Does Germany have more solar power than consumer demand?

Germany has installed more solar capacity than consumer demand requires, SEB Research found. During peak solar production hours, producers have taken a 87% price cut in the past 10 days. In fact, raw market energy prices fall into negative territory during these hours.

How much power does Germany's solar farms generate?

The roughly 11,920 gigawatt hours (GWh) of power generated by Germany's utility-scale solar farms was 31% larger than generated during the same month in 2024, and nearly 60% more than generated in April of 2023.

Does Germany have too much funding for solar?

While countries such as the United States, with its Inflation Reduction Act, are heavily subsidizing green technologies to combat climate change, German solar producers and research institutes complain that too little funding is available.

Will Germany's solar power plants be a cap on fossil fuel generation?

During the upcoming summer, coal and gas-fired plants will retain a key role in Germany's overall generation system, especially in the evenings once solar production slumps. However, rapid expansions in utility-scale battery systems will likely act as a cap on fossil fuel generation this summer even when solar production stops.

Can Germany rescue the solar industry?

The German government has yet to decide how to rescue the domestic solar industry. In addition to Meyer Burger, solar firms such as Solarwatt and Heckert also recently said they may close or reduce production facilities in Germany or even exit the country.

Why are solar prices so low in Germany?

Sunny days in Germany mean gray clouds for solar profitability as the nation's dive into renewables has left it with too much energy. According to a note from SEB Research, in the past 10 days, solar producers have had to take an 87% price cut during production hours. In fact, when production peaks, prices have slid well below zero.