German solar PV up 50 per cent on 2011

• 12 years ago (2012-11-07)
• Junior Isles

Europe 1089 Renewables 776

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Figures from the German Federal Association of Energy and Water Industries (BDEW) show solar PV generation has increased by more than 50 per cent in 2012 compared to 2011.

Between January and September 2012 about 24.9 billion kWh of solar photovoltaic power was generated by German installations compared with 6.5 billion kWh in the first three quarters of 2011.

Solar PV produced 2.9 billion kWh in September 2012, more than any single month of 2011. However, May 2012 has so far had the highest generation total with more than 4 billion kWh produced.

BDEW claims that the sharp increase in solar power generation this year is due to the continuing expansion of PV in Germany and favourable weather conditions.

Overall, renewable generation covered 26 per cent of Germany's electricity needs from January to September 2012, according to BDEW.

However, this figure is likely to fall due to the predictable seasonal decline in solar irradiation towards the end of the year.