Germany’s solar market nearly doubled the previous year’s installations, with new systems in 2010 totaling over 7 GWp and accounting for approximately half of the world market. This has led to the recently announced feed-in tariff cuts set for mid-2011, which reflect lower system prices and puts Germany closer to grid parity.

“Germany continues to confirm its standing as the largest photovoltaic market worldwide. With record demand every year and growing markets across Europe, it’s not surprising that many of the world’s biggest players are located in Germany,” according to Tobias Homann, Senior Manager for Photovoltaics at Germany Trade & Invest in Berlin.

Currently, there are over 17 GWp of photovoltaic installations across Germany, which is approximately half of all installed solar capacity worldwide. The industry posts an annual turnover of approximately EUR 10 billion and employs over 133,000 workers.

“Companies benefit from an experienced workforce and an outstanding infrastructure of equipment suppliers, component manufacturers, developers, banks and installers. Germany also provides direct access to the world’s largest PV markets and first-rate R&D institutes,” Homann continues.

Germany Trade & Invest is the foreign trade and inward investment promotion agency of the Federal Republic of Germany. The organization advises foreign companies looking to expand their business activities in the German market. It provides information on foreign trade to German companies that seek to enter foreign markets.    

Further Information: Germany Trade & Invest (www.gtai.com)