The German Photovoltaics Industry Industry report 2003/2004

Photovoltaics in Germany has experienced a boom since 2000 thanks to the Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG) in conjunction with the 100,000 roofs solar power programme, which ran between 1999 and mid-2003. With the discontinuation of this subsidy programme and the subsequent refund-based compensation, which was embodied in the Interim Photovoltaics Act and finally in the EEG amendment, the PV sector is now experiencing a further increase in this boom at the beginning of 2004. The introduction of the EEG has also had enormous effects on the German solar industry: There was great investment activity in domestic locations, as was already established in the first industry report carried out by IÖW on behalf of Unternehmensvereinigung Solarwirtschaft e.V.
This study focuses mainly on the periods of 2003 and 2004, which ensured further growth for the industry thanks to the 100,000 roofs solar power programme, which has just been discontinued, and currently through the increase in compensation. The study also gives a review of and perspectives for developments in the German PV industry (manufacturers of modules, cells, wafers and power inverters).