Majority of Population Supports Promotion of Solar Modules from Domestic Factories, Urges Swift Action from German Government

A recent representative survey conducted by YouGov on behalf of the Federal Association of the Solar Industry (BSW-Solar) indicates that a two-thirds majority of the population is in favor of promoting the sale of solar modules from domestic factories. The aim is to enhance competitiveness and foster European independence in the solar industry. BSW-Solar calls upon the German federal government to take immediate action based on these findings. The industry association warns of potential closures of solar module factories in Germany this year, emphasizing the critical window for a renaissance of the solar industry in the country.

The survey highlights a pressing need for specific measures to promote domestic solar factories. BSW-Solar stresses the importance of swift government intervention, asserting that delays could jeopardize the resurgence of the solar industry in Germany. The lights may go out at more solar module factories unless immediate action is taken.

Several months ago, both the federal government and the EU Commission set goals to provide increased support to renewable energy producers. The focus was on reducing import dependency, particularly in the production of solar modules and their preliminary products. However, concrete measures from the German government have been slow to materialize. The survey underscores the urgency of implementing policies to support the solar industry and reduce reliance on imported solar products.

Carsten Körnig, General Manager of BSW-Solar, emphasizes that austerity constraints cannot justify further political delays. The association urges the quick implementation of measures outlined in the “Solar Package I” draft law, proposed by the traffic light coalition in August 2023. These measures aim to reduce bureaucracy, leading to significant annual budget savings. The savings could potentially offset temporary additional costs of solar products manufactured in Europe through “resilience bonuses” in the Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG).

Körnig notes that the solar industry rejects import restrictions or tariffs, as these measures have proven ineffective and could impede the progress of the energy transition in Europe. Last year, the association and scientists presented a concrete proposal to politicians on how start-up financing could be part of Solar Package I, making domestic solar factories globally competitive. Swift implementation of these proposals is seen as critical for the future of the solar industry in Germany.