BSW-Solar Calls for Grid Improvements to Boost German PV Growth
BSW-Solar has called for significant improvements in Germany's energy grid, focusing on increased transparency, standardized processes, and digitization. The proposals aim to streamline grid access for large photovoltaic systems and storage, addressing major concerns from project developers.
A recent survey by BSW-Solar revealed poor communication from grid operators as a key issue, with 72% of participants rating communication during grid connection processes with low grades. Developers also face a lack of transparency over grid capacities and delays due to insufficient personnel.
Carsten Koernig, CEO of BSW-Solar, has called for greater obligation on grid operators to standardize, digitize processes, and observe deadlines. The association proposes increasing network transparency, creating binding reservation options for network capacities, and prescribing digitization of network connection requests in the Energy Industry Act (EnWG).
The survey also highlighted delays in grid connection processes. For large storage systems combined with photovoltaic, 63% of projects face delays until the end of 2028. Similarly, 79% of standalone battery storage systems projects encounter similar issues. The average time from grid connection application to assignment of grid connection point is almost four months for large photovoltaic projects.
Despite these challenges, 90% of surveyed project developers plan to submit applications for photovoltaic open-space plants combined with battery storage systems in the future.
BSW-Solar's demands for simplification, standardization, and further digitization of grid access are crucial for the growth of the photovoltaic sector. With 90% of project developers planning future applications, addressing these concerns will significantly boost the renewable energy transition in Germany.
