Germany’s solar market remains the largest in the world, with new systems in 2010 totaling over 7 GWp and amounting to approximately half of the world market. Germany also accounts for Europe’s largest share of installed wind capacity at over 27 GW through 2010.
“With record demand every year in Germany and growing markets across Europe, it’s not surprising that many of the world’s biggest solar and wind players are located here,” stated Tobias Homann, Senior Manager for Photovoltaics at Germany Trade & Invest in Berlin.

Completing the Picture – Energy Storage and Fuel Cells
The growing supply of fluctuating energy is increasing demand for energy storage. Germany has broadened its framework for R&D and for the commercialization of energy storage technologies. The federal government expects renewable energies to account for 35 percent of Germany’s electricity mix by 2020 and 80 percent by 2050, with further investments in energy storage a prerequisite.
“Germany has the right conditions for the rapid development of the energy storage and fuel cell industry. The combination of renewable energy generation, innovation and demonstration projects makes Germany an optimal location for companies looking to enter this budding industry,” stated Raphael Goldstein, Senior Manager for Energy Storage and Fuel Cells at Germany Trade & Invest.

Source: Germany Trade and Invest

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Solar-powered!

Fans of German food can now bite their sausages in Carlsbad’s “Tip Top Meats” restaurant with an even cleaner conscience thanks to an environmentally-friendly German-German business transaction. From now on sausages at Tip Top Meats will be fried with green energy. Owner John Haedrich commissioned a German company to install a new solar energy system.

Haedrich had long been toying with the idea of equipping his restaurant with photovoltaic technology. He found the perfect partner with GeckoLogic USA, a California-based company with headquarters in Hesse. The company was founded in 2002 by engineers Claus Wohlgemuth and Steve Gyoerffy. The two men brought German expertise in solar technology to America. When Haedrich inquired at GeckoLogic about the costs and benefits of the technology, he was quickly convinced: “I discovered that 85 percent of the costs can be immediately written off. The remaining 15 percent will amortize in about five years.”

Haedrich had GeckoLogic install the Sunpower model – the most efficient module on the market –  on his roof in combination with a German SMA inverter that can convert solar energy for power outlets. GeckoLogic installer Georg Strasser claims that “Germany is six years ahead in solar technology!” He sees Haedrich as a visionary whom he personally admires: “He is a very remarkable man who, at the age of 80, is investing in the future. The next generation will benefit from his foresight.”

One of the biggest advantages of green energy is that energy costs remain constant and installation ensures an appreciation of the company’s value. One thing is certain in these economically difficult times – and Californians in particular can confirm this: Every day the sun rises. This means that the medium-sized company can stay competitive.

The photovoltaic modules arranged on the roof of Tip Top Meats also have a PR effect that attracts customers. No wonder that Haedrich is “totally satisfied” with his decision: “It makes perfect business sense. I am already planning to invest again in five years to have even larger solar panels installed on my roof.”

This article was first published in German and English in the Fall 2009 edition of © German World Magazine.

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