Solar energy in transition – the ups and downs of the industry

The solar industry has experienced a real rollercoaster ride in recent years. At the Greentech.LIVE conference, Felix Bräuer, one of Germany’s best-known experts in the field of photovoltaics and former Vice President at the solar company Solarwatt, talks about the dramatic developments of recent years – from boom phases and bottlenecks to the current price collapse in the PV sector. Felix Bräuers nevertheless remains confident Despite all the challenges, solar energy remains the central building block of the energy transition, according to his insight at the Greentech.LIVE conference in Berlin.

Rapid rise in the solar industry

Since 2007, the solar industry has experienced a rapid rise. Germany became a global pioneer, many jobs were created and photovoltaics developed into a competitive industry. However, this success was not to last: in 2013, subsidies were drastically cut and the industry plunged into a deep crisis. The upturn began again in 2015 – but this time it was not due to government incentives, but to the increased demand for independent power generation, reports Bräuer.

The coronavirus pandemic in particular led to a new solar boom, as many households invested in self-sufficiency instead of spending their money on travel. The war in Ukraine further intensified this trend: uncertainty about energy supply and rising prices led to a huge rush to install solar systems.

Solar Energy at a Turning Point

Despite the enormous benefits, many people still see solar energy as a complicated investment. Felix emphasizes that it is now up to the industry to communicate the positive developments more effectively. Many potential buyers are unaware that prices have fallen and that a solar system now pays for itself faster than ever before.

The solar industry is once again facing a turning point – but if you take a long-term view, you will see the current market situation not just as a crisis, but as a historic opportunity for the energy transition, said the well-known solar expert Bräuer at the Greentech.LIVE Conference in Berlin.