Get Ready for a Sunburst in the German Capital: Solar Energy in Berlin Soars
Berlin Intensifies Solar Energy Expansion Plan - Berlin accelerates solar energy growth plans
Ever looked up at Berlin's rainy sky and thought, "This city could be powered by the sun"? Well, it seems like your wish might just come true. The local government aims to significantly ramp up the production of solar energy in the German capital, citing the extension of the "Masterplan Solarcity" until 2030 as a major stepping stone.
The plan, floated by the city's Economic Senator, Franziska Giffey (SPD), sets a lofty goal: generating no less than 25% of the city's electricity via solar power by 2035. But don't get too spoiled by the sunshine yet, as Berlin is currently just scratching the surface — a mere 4.7% of the city's power comes from solar energy as of the end of 2024.
That said, progress is definitely on the horizon. With a staggering 42,000 solar installations boasting a combined capacity of 380 MWp, solar energy theoretically could supply power to around 131,000 households in the city.
Leading the charge are three districts that have seen the most solar growth: Marzahn-Hellersdorf, Pankow, and Treptow-Köpenick. These areas accounted for 15,556 new installations in 2021 alone. Scraping the surface of their potential, these three districts alone house over 19,000 installations in total. Seems like the sun is truly setting in the east in Berlin.
"The sun is rising in the east," Giffey commented on these figures, acknowledging the stronger expansion in outer districts and the areas with high levels of new construction. Despite exceeding the previous goal of a 3.5% solar power share by 2024, reaching a quarter of that in the next ten years remains a "huge challenge."
But Giffey also remains optimistic, touting the notable three-fold increase in solar capacity in Berlin since 2020. More than 26,500 new installations with a capacity of around 188 MWp have been added in the past two years alone. So while it's an uphill battle, there's no question that Berlin's solar game is on the rise.
To drive further expansion, additional incentives are needed, according to Giffey. SETTING ASIDE €10 MILLION in funding for this year alone, she also intends to request a corresponding amount for budget negotiations in 2026/2027.
With Germany gunning for climate neutrality by 2045 and a focus on renewable energy integration, it seems only natural that Berlin is joining forces in the battle against fossil fuels. Whether it's investments in renewable energy infrastructure or emerging green hydrogen technology, the future of clean energy seems to be a bright, sun-drenched one for Berliners. Not a bad way to chase away those rain clouds, we'd say.
- Berlin
- Solar energy
- Renewable energy
- Climate neutrality
- Germany
- Franziska Giffey
- Solarcity
- Green hydrogen
- Fossil fuels
- The extension of Berlin's "Masterplan Solarcity" until 2030 is a significant step towards the city's goal of generating 25% of its electricity via solar power by 2035, as proposed by city Economic Senator Franziska Giffey.
- The finance sector plays a crucial role in the city's ambitious solar energy policy, with €10 million set aside this year and additional funding requested for budget negotiations in 2026/2027 to drive further expansion.
- Industry and science will collaborate in the battle against fossil fuels, with Germany aiming for climate neutrality by 2045 and a focus on renewable energy integration, as evidenced by Berlin's growing solar energy infrastructure and emerging green hydrogen technology.