Impact of Political Economy on Photovoltaic (PV) Solar Power in Germany

Abstract

Solar power can help the fight against climate change. This paper analyzes the development and challenges of the photovoltaic (PV) solar power industry in Germany.  The many aspects of the analyses are vital to the understanding.  How did Germany become one of the largest producers of photovoltaic power in the world? What was the growth of PV solar installation and PV solar capacity in Germany from 2005 to 2015?  By examining the role of government policy, public opinion, and technology in Germany’s PV solar power growth and development, we can consider lessons that other nations can learn from the German experience in developing their PV solar industries. The results of this study contribute knowledge to the subject by showing how a combination of social, political, economic, and technological factors facilitated the growth of PV solar power in Germany.  As technological innovation advances and cost barriers to photovoltaic (PV) power steadily decrease, photovoltaic power is becoming an affordable and irreplaceable renewable and sustainable energy source.  Facing the challenges of replacing “dirty energy” with PV solar power, Germany has driven itself to become a “solar super power”.