Energy: Bavaria Views Berlin's Plans for Solar Subsidy Halt Critically

Bavaria's state government has expressed skepticism regarding federal plans to eliminate subsidies for solar energy. The Bavarian Ministry of Economic Affairs stated that an abrupt cancellation of the feed-in tariff for solar installations could lead to a substantial decrease in the expansion of rooftop photovoltaic systems in the state.

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With an abrupt cancellation, the expansion figures for rooftop PV systems in Bavaria could decline significantly.

While acknowledging the goal of integrating photovoltaics more deeply into the market, the ministry argues against a sudden halt. Instead, it proposes a phased approach that strengthens system integration while ensuring the continued growth of solar capacity. This stance comes amid considerations by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs to cut subsidies and increase regulations for new, small solar systems, as outlined in a draft amendment to the Renewable Energy Sources Act.

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Instead, a gradual approach should be pursued that strengthens system integration without slowing down expansion.

The plans have already drawn criticism from the solar industry and the Green Party. Martin Stümpfig, the Green Party's energy policy spokesperson in the state parliament, emphasized that Bavaria, with its abundant sunshine, would be particularly affected. He highlighted that the rapid growth in recent years demonstrates photovoltaics' crucial role in climate protection and in making citizens and businesses more independent from rising energy prices. Stümpfig stressed that eliminating subsidies abruptly sends the wrong signal and that targeted support remains necessary, especially in urban areas where structural hurdles exist and market mechanisms are insufficient, particularly for multi-family housing and tenant electricity models.

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The PV system on the roof is often the first step to greater independence. Eliminating the subsidy from one day to the next is therefore the completely wrong signal.