Germany to Install Record Solar Panels This Year, DIHK Says

Germany will probably install a record amount of solar panels this year even as the world’s biggest market for the industry plans to cut subsidies, according to the DIHK national industry and trade chambers.

The DIHK expects 8 gigawatts of installations this year, which would result in subsidy costs of 20 billion euros ($26 billion) in the next two decades, Martin Wansleben, managing director, said by e-mail today. Germany added 7.5 gigawatts last year, double the government’s target. More will be installed this year as module prices drop to levels ensuring favorable returns even with lower subsidies, he said.