Climate Protection Through Clean Energy from Photovoltaic Systems
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Germany is one of the countries with the highest photovoltaic (PV) expansion worldwide – despite having fewer hours of sunshine than many other regions. This is made possible by the high efficiency of modern solar technology, which enables economically viable electricity generation even in temperate climates. At the same time, the costs of PV systems continue to fall, while fossil fuels are becoming increasingly expensive due to CO₂ pricing and volatile market conditions. As a result, photovoltaic systems are becoming more and more important for the energy transition.
Photovoltaic systems make a key contribution to climate protection. They convert sunlight into electrical energy without generating harmful emissions, thereby reducing greenhouse gas output. This helps achieve both national and international climate goals. PV systems also allow electricity to be generated directly where it's needed – on rooftops or at businesses – reducing dependence on fossil fuels and helping to stabilize energy prices in the long run.
Providers like Enpal make it easy to integrate PV systems into your home. As one of the leading providers in Germany, Enpal offers complete solutions that can include solar panels, battery storage, wall boxes, or heat pumps. This allows you to make the most of your self-generated solar power and lower your energy costs in the long term.
Owning a solar system doesn’t have to be complicated! Enpal takes care of planning, installation, and maintenance. Here you can get a non-binding quote and learn what’s possible for your home.
Benefits of Photovoltaic Systems
Photovoltaic systems contribute to climate protection in several ways:
- Reduction of CO₂ emissions: Unlike fossil energy sources, solar power causes no CO₂ emissions during production. According to the German Environment Agency, an average PV system saves about 690 g of CO₂ per kilowatt-hour (kWh) generated.
- Renewable energy source: Solar energy is virtually unlimited and helps preserve finite resources like coal or gas.
- Long-term cost-efficiency: The cost of PV systems has fallen significantly over recent decades. Small rooftop systems now cost around €1,200–1,400/kWp, while large ground-mounted systems are even cheaper at €600–800/kWp. As a result, the levelized cost of electricity from PV systems (3.12–11.01 ct/kWh) is far below that of fossil fuels such as coal or gas (10.38–28.96 ct/kWh).
- Energy independence: Households with their own PV systems can increase their energy self-sufficiency and protect themselves from rising electricity prices.
Photovoltaic Systems in Germany
Solar power is playing an increasingly important role in Germany: in 2024, PV systems already covered nearly 12% of total electricity demand – more than ever before. There are now around 4.75 million PV systems, generating enough energy to power millions of households. Expansion is moving faster than planned: more new systems were installed last year than ever, and solar now produces more electricity than wind power. After years of slow growth, the energy transition is picking up speed again – and PV is a central building block for sustainable electricity supply.
A growing trend is the rise of balcony power plants – small, plug-in PV systems mainly used in urban areas. These allow renters and apartment owners to generate their own solar power and contribute to climate protection.
Legislation has also improved the conditions for PV expansion. The Renewable Energy Act (EEG) guarantees compensation for solar power fed into the grid. Some federal states, like Hamburg and Baden-Württemberg, have even introduced solar installation mandates for new buildings and roof renovations. The 2024 “Solar Package I” reduces bureaucracy and makes it easier to build and operate PV systems, especially for smaller or community projects.
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Get a free personalized quote from Enpal and find out how a PV system can help you save money and protect the climate – learn more here.
How Solar Power Works
Photovoltaic systems work via the photovoltaic effect:
- Sunlight hits the solar cells, typically made of semiconductor material (usually silicon).
- Electrons are set into motion and produce direct current (DC).
- An inverter converts the DC into alternating current (AC) for household use.
- The electricity can be consumed immediately, stored in a battery, or fed into the grid.
Modern technologies make today’s PV systems highly efficient and capable of achieving impressive conversion rates.
Government Support for Photovoltaic Systems
The German government supports PV expansion through various programs:
- Renewable Energy Act (EEG): Feed-in tariffs for solar power fed into the grid.
- KfW funding programs: Low-interest loans and grants for PV systems and storage.
- Tax benefits: Since 2023, PV systems up to 30 kWp are exempt from VAT, and feed-in income is tax-free.
- Regional subsidies: Some states and municipalities offer additional support.
These measures aim to accelerate PV adoption and make the transition to renewables easier.
Recycling and Environmental Aspects of PV Systems
Photovoltaic systems are environmentally friendly, and their sustainability is continuously being improved:
- Recycling: PV systems last around 25–30 years. After that, they must be properly disposed of. According to the German Environment Agency, the current recycling rate is 92.4%, as components like glass and aluminum can be reused. Advancements in recycling technology are improving the recovery of valuable raw materials.
- Hazardous materials: Modern crystalline silicon modules contain minimal amounts of lead in solder joints. Some rarely used thin-film modules may contain cadmium telluride. However, when installed and disposed of properly, they pose no environmental risk.
- Raw material use: Manufacturing solar panels requires rare materials like silicon, silver, and indium. Research is ongoing to reduce resource consumption and find more eco-friendly alternatives.
Make the Switch to Solar Now!
Our partner Enpal offers an easy and convenient way to install a PV system – including planning, installation, and maintenance. Use this link to get a free quote and move toward greater energy independence.
Photovoltaics: A Sustainable Energy Source with a Future
Photovoltaic systems are one of the most efficient and sustainable technologies for generating electricity. They actively contribute to climate protection, are economically attractive, and increase independence from fossil fuels.
With the right planning and the support of government incentives, anyone can benefit from solar power – and contribute to the energy transition at the same time.