Solar power industry warns against cutting support for roof-mounted solar energy in Germany

A group of associations related to Germany’s solar power sector have urged the government to sustain support schemes for small and roof-mounted solar PV systems, warning that the continued expansion of the key renewable energy technology is at risk. In a joint appeal, the group of business associations emphasised that solar power provides citizens and companies with a reliable and affordable source of electricity that is supported by most citizens. However, continued government subsidies are still necessary to sustain PV expansion, the associations said.

Germany’s economy minister Katherina Reiche in September last year had signalled that support for roof-mounted solar power installations could be cut in an upcoming reform of Germany’s renewable energy support framework. The associations argued that solar PV installations are stabilising overall electricity prices thanks to low power generation costs. In addition, the associations stressed solar power’s potential for private households to actively participate in the energy transition. 

Instead of lowering support, regulators should create technical and economic conditions that promote solar expansion by making smaller solar systems more responsive to market developments, lobby group BSW Solar said. This for example could be achieved through a faster roll-out of smart metering technology.

In a separate press release, the Climate Neutral Germany Initiative (IKND) said that German homeowners of all political persuasion are willing to invest in photovoltaic systems, heat pumps and electric cars. According to a survey conducted by the Allensbach Institute on behalf of IKND solar PV is the most popular energy transition technology among German homeowners, finding supports from the Green Party to the far-right AfD. The survey of some 2,000 homeowners residing in their property showed that almost two-thirds already installed a solar power system or plan to purchase one in the next five years.

Solar power capacity in Germany has increased at a fast pace in recent years, with homeowners and roof-mounted systems becoming increasingly popular in the context of the European energy crisis. Solar power output grew by 21 percent in 2025 and fed 71 terawatt hours (TWh) into the public grid, meaning the renewable energy source surpassed lignite-fired power generation (67 TWh) for the first time.