to introduce opportunities for PV companies in

Germany.


    Amendments to the photovoltaic feed-in tariffs of Germany's

Renewable Energies Act (EEG) were passed in early July, with a further

adjustment to take effect October 1. The changes mark a further shift towards

the rooftop segment by abandoning field installations on cropland and

increasing the attractiveness of the own consumption bonus for small and

medium-scale rooftop installations. This bonus is paid to rooftop

installation owners of systems smaller than 500 kWp who intend to use the

energy they generate.


    Feed-in tariff rates were reduced by 13 percent for rooftop

installations and eliminated for cropland field installations from July 1. At

the same time, conversion areas saw a reduction of 8 percent and all other

areas were decreased by 12 percent. Beginning October 1, these rates will be

reduced by a further 3 percent. Still, the new tariffs remain highly

attractive, with rates ranging from 25.02 - 34.05 EURc/kWh for installations

connected before October 1 and 24.26 - 33.03 EURc/kWh for those connected

during the remainder of the year.


    The law, 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 attractive payback time and high

returns.


    Increased Demand by Private Users


    The two-tiered changes to the EEG are a reaction to the

increased price competitiveness of photovoltaic systems, including the recent

price drop for solar panels and components. These developments have created a

number of new market opportunities for PV companies. Increased demand in the

rooftop segment corresponds with installations by private users who

overwhelmingly prefer high-quality systems. Changes are also leading to

growing demand for energy storage systems and smart grid applications to

fully profit from the own consumption bonus. By 2013 energy from PV sources

is expected to be competitive with conventional energy sources in the

electricity market for private consumers.


    Manufacturers 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.


Business Company Germany Trade & Invest 3 image

    Germany Trade & Invest will have representatives at this

year's 25th European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference & Exhibition in

Feria Valencia - Level 2 - Hall 2 - Booth A17 to meet with companies

interested in the world's photovoltaic leader.


    Germany Trade & Invest is the foreign trade and inward

investment promotion agency of the Federal Republic of Germany. The

organization advises foreign companies looking to expand their business

activities in the German market. It provides information on foreign trade to

German companies that seek to enter foreign markets.


     SOURCE:  Germany Trade & Invest


    CONTACT:  Eva Henkel

              Email: eva.henkel@gtai.com

              T: +49(0)30-200099-173

              F: +49(0)30-200099-111    


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