Ukraine war pushes demand for solar batteries as homeowners strive for independence

The war in Ukraine and the associated energy crisis are pushing homeowners in record numbers to install solar power systems and batteries, the German Solar Industry Association (BSW) has said. Following strong growth last year, the lobby group reports a further increase in demand due to fears of sharply rising energy prices and supply bottlenecks. "For more and more households, the purchase of solar energy systems and storage units is becoming a declaration of energy independence," said association head Carsten Körnig, adding that the spread of electric cars also boosts demand.

Last year, demand for solar batteries rose around 60 percent compared to 2020 to 141,000 units, pushing the total number of solar batteries installed in Germany above 400,000, according to the association. The BSW has appealed to the German government to improve the framework conditions for decentralised solar power supply. Referring to individuals who both consume and produce energy, Körnig said that "prosumers" are indispensable pacemakers of the energy transition. "In the event of a reduction in bureaucracy and readjustments to the funding framework, they can make a much greater contribution to climate and consumer protection in the future."  

Germany currently derives around nine percent of the electricity it consumes from solar panels. The government has proposed in its coalition agreement to make rooftop solar mandatory for new commercial buildings and establish them “as a rule” on new private buildings.