Berlin makes progress with solar expansion

Solar panels can be seen on the roof of Messe Berlin. (Archive)

Berlin continues to increase the expansion of solar energy. Last year, 15,318 new installations were added, according to the Senate Department for Economics and Energy, citing preliminary figures. In the previous year, the figure was a good 10,800.

The output of all solar installations, which is given in megawatt peak (MWp), rose to almost 379 across Berlin in 2024. In 2023 there were just under 284 MWp. The total number of solar installations in Berlin rose from around 26,250 to a good 41,550.

Solarplus: Over 11,000 applications approved for the funding program

Senator for Economic Affairs Franziska Giffey (SPD) called the new data a "solar record". The number of new systems is higher than ever before. With 11,395 approved applications for electricity storage, special systems and plug-in solar devices, among other things, the Solarplus funding program has also reached an all-time high. According to the economic administration, a total of around 13.5 million euros was paid out.

Berlin wants to generate 25 percent of its electricity from solar energy

However, the growth in solar expansion is no longer as high as in previous years: The number of new installations rose - at a significantly lower level - from just over 1,900 in 2021 to almost 3,800 the following year and then by more than two and a half times to a good 10,800. According to Giffey, the Berlin state government still has the goal of generating a total of 25 percent of the electricity generated in Berlin from solar energy by 2035. "We are continuing to accelerate this year."