Germany Right on Schedule with PV Capacity Growth

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Germany Right On Schedule With PV Capacity Growth

Energy from renewable sources instead of limited fossil fuels is the only long-term solution that currently seems viable. In order to make that shift over to depending on the sun and wind, more and more solar and wind farms must be installed. Germany is in the process of meeting its self-defined goals for renewable energy, moving along precisely as scheduled.

The Photovoltaics Task Force of Baden-Württemberg published a press release recently pointing out that Germany’s growth corridor for solar power is exactly what’s needed for the country to reach its target for renewables. The press release also outlines Germany’s master plan to switch to renewables and a roadmap the German government has been producing for the past ten years.

Stick to the Plan

Germany’s target for PV capacity is 52 gigawatts by 2020; at the end of last year, the country had around 25 gigawatts already installed. Simple math says that to reach the 52 gigawatt mark, Germany must install 27 gigawatts over nine years (including 2012), or 3 gigawatts per year. Doesn’t look challenging compared to what it’s done so far.

Also part of the renewable energy roadmap is the understanding that, for every two gigawatts of solar power installed, three gigawatts of wind power should balance it out in order to reduce the need for power storage. The PV sector, in other words, relies on the wind sector stepping up and holding up its end of the deal.

Supply and Demand

Solar panels currently have performance guarantees for 25 years. With that in mind, maintaining the PV growth corridor of 3 gigawatts per year would eventually lead to around 70 gigawatts of installed capacity. Since Germany’s solar power peaks at around 70% of full capacity, 70 gigawatts of installed capacity makes for about 50 gigawatts of actual electricity on sunny days.

However, production of 50 gigawatts is also close to peak power demand on summer weekends. If the grid is dependent on a single source for that much power, it could be disruptive in terms of long-term grid integration. While this is not specifically addressed in the press release, the demand for more wind power does indicate that they’re aware of the potential issue.

Either way, Germany is working hard to ensure it can provide its own energy and have clean sources of electricity for its populace. Any questions or comments? Let us know below!

Source: Renewables International
Image: Wikimedia Commons


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