FRANKFURT, Jan. 5 (Xinhua) -- The electricity generated by solar power systems in Germany accounted for around 18 percent of the country's domestic power generation in 2025, making solar energy the second-biggest source of electricity, according to a report published on Monday.
According to the report released by the German Solar Association (Bundesverband Solarwirtschaft e.V.), more than 5.5 million photovoltaic systems installed across Germany generated around 87 terawatt-hours (TWh) of electricity last year, an increase of 20.83 percent compared with 2024.
Solar energy ranked just behind wind power, which accounted for 27 percent of total electricity generation, overtaking other sources to become the second-largest contributor to Germany's power mix.
Despite the strong growth in solar power generation, the pace of capacity expansion slowed last year. Newly installed solar capacity totalled around 17.5 gigawatts, slightly below the level recorded in 2024.
The slowdown was largely attributed to a decline in rooftop solar installations. The federal government's decision to scale back incentives for new rooftop solar systems last year is widely seen as a key factor behind the weaker growth.
Germany aims to install photovoltaic systems with a total capacity of 215 gigawatts by 2030. With existing installed capacity currently standing at around 118 gigawatts, the country would need to add approximately 20 gigawatts annually to meet this target.
Carsten Koernig, managing director of the association, urged the federal government to remove market barriers and refrain from further weakening funding conditions for solar power systems in the country. ■
